Shorter and narrower than before, the latest U.S. bound Land Cruiser returns at a much lower price point, “starting in the mid-fifties,” according to Toyota. More inherent off-road prowess too.
After deciding not to bring the J300 generation Land Cruiser to the U.S., Toyota instead just debuted a different, smaller, and less expensive version that runs solely on hybrid power.
“For 2024, Land Cruiser returns to its origin with a heritage-inspired design paired with the legendary capability and durability Land Cruiser is known for,” says Toyota group vice president and general manager Dave Christ. “And it will take even more customers on adventures across the globe as it has done for generations.”
Just as expected, Toyota will build the 2024 Land Cruiser from its TNGA-F platform, the same structure that carries the latest Toyota Tundra, Lexus LX600, and Toyota Sequoia models. And, indeed, will occupy the smallest space among them. Measuring 193.7 inches from front to rear bumper, the latest SUV from Toyota measures 1.2 inches shorter than the outgoing model and 4.4 inches narrower, now 73.6 instead of 78 inches. Wheelbase carries on at 112.2 inches and it will stand 73.2 inches tall, 0.8-in lower than before.
Styling takes a huge turn as well, embodying the tall boxy shape of the FJ40 and FJ60 models. In base, 1958 trim, you’ll see round headlights and Toyota heritage grille reminiscent of the FJ40, while the other trim trims (Land Cruiser and Land Cruiser First Edition) receive rectangular headlights much like the FJ62.
But look at the general overall shape, it’s very old school. Not quite as squared off as a Jeep Wrangler, but not far off. You get a perfectly flat windshield mounted only a few degrees sloped from vertical. The hood extends perfectly horizontal and meets a tall grill that shoots straight down to the ground in the center, though the headlights are set at an angle to subtlety flow towards the front fenders.
In profile, you see 18-inch wheels with plenty of side wall to work with and two distinct boxes. As well as pronounced fender flares and sharp cut lines into the body work above the door handles and just a bit above the rocker panels. The back follows suit, vertical and boxy, with a nice step built into the top of the bumper. It looks cool.
Conversely, you’re swept into the modern era inside. You get a digital instrument cluster and a center console touchscreen as large as 12.3-inches (8.0-inches on the 1958 trim). Regardless of size, it will connect wirelessly to your Apple or Android smartphone. Technology also comes in the form of ADAS equipment (advanced driving assist systems). Named Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, you get the usual gadgets like adaptive cruise control, lane centering, automatic emergency braking and more.
Mechanically speaking, Toyota nabbed the turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid from the parts bin. Toyota calls it i-Force Max. And it delivers respectable outputs. 326 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft of torque make their way to all four wheels, all the time. And you choose between four-high and four-low gears from the two-speed transfer case. Furthermore, an electronic locking rear differential is standard.
You also get an eight-speed automatic transmission. Moreover, the hybrid powertrain includes a relatively big 1.87 kWh battery pack. This is not a plug-in, but that’s big enough for longer than usual EV only driving. Speaking of, official fuel economy numbers will be released closer to on-sale date, but the outgoing Land Cruiser used a 5.7-liter V8 and only managed 14 mpg combined. It will be significantly better than that.
In terms of heritage, the Land Cruiser definitely returns to its roots, especially off-roading prowess. Toyota claims 31/25/22 approach/breakover/departure angles. As well as up to 8.7-inches of ground clearance. Front recovery points come standard, and you can equip the Land Cruiser with steel skid plates and rock rails. No solid axles, though. You get a double-wishbone front and multilink rear instead. Wanna tow? Toyota says the Land Cruiser can handle up to 6000 lbs.
Arriving here in the Spring of 2024, pricing for the base, 1958 Land Cruisers will start in the “mid-fifties,” says Toyota. I bet that will not include destination charge and the rest, so expect something closer to $57,000 to leave your pocket before you leave the dealer lot.
Regardless, this is fantastic news. What we have here is another legitimate player entering the vehicle space of the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco. The 90K luxury Land Cruiser is in the history books. I’m very excited to get a chance to experience this new chapter ASAP.
