FYI: The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser returns with a redesign that makes it smaller, more affordable, and simpler than its predecessor. While hardcore off-road enthusiasts might miss some of the old capabilities, this new version should appeal to those seeking a versatile daily driver.
### 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser: A New Era Begins
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser marks a significant shift from its previous iterations. It’s been scaled down in size and price, aiming for simplicity without completely shedding its off-road credentials. For those who crave the legendary Land Cruiser nameplate but want a more practical, daily-use vehicle, this redesign is promising.
### Compact and Accessible
During our test drive of the Toyota Land Cruiser 1958, pricing for the base trim starts at $57,400 (including a $1,450 delivery fee). Under the hood, it features the i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, a robust system that we’ve enjoyed in other Toyota models. The interior, while less luxurious and outfitted with more basic materials like hard plastics and cloth upholstery, offers a decent balance at a lower price point. This setup is essentially utilitarian but practical, fitting its $11,000 lower price tag compared to the premium “Land Cruiser” trim. Yet, this brings us to an amusing observation: who thought of this naming scheme?
### Boxy Design Revival
The new Land Cruiser embraces a boxy aesthetic reminiscent of beloved 1980s cars. This is part of a recurring trend in car design, oscillating between angular and curvaceous preferences. The sharp lines and straight edges lend it a robust, distinctive look. The boxiness of the design highlights features like the circular headlights and air vents, making for a playful yet striking visual experience.
### Innovative Grille Design
The grille design stands out with its unique cage-like appearance. Unlike the common diamond mesh or chunky bars seen on many modern vehicles, this Land Cruiser’s grille is solid yet raises some practical concerns. The numerous gaps could potentially allow road debris to infiltrate, posing cleaning challenges—but aesthetically, it’s a winner. Imagine replacing all the chicken wire in a coop with this strong, appealing grille!
### Smooth Hybrid Powertrain
Powered by the i-Force Max hybrid system, the Land Cruiser pairs a 2.4-liter turbo engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission and an integrated electric motor. This combination produces 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. While not the most fuel-efficient hybrid—achieving 22 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined—it’s impressively responsive for urban driving. The powertrain provides smooth and linear acceleration, making daily driving enjoyable whether cruising leisurely, rushing somewhere, or tackling rough roads.
### Interior: A Nostalgic Throwback
Stepping inside the Land Cruiser 1958 feels like a journey back to the mid-1980s with its fabric and hard plastic materials. Despite the utilitarian finish, the interior has a certain appeal, reminiscent of budget rental cars. This simplistic design might sound unappealing, but there’s an odd charm to it. Also, the cloth seats are a practical choice, especially in warm weather, as they remain cool and breathable compared to leather. Although more cushy than supportive, the seats ensure a comfortable ride but are something to monitor over time.
### Road and Off-Road Suspension
The suspension system in the new Land Cruiser is a major improvement. Gone is the overly bouncy, roller-coaster motion of its predecessor. It now offers a stable ride; items in the passenger seat no longer fall at every sharp brake. The smoother suspension makes driving less exhausting and more enjoyable whether you’re navigating city streets or tackling rugged terrain.
### Off-Road Capabilities
Despite being a bit less capable than previous generations, the 2024 Land Cruiser still excels on rough roads. It handles gravel, dirt, and other challenging terrains with ease, making it more than suitable for light outdoor adventures like trips to a campground or wooded area. However, for serious off-road enthusiasts, the higher-tier “Land Cruiser” trim might be a more appealing investment.
### Conclusion
The redesigned 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser offers a fresh take on a classic, balancing affordability and practicality while retaining enough rugged credentials for occasional off-road escapades. Though some purists may miss the full capabilities of previous models, this iteration finds a comfortable middle ground for a new generation of drivers.
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Jack Carney, Editor of Automotive.fyi
