The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of the most iconic models that Toyota has ever released. However, it has been notably absent from Toyota showrooms since 2021, when the previous generation model was axed, with the international market getting an all-new one instead—the uproar from U.S. customers was noticeable, and the company has finally decided to rectify this wrong with the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser.
Land Cruiser’s Smaller Size Meshes Well With Tradition
The Land Cruiser was once considered a rather compact SUV model, but subsequent generations of the SUV became bigger and more expensive, with the 2021 model becoming an eight-seat family hauler that had a price tag of just under $90,000 a far cry from its humble beginnings several decades ago. The 2024 model appears to be trying to correct this, and it’s a smaller model with the SUV sharing its TNGA-F platform with the recently unveiled Lexus GX.
The Land Cruiser shares the same distinctive up kick in the belt line that’s also used in the Lexus GX. However, the Toyota gets more squared-off styling, with the front fascia boasting two different looks depending on trim level. The base 1958 and range-topping First Edition models get rounded headlights, while the mid-range Land Cruiser trim gets squared-off headlights. The 1958 trim also gets large amounts of plastic in the front fascia, which is a nod to the rough and tumble nature of the SUV that also helps it withstand rouge branches and other obstacles. The rear of the SUV gets simple squared-off taillights (the lightbar is gone), and the chunky vibe also extends back here too. We’re glad to see that Toyota balanced out the retro touches here on the Land Cruiser, and that will resonate nicely with a price tag that’s most likely lower than before. The company didn’t reveal the final pricing for the 2024 model, but we suspect that it will no longer be in the $80,000 range like its predecessor in an attempt to help it target rivals like the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler better.
Land Cruiser Interior Returns To The Essentials
The interior of the 2024 Land Cruiser is circling back to what made things work, but that means buyers will lose some passenger capacity with the SUV going back to a five-seat configuration moving forward. Materials here are high quality, but they are also not as segment-blurring as they were in the past and will not be mistaken for a Lexus anytime soon. A base 1958 model get cloth upholstery with heated seats and steering wheel, while the Land Cruiser trim gets Softex leatherette appointments and ventilated seats. Fans of animal-sourced leather will have to move up to the First Edition model but Toyota promises that the amount of comfort on hand will be worth the climb up the trim ladder.
Two infotainment options will be available, with an 8.0-inch infotainment system being the default system. Buyers willing to move up out of the base model will see the screen grow to 12.3-inches but both systems will run the latest version of Toyota’s infotainment software which is much improved over older systems that the company has rolled out over the years. Toyota is also hoping that the interior will be able to hold its own against the Ford Bronco’s, which can get pretty luxurious in its own right if you climb high enough on the trim ladder. We also see First Edition models potentially going up against select Defender models, with the Land Cruiser always being a key rival for the refined Brit over the years, especially in the international market.
Four Cylinder Power Balances Land Cruiser Capability With Efficiency
While the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser shares plenty of family DNA with its Lexus GX sibling, the boundary lines are drawn when it comes to performance. Unlike the Lexus, no V6 will be offered here, and instead, all LC models moving forward will get their motivation from a 326-horsepower, 2.4-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder. This engine is paired with a 48-hp electric motor to help improve low-end torque while also improving efficiency at the same time. An eight-speed automatic is the lone transmission, and as expected, all Land Cruisers will come with a full-time AWD system standard with a two-speed transfer case enhancing driver involvement. The package includes an automatic limited-slip differential and locking rear diff.
All of this gear is balanced out by some very impressive trail stats, with the SUV boasting 8.7 inches of ground clearance as well as approach, departure, and break-over angles of 31, 22, and 25 degrees, respectively. This clearance should help the SUV stand out on rocky trails, and Toyota even positioned many of the vulnerable components above the frame rails to help protect them from errant damage. Low-Speed Crawl and Hill Descent Control will come standard too, but buyers will have to move up to the Land Cruiser and First Edition models to get not only a front disconnecting sway bar but also Multi-Terrain Select and the Multi-Terrain Monitor system added to their rig.
When Can I Buy One?
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser will go on sale later this year, with the company releasing final pricing and fuel economy numbers later. The Land Cruiser’s absence from our shores will disadvantage it when it comes to wooing customers (some of them former LC buyers.) The Wrangler and Bronco have had plenty of time to create a loyal pool of customers during the Toyota’s shore leave, with Ford also offering Bronco buyers a number of perks outside the purchase to spice up the ownership experience.
Look for Toyota to perhaps go for a similar tactic with the Land Cruiser in an attempt to rebuild loyalty while also throwing in a few incentives to get them to sign the dotted line on a Land Cruiser purchase. The segment as a whole has also become heavily saturated with entries, and it will be interesting to see if the SUV’s pool of standard equipment and retro flair will be enough to help it stand out from the crowd in the battle for sales.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.