2024 Toyota Land Cruiser uses hybrid power to compete with Jeep, Ford

SAN DIEGO – After two years out of the U.S. market, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser midsize SUV is reviving one of Toyota’s proudest hybrid model names with plenty of advanced technology to compete with off-roaders like Ford Bronco, Jeep. Grand Cherokee and Land Rover Defender 110.

The exterior color of the new and available two-tone model carefully recalls the 1958 Land Cruiser that was one of Toyota’s first successes in the US market, while its price and features confirm it as one of the brand’s modern flagships.

The five-passenger SUV shares its GA-F architecture and many other systems with Toyota’s other frame-based trucks: the Tundra, Tacoma, Sequoia and 4Runner and the upcoming Lexus GX and LX. The Land Cruiser is about the same size as the off-road oriented 4Runner at a lower price point arriving this summer.

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser trim levels and prices

Prices for the 2024 Land Cruiser start at $59,950. It’s on sale now.

Land Cruiser 1958: $55,950
Land Cruiser: $61,950
Land Cruiser First Edition: $74,950

Source: Edmunds. Prices exclude destination charge of $1,395.

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The Land Cruiser is 193.8 inches long, 0.3 inches longer than the Grand Cherokee. At 76.1 inches long, the Land Cruiser’s roof is 5.3 inches longer than the Jeep’s.

The Jeep’s wheelbase is 4.5 inches longer than the Land Cruiser’s 112.2 inches. That suggests a small turning area for the Jeep, but Toyota didn’t allow evaluation drives on the road. Feelings of his behavior in parking lots, on highways and city streets will have to wait.

All Land Cruisers have full-time all-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case for off-roading. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard.

All Land Cruisers feature a turbocharged 2.4L four-cylinder engine mated to Toyota’s proven powertrain.

The powertrain produces 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. Both figures top competitors’ base engines.

The hybrid’s EPA-estimated fuel economy of 22 mpg city, 25 highway and 23 combined bests competitors by 1 to 6 mpg. However, Toyota recommends higher fuel for better performance while Ford and Jeep both get full power from normal. That makes them less expensive to run, according to the EPA’s calculations.

I drove a well-equipped Land Cruiser over a tough off-road course a few miles from the Mexican border.

Safety features and driver assistance

Adaptive cruise control
Pre-collision warning and braking including pedestrian detection
Route departure notification and operational assistance
Centering of the path
Road markings support
Automatic high beams
Blind spot alert
Cross traffic alert
Hill start help
Active driving support

Driving demonstrations

The Land Cruiser is roomy and comfortable. The controls are easy to use. Real buttons, switches and dials for driving mode, climate control, audio and more are conveniently located on the dash and center dash.

Steering was solid and direct. The torquey hybrid powertrain provided plenty of power for steep grades, rock piles and soft sand.

A simple electronic control system controls traction, transmission and braking at selectable speeds, freeing the driver to focus on obstacles ahead, or as he climbs, the front camera’s view of what was on the other side of the hill.

An advanced drive system and electronic controls combine to take most of the stress out of rough trails.

Available features include:

12.3 inch touch screen
Toyota’s digital assistant for integrated navigation, etc.
Wireless charging
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
18 or 20 inch wheels
Power tailgate
Heated and ventilated front seats
Heated rear seats
JBL sound

Essential off-road equipment

Full-time all-wheel drive
Upper and lower gear ranges
Ground clearance of 8.7 inches
Locking center and rear differential
Disconnect the stabilizer bar
Front and rear hooks
Front skid plate
Cameras with views outside the road

Why get one?

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is a sophisticated and comfortable rock crawler wrapped in a package with attractive retro touches. The passenger compartment and luggage compartments should be well suited for everyday use as well as overseas travel.

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser at a glance

A five-passenger, four-door hybrid mid-size SUV

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