Why We're Excited About The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2024 Land Cruiser is set to debut with retro style and a reduced price. Here's why we're excited about this new SUV.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser's set to debut with an appealing blend of capability, efficiency, and style. From its safari-ready looks to its body-on-frame construction, this SUV should make waves in the sport utility segment. Add in Toyota's i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain, and you've got a vehicle ready for any expedition. That's exciting stuff.

The new Land Cruiser goes on sale in the spring of 2024. And as more details become available, anticipation builds for this back-to-the-roots version of the venerable off-roader. Here's what we know so far, and why this is the best Cruiser yet.

Since the Land Cruiser arrived in 1950, it's had rugged performance for any terrain. Initially developed for the Japanese military, the BJ truck featured four-wheel drive and a hardy 3.4-liter inline-six engine. At the time, it had capability like nothing else.

To prove the BJ's mettle, Toyota test driver Ichiro Taira drove up Mt. Fuji in 1951, reaching the 6th out of 10 checkpoints — higher than anyone prior vehicle had driven. In 1954, Toyota renamed the BJ as Land Cruiser, and from that point on, it's built a reputation for expedition-ready dynamics.

And the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser looks to continue that tradition. Underpinned by the TNGA-F body-on-frame platform, the new Cruiser's ready to handle the roughest conditions. And a laundry list of brawny hardware ensures go-anywhere ability.

Off-road specific features include a high-strength steel ladder frame, full-time four-wheel drive, center locking differential, and electronic locking rear differential. 8.7 inches of ground clearance and approach/departure angles of 31/22 degrees lets the Land Cruiser climb and traverse almost anything.

Multi-Terrain Select lets drivers optimize traction, with settings for Mud, Dirt, and Sand. CRAWL Control maintains a reduced speed on the trail, so drivers can focus on steering inputs. And Multi-Terrain Monitor offers a clear view of upcoming terrain.

Additional off-road features include:

• Stabilizer disconnect mechanism (SDM)

• Available rock rails

• Downhill Assist Control

• Up to 8.7 inches of ground clearance

• Available full coverage high-strength steel skid plates

Related: 10 Most Intriguing Updates On The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser

SUVs aren't known for their fuel economy. For most mid-size and full-size SUVs, city MPG is usually in the teens, with highway travel not much better. But with its innovative i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain, the 2024 Land Cruiser's set to change that.

For capability and efficiency, the i-FORCE MAX system places an electric motor between the combustion engine and transmission. Combined, the turbo 2.4-liter four and electric motor produce 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. That's a lot of twist. But the real story is the new Land Cruiser's gas mileage.

According to Consumer Reports, the 2024 Land Cruiser should get 27 MPG combined. That's solid fuel economy for a car, let alone a large SUV. So when it's time for a long adventure, you can rest assured you've got plenty of range.

Model

Combined MPG

Toyota Land Cruiser hybrid

27 (rumored)

Ford Bronco four-door 4-cyl turbo

20

Land Rover Defender 110 4-cyl turbo

18

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4-cyl turbo

22

From the FJ40 to the FJ60, U.S. market Land Cruisers had a unique appearance. Just looking at them, you could sense they were a different type of vehicle, made for adventures near and far. But somewhere along the line, the Cruiser became a softened, suburban ride, more suited to grocery runs than remote safaris. Thankfully, the 2024 Land Cruiser returns to its prior feel.

The new generation's boxy, strong bodywork hints at its off-road prowess. Flared fenders give it a powerful stance. And on the 1958 trim, circular LED headlights hearken back to historic models like the FJ40 and FJ55. All of that combines to brink back the Land Cruiser's adventure-ready aura.

Over the years, the Toyota Land Cruiser kept growing. While that's good for carrying people and gear, it can lead to ponderous handling on road and off. And with its reduced dimensions (1.2 inches shorter and 4.4 inches narrower), the new generation Land Cruiser should be a more agile ride.

Key to that is the 2024 Land Cruiser's corporate cousin, the Land Cruiser Prado. With its mid-size footprint, the Prado has an advantage on tight trails and narrow streets. Previously, the Lexus GX used the Prado platform, giving drivers a more maneuverable option than the enormous LX. And now — with the Prado forming the basis for the redesigned Land Cruiser — the Toyota off-roader should feature improved handling across varying terrain.

Here's what that includes. There's a new front double-wishbone suspension with twintube shocks, and a rear multi-link coil spring setup. Electric power steering enhances feel and paves the way for more safety features. And 17-inch disc brakes front and rear scrub speed with authority.

Related: Toyota Land Cruiser VS 2024 Lexus GX: Key Features And Details Compared

When Toyota last sold the Land Cruiser in the U.S., its MSRP put it out of reach for many. At a cost of $85,415, the 2020 model was more luxury SUV than expedition-ready off-roader. Since then, Toyota listened, and now the Land Cruiser has a far more affordable price.

The 2024 Land Cruiser starts around $55,000. That's a significant decrease. The base model is the simple yet functional 1958 trim, with classic round LED headlights. A standard trim sits in the center of the range. And for a premium experience, the First Edition trim adds rock trails, a front skid plate, and a roof rack. Full pricing isn't yet available, but keep checking back, and we'll keep you in the loop.

Model

MSRP

Toyota Land Cruiser

$55,000 (rumored)

Ford Bronco base four-door

$38,040 (plus destination)

Land Rover Defender 110 S P300

$60,600 (plus destination)

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport S

$35,895 (plus destination)

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser sets an exciting course for the historic nameplate. With a blend of rugged looks and world-class capability, the new generation Cruiser should be a popular pick. Add in Toyota's venerable i-FORCE MAX hybrid system, and you've got an all-around SUV that's hard to match.

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Mark Reif has been a car enthusiast for nearly his entire life. Fascinated with cars of all shapes and sizes from an early age, he went on to study Industrial Design, which gave him a better understanding of different automotive ideas. He also follows racing series such as Formula 1, IndyCar and endurance racing, enjoying the spectacle of the highest tech cars in the world competing in the coolest venues. He stays informed on all of the latest automotive trends and new models, and how each manufacturer continues to improve their products.