The Toyota Land Cruiser. A name synonymous with ruggedness, reliability, and off-road prowess. With a heritage spanning decades, it carries the weight of expectation on its squared shoulders. The all-new 2024 Land Cruiser arrives with a striking retro design that has undoubtedly captured attention. But beneath the vintage veneer, does this new iteration live up to the legendary nameplate, or does it leave us wanting more? We spent time behind the wheel to bring you an in-depth Land Cruiser Review.
Exterior: Retro Charm with a Modern Twist
Striking Retro Design
Toyota has masterfully tapped into nostalgia with the 2024 Land Cruiser’s exterior. It’s undeniably handsome, boasting a boxy silhouette and classic Land Cruiser cues that harken back to its iconic predecessors. The upright stance, rectangular headlights, and bold grille give it a commanding presence on the road. While undeniably modern in its execution, the design successfully evokes a sense of heritage and ruggedness that is instantly recognizable as a Land Cruiser. It’s a head-turner, drawing admiring glances and positive comments wherever it goes.
Interior: A Mixed Bag of Comfort and Cost-Cutting
Interior Design and Comfort
Stepping inside the 2024 Land Cruiser reveals an interior that’s a bit of a mixed bag. While certain elements, like the soft-touch materials on the doors and the rich brown leather upholstery in our test vehicle, initially create a premium impression, closer inspection reveals areas where cost-cutting measures are evident. The seats, while visually appealing, are surprisingly flat and lack the contouring needed for long-distance comfort. This can become noticeable on extended drives, leaving occupants feeling less supported than expected in a vehicle of this price range.
Furthermore, some of the controls feel less substantial than one might expect in a vehicle with the Land Cruiser’s reputation. The air conditioning button cluster, for instance, exhibits noticeable flex and creaking if pressed with anything more than a gentle touch, hinting at a less-than-robust build quality in certain areas. The placement of the volume knob, tucked away and partially obscured by the steering wheel, seems like an afterthought, inconveniently positioned for both driver and passenger access. The doors, too, lack the solid, bank-vault-like closure of previous Land Cruiser generations, sounding rather hollow and tinny upon closing, further suggesting a shift towards more economical construction methods.
Infotainment and Technology
The infotainment system and technology within the 2024 Land Cruiser present their own set of quirks. The gauge cluster, for example, suffers from poor daytime visibility for passengers, almost as if equipped with a privacy filter. The digital cluster itself is typical of modern Toyotas, featuring a somewhat cluttered interface with an abundance of icons and menus that can be initially confusing to navigate. Adjusting safety settings, buried within these menus and inaccessible through the main center display, adds an unnecessary layer of complexity. Our test vehicle also experienced a malfunction with the automatic day/night mode for the main infotainment screen, which remained stubbornly in bright white day mode even at night, proving to be a distracting annoyance until manually switched to dark mode.
Practicality and Space
Practicality takes a hit in the new Land Cruiser, particularly in terms of cargo space. The hybrid powertrain components intrude into the rear cargo area, raising the load floor and consequently reducing overall cargo volume. This might be a concern for those who frequently haul larger items or rely on maximum cargo capacity for outdoor adventures or family trips. Rear passenger space is adequate, but not exceptionally generous for a vehicle of this size.
Performance and Fuel Economy: Hybrid Hype vs. Reality
Engine and Powertrain
Under the hood, the 2024 Land Cruiser departs from its V8 heritage, embracing a modern turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine augmented by a hybrid system. While boasting a combined output of 326 horsepower and a substantial 465 lb-ft of torque, the on-road performance feels somewhat underwhelming. The 0-60 mph sprint is dispatched in a rather leisurely 7.5 seconds, which, while adequate for daily driving, doesn’t quite live up to the “i-FORCE MAX” badge’s sporty connotations. Around town and in normal driving situations, the engine is perfectly serviceable, delivering sufficient power for merging and cruising. Refinement is generally good, with the engine remaining relatively smooth and avoiding the coarse vibrations often associated with older Toyota four-cylinder units.
Fuel Efficiency – A Major Letdown
The most significant disappointment in the powertrain department is the dismal fuel economy. Despite the hybrid assistance, our real-world testing yielded an average of under 18 MPG in mixed driving conditions. This figure is shockingly low, especially considering the official EPA combined estimate of 25 MPG. To put this into perspective, this fuel consumption is on par with much larger SUVs equipped with significantly more powerful twin-turbo V6 hybrid engines, like the Toyota Sequoia. The promise of hybrid efficiency seems largely unfulfilled in the Land Cruiser, raising serious questions about the system’s effectiveness and real-world benefits. Furthermore, the engine exhibits noticeable clicking and clacking noises at idle, sounding somewhat unrefined and potentially concerning for a new vehicle.
Driving Dynamics
On a brighter note, the 2024 Land Cruiser displays surprisingly competent driving dynamics on paved roads. The steering is accurate and well-weighted, making it easy to maneuver the boxy SUV. Handling is also surprisingly decent for its class, exhibiting a degree of balance and composure in corners that surpasses previous generations of Land Cruisers and 4Runners. Ride quality is well-judged, effectively absorbing bumps and imperfections without feeling overly stiff or jiggly, contributing to a comfortable and composed on-road experience.
Off-Road Capability: Less Capable Than Expected?
Off-Road Prowess – On Paper vs. Reality
The Land Cruiser nameplate is synonymous with exceptional off-road capability, and the 2024 model is equipped with a suite of electronic off-road aids and drive modes designed to tackle challenging terrain. However, a critical limiting factor is the ground clearance, which at 8.7 inches, is actually less than that of the current Toyota 4Runner and only marginally better than a family-oriented Highlander. This modest ground clearance significantly compromises its ability to clear obstacles and navigate truly rugged terrain without risking scraping the undercarriage or bottoming out.
Overlanding and Practical Off-Roading
While the Land Cruiser may possess sophisticated off-road technology, the limited ground clearance raises serious questions about its real-world off-road practicality, especially for serious overlanding and off-road enthusiasts. For those seeking true go-anywhere capability straight from the showroom, the less expensive Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro might actually be a more capable and practical choice, offering superior ground clearance and comparable off-road hardware. The Land Cruiser will undoubtedly perform adequately off-road, but its capabilities are unlikely to surpass, and may even fall short of, less expensive and more specialized SUVs in challenging off-road scenarios.
Conclusion: Fashion Statement or True Off-Roader?
Final Verdict
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is a vehicle of contrasts. Its retro styling is undeniably appealing, and it possesses a certain road presence that draws attention. However, beneath the surface, several shortcomings detract from its overall appeal. The underwhelming four-cylinder hybrid powertrain delivers disappointing fuel economy, while the interior, despite some initial premium touches, reveals cost-cutting measures and ergonomic quirks. Furthermore, the limited ground clearance compromises its off-road prowess compared to expectations and its legendary heritage.
Ultimately, the 2024 Land Cruiser feels more like a fashion statement than a genuinely improved and more capable successor to its iconic predecessors. Its visual appeal may be enough to attract buyers seeking a stylish and retro-inspired SUV, but those prioritizing true off-road capability and fuel efficiency may find themselves disappointed. The Land Cruiser, once a rare and uniquely capable offering, now feels more like just another Toyota in a crowded SUV market.
The Lexus GX Alternative:
Consider the Lexus GX 550
For those seeking a more “proper” Land Cruiser experience, the Lexus GX 550 emerges as a compelling alternative. Sharing a similar platform and overall design, the GX 550 distinguishes itself with a more luxurious interior and, crucially, a more potent twin-turbo V6 engine, ditching the Land Cruiser’s underwhelming four-cylinder. The GX 550 delivers superior performance and refinement without sacrificing fuel economy, and comparable trims are priced only slightly higher than the Land Cruiser, making it a significantly more appealing proposition for many buyers. For a more detailed comparison, check out our full Lexus GX 550 review here.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent exterior styling
- Retro-inspired design
- Competent on-road driving dynamics
- Electronic off-road tools
Cons:
- Thirsty four-cylinder hybrid engine
- Disappointing fuel economy
- Expensive price tag
- Limited ground clearance for serious off-roading
- Interior quality mixed with some cheap-feeling elements
