Last month we got the 2024 Lexus GX and this month, Toyota dropped the news on its all-new 2024 Land Cruiser. The off-roading and overlanding favorite has made the Landcruiser a highly sought-after rig on the used-car market. But now, instead of having to wait a minute for the perfect (abiet high-mileage) unit to fall within their budget, enthusiasts can now afford their own Land Cruiser strright from the dealership thanks to the more affordable 2024 version.
But even though it won’t cost an arm and a leg new, the latest iteration of the iconic Land Cruiser will still remain true to its’s original concept – something that will delight enthusiasts everywhere. According to Toyota, the starting price will be in the mid-$50,000s, with no exact pricing available just yet.. But that’s a massive difference from the $87,030 minimum cost of an entry unit for the discontinued 2021 Land Cruiser!
Back To Its Orgin Story
For many decades, the Land Cruiser has established a reputation for its exceptional off-roading capabilities, embodying Toyota’s core values of quality, durability, and reliability. When the Land Cruiser was first introduced in the States during the late 1950s, only one unit was sold in its first year. However, with the arrival of the 40 Series, the Land Cruiser experienced a huge shift, becoming the best-selling Toyota in the U.S. for the next five years. These early models of the Land Cruiser featured solid front and rear axles on leaf springs, and sported a distinctive boxy look with a flat roof, short overhangs, and the iconic “TOYOTA” grilles.
But through out the years, the demand for bigger 4×4 rigs prompted the Land Rover to evolve into a larger version, leading to the release of the 55 and 60 Series. These changes eventually led to the Land Cruiser’s progress in the U.S. market, culminating in the introduction of the 200 Series, a premium, full-size luxury off-road SUV that continued the legacy of its predecessors.
After being away for the past three years, it’s back, but this time around on the global TNGA-F body-on-frame platform. This updated ladder-frame design provides enhanced rigidity to the chassis compared to the previous 200 Series model, thanks to the incorporation of high-strength steel with blanking and laser welds. As a result, the new Land Cruiser boasts improved structural integrity that only makes it a beast on any terrrain. Additionally, this latest version is 4.4: narrower and 1.2” shorter than the outgoing 200 Series, which contributes to its enhanced and nimble off-road capabilities.
Hybrid Power
The 2024 Land Cruiser will be powered by a new i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain, which comes as a standard feature on all grades. This advanced system combines a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a 48-hp electric motor integrated into an eight-speed transmission. The electric motor draws power from a 1.87-kWh NiMH battery pack, resulting in a robust total system output of 326 ponies and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. Toyota has yet to release any specific fuel economy estimates, but we’ll see numbers closer to its actual release date.
A Signature Appearance
In terms of its signature appearance, the vehicle’s body profile adopts a squared design, reminiscent of classic Land Cruisers, while the A pillar is pushed back, not only to enhance the overall appearance but also to improve outward visibility during off-road adventures. The front overhang is also reduced, allowing for better approach angles when navigating rough terrain.
In terms of performance and handling, the Land Cruiser is equipped with a newly developed double-wishbone front suspension, which works alongside twin-tube shocks. The rear suspension employs a multi-link setup with coil springs. To enhance steering feel and accommodate additional safety and convenience features, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is equipped with electric power steering across all models. The braking system comprises of 17” disc brakes both at the front and rear, ensuring reliable stopping power on any adventure.
All new 2024 Land Cruiser grades come standard with a trailer hitch, allowing them to tow loads of up to 6,000 pounds, making it suitable for hauling trailers or other heavy equipment during your journeys..
Icon Status In The Dirt
The Land Cruiser has a storied history as an off-road icon, and the new generation keeps the legacy alive with impressive features that’ll continue its icon status in the dirt for years to come. Standard on the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser and First Edition grades is an all-new front stabilizer bar disconnect that enhances flexibility with a simple push of a button. With an approach angle of up to 31.0 degrees, max departure of 22.0 degrees, and breakover angle reaching 25.0 degrees, the Land Cruiser is more than equipped to tackle any challenging terrains it sees. Its ground clearance reaches up to 8.7”, ensuring more than enough space for navigating rough landscapes, too.
For off-road protection, you can opt for rock rails and full coverage high-strength steel skid plates. Additionally, front tow/recovery hooks come standard for off-road recovery. The Land Cruiser 1958 grade comes with factory-installed fog lamps to enhance overall visibility, while the Land Cruiser grade gets upgraded color-selectable RIGID fog lamps.
Multi-Terrain Select, available in both 4WD-High and 4WD-Low, comes standard on the Land Cruiser grade and offers adjustable settings to manage wheel spin on various terrains like Mud, Dirt, and Sand. The CRAWL Control function is another standard feature, acting as a low-speed off-road cruise control that enables the driver to focus on steering while the system maintains one of five selectable speeds. To help you during descents, the standard Downhill Assist Control limits the vehicle’s speed. The available Multi-Terrain Monitor, showcased on the standard 12.3” touchscreen of the Land Cruiser grade, allows those behind the wheel to see potential obstacles ahead on the trail with clarity and precision.
The 2024 Land Cruiser offers tons of opportunities for customization with the availability of Toyota Genuine Accessories and Associated Accessory Products (AAP). This extensive ecosystem of accessories features a wide range of options, totaling more than 100 items. These include off-road recovery gear, rack attachment brackets for storage equipment, carriers for outdoor sporting equipment, and many other choices to suit individual preferences and needs.
And as the AAP ecosystem continues to evolve over time, enthusiasts can expect even more options to enhance their Land Cruiser’s functionality and style. What’s even better is that these accessories can be conveniently integrated into the customer’s monthly payments, making the process of accessorizing the Land Cruiser through Toyota simpler and more accessible than ever before. Whether it’s for practical utility or adding a touch of personal flair, Land Cruiser owners can make their vehicle a unique expression of their lifestyle and interests with Toyota’s array of accessories.
The Land Cruiser lineup will consist of three distinct grades: Land Cruiser 1958, Land Cruiser, and the exclusive Land Cruiser First Edition, which will be produced in limited quantities. For those seeking a more luxurious experience, an available premium package offers enticing features, including power heated and ventilated leather-trimmed seats with lumbar support, a 14-speaker JBL audio system, a head-up display, digital rearview mirror, moonroof, and more.
In terms of exterior look options, the 2024 Land Cruiser will provide customers with a selection of seven appealing color options: Ice Cap, Wind Chill Pearl, Underground, Black, Meteor Shower, Trail Dust, and Heritage Blue. Notably, the Trail Dust and Heritage Blue colors will be offered in a stylish two-tone design, featuring a Grayscape roof that adds a distinctive touch to the vehicle’s overall look. Whether you prefer classic tones or more vibrant hues, the Land Cruiser’s color choices cater to a diverse range of preferences and styles.
Initially limited to 5,000 units for the first two months of production, the Land Cruiser will be available in a First Edition grade, featuring two new two-tone paint colors and additional off-road equipment for those seeking the ultimate adventure experience.
Check out the GX Article CLICK HERE
