First Drive

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser: A Return to Form?

The Toyota Land Cruiser is a legend. A symbol of off-road prowess and durability, it's earned a loyal following worldwide.

  • by: Samkeliso Maseko
  • July 1 2024
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2024 Land Cruiser Specs

  • Base Price

    $85,000 USD (SZL 1,275,000)

  • PowerTrain

    3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 diesel | 10-speed automatic | four-wheel drive

  • Horsepower | Kilowatts

    300 hp | 224 kW

  • Torque

    472 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm | 640 Nm @ 1,600 rpm

  • Seating Capacity

    5

  • Curb Weight

    5,989 pounds | 2,716 kg

  • Cargo Volume

    16.1 cu ft (453 liters) behind seats, 89.1 cu ft (2522 liters) seats folded

  • Top Speed

    115 mph (185 kph)

  • Fuel Economy

    15 mpg city / 22 mpg highway (9.8 l/100km city / 10.7 l/100km highway

  • Quick Take

    Comfortable ride, feature-rich interior, but average fuel efficiency.

  • Design Score

    7/10

  • Handling Score

    6/10

Verdict - Is New Land Cruiser A Good Car?

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What AutoTrends Thinks

The New Toyota Land Cruiser: A Champion Off-Road

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser isn't your everyday SUV. It prioritizes conquering tough terrain over plush comfort and cutting-edge tech features. This focus on off-road prowess makes it a niche offering, but for those who value capability above all else, the Land Cruiser is a dream come true.

If your daily commute consists of highway stretches and city streets, there are more suitable options that offer a smoother ride, a quieter cabin, and a wider array of entertainment features. The Land Cruiser's interior, while functional, doesn't compete with the luxurious appointments found in some rivals. Additionally, its infotainment system might feel a touch outdated compared to the latest offerings.

However, these concessions are made in service of the Land Cruiser's true strength: off-road dominance. It's a machine built to tackle the most challenging trails with confidence. From its powerful hybrid powertrain and advanced four-wheel-drive system to its durable construction and impressive ground clearance, the Land Cruiser is ready to take you further and deeper into the wild than most SUVs dare to venture.

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How Does It Hold Itself Against The Competition

The Off-Road Contenders: Land Cruiser vs. Land Rover Defender vs. Jeep Wrangler

The Toyota Land Cruiser occupies a unique space in the SUV market. Let's explore how it stacks up against its two main rivals: the Land Rover Defender and the Jeep Wrangler.

Land Rover Defender:

The Land Rover Defender is perhaps the Land Cruiser's closest competitor. Both vehicles boast legendary off-road capabilities. They can tackle challenging terrain with impressive ground clearance, articulation, and powerful engines. However, the Defender takes a more modern approach to the interior. Land Rover furnishes the cabin with premium materials and cutting-edge technology, offering a more comfortable and luxurious experience on the road.

Jeep Wrangler:

The Jeep Wrangler is another capable off-roader, but it prioritizes ruggedness over refinement. While the Wrangler offers impressive off-road chops with its open-air options and maneuverability, the ride can be a bit on the rough side compared to the Land Cruiser and Defender. The Wrangler's interior also prioritizes functionality over luxury, with simpler materials and a focus on easy cleaning.

Choosing Your Off-Road Champion: Prioritizing Needs

Ultimately, the best choice among these three depends on your priorities. If conquering any off-road obstacle is your primary goal, the Land Cruiser's legendary prowess might be the perfect fit. Its proven reliability and focus on pure off-road capability are unmatched. However, if you value a comfortable interior with modern amenities alongside your off-road adventures, the Land Rover Defender might be a better option. The Jeep Wrangler remains a compelling choice for those who prioritize affordability, a removable top for open-air adventures, and a focus on pure off-road functionality.

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Running Cost - What are The running cost of the Cruiser?

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How Is Like Living With It?

Living with a Legend: The Toyota Land Cruiser's Running Costs

The Toyota Land Cruiser is a titan among SUVs, a machine built to conquer any terrain you throw at it. But this capability comes with a price tag, and that extends beyond the initial purchase cost. Let's delve into the world of living with a Land Cruiser and explore its fuel efficiency and maintenance demands. Fueling the Adventure:

The Land Cruiser prioritizes raw power and off-road prowess over sipping gas at the pump. Don't expect to see numbers that rival a Prius. In city driving, expect mileage to hover in the mid-teens mpg range. This means frequent trips to the gas station, especially for daily commutes. However, highway driving offers some reprieve, with figures potentially reaching the low-twenties mpg. If fuel efficiency is a top concern, the Land Cruiser might not be the ideal choice. But for those who prioritize exploring unbeaten paths and the freedom of the open road, the trade-off is likely worth it.

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Maintanace Cost

Maintaining a Masterpiece:

Toyotas have a well-deserved reputation for reliability, and the Land Cruiser is no slouch. However, its complexity is a double-edged sword. While the rugged construction ensures it can handle the harshest environments, the intricate off-road systems like the advanced four-wheel-drive and suspension require more specialized maintenance compared to a typical SUV. Scheduled servicing might cost slightly more, and parts specific to the Land Cruiser's off-road capability could add to the expense. But these costs ensure your Land Cruiser remains a dependable partner on your adventures, ready to tackle any challenge you encounter.

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interior and comfort - Is The Cruiser comfortable?

Interior

Land Cruiser Interior: Function Over Frills

The Land Cruiser's interior prioritizes functionality and durability for tackling tough terrain. While it might not boast the most luxurious materials you'll find some hard plastics throughout everything is built to withstand the elements and years of adventuring. However, this focus on practicality doesn't mean sacrificing comfort. The seats are plush and supportive, designed for long journeys on or off the beaten path. The driver's position is particularly noteworthy, offering excellent visibility thanks to the high seating position and expansive windows. This allows you to confidently navigate tricky terrain, always in complete control of your surroundings.

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How Much Interior Space?

Spacious Enough for Adventure

Despite its focus on off-road prowess, the Land Cruiser offers ample space for passengers and gear. Seating for five adults is provided, with both the front and rear rows boasting generous headroom and legroom. This ensures everyone on board enjoys a comfortable ride, even on extended expeditions. Cargo space is also plentiful, offering 16 cubic feet (453 liters) behind the rear seats. This is enough to accommodate groceries, camping essentials, or sporting equipment with ease. Need to haul even larger items? Simply fold down the rear seats and expand the cargo capacity to a very respectable 89 cubic feet (2522 liters). This allows you to transport everything you need for your next adventure, whether it's a weekend camping trip or a cross-country exploration.

Built for Comfort and Capability

The Land Cruiser's interior strikes a perfect balance between comfort and capability. While some competitors might boast a more luxurious feel, the Land Cruiser prioritizes functionality and durability – essential qualities for any true off-roader. The use of high-quality, supportive seats and a commanding driving position ensures a comfortable ride, even on the roughest trails. With ample space for passengers and gear, the Land Cruiser is built to handle any adventure you can throw at it.

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Practicality And Booot Space- Is The Cruiser Practical?

Practicality

Off-Roading Prowess Meets Everyday Challenges

The Land Cruiser excels in conquering unforgiving landscapes. A crawl control system precisely manages throttle and braking, allowing you to focus on steering over tough terrain. Multiple selectable drive modes optimize handling for different conditions, be it sand, rocks, or steep inclines. Generous ground clearance ensures the undercarriage remains protected when traversing obstacles. While these features make the Land Cruiser an off-road champion, they can translate to less practicality in daily situations.

Balancing Capability with City Life

The Land Cruiser's substantial size can be cumbersome in tight parking spaces or navigating busy city streets. Furthermore, its powerful engine, optimized for off-road performance, may translate to lower fuel economy during everyday commutes. While these factors may need consideration for city dwellers, the Land Cruiser still offers a decent boot space for regular errands and weekend getaways.

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Boot Space

Spacious Enough for Adventure Gear

The Land Cruiser provides a generous boot space to accommodate luggage and essential gear for your outdoor adventures. This allows you to pack camping equipment, sports supplies, or groceries comfortably. The split-folding rear seats offer additional flexibility. With the seats folded down, you can significantly expand cargo capacity for bulkier items or longer expeditions. This thoughtful design ensures the Land Cruiser remains practical even beyond the realm of off-roading.

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Reliabilty And Safety - Is The Cruiser Reliable?

Reliabilty

Land Cruiser: Built to Last and Packed with Safety Features

The Toyota Land Cruiser isn't just another SUV; it's a legend known for its ability to conquer any terrain and keep going for generations. This reputation is built on Toyota's commitment to quality and reliability. The Land Cruiser's robust design and use of high-quality components ensure it can withstand even the most demanding conditions. Regular maintenance is key, but with proper care, you can expect hundreds of thousands of miles of adventure from your Land Cruiser.

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Safety

The Land Cruiser's toughness isn't limited to its physical construction. It prioritizes the safety of you and your passengers. Modern Land Cruisers come equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) designed to keep you out of harm's way. Automatic emergency braking (AEB) helps prevent collisions by automatically applying the brakes if the system detects an imminent forward impact. Lane departure warning (LDW) keeps you in your lane by alerting you if you unintentionally stray from your designated path. Blind-spot monitoring (BSM) utilizes sensors to detect vehicles hidden in your blind spots, giving you extra awareness when changing lanes or merging into traffic. These are just a few of the many safety features that make the Land Cruiser a confidence-inspiring choice for navigating any road, highway, or off-road trail.

The Land Cruiser's exceptional off-road capability goes hand-in-hand with its safety features. Advanced traction control systems help maintain grip on loose surfaces, while its robust suspension ensures stability and control even on uneven terrain. This combination allows you to venture off the beaten path with peace of mind, knowing the Land Cruiser is equipped to handle the challenge while keeping you safe.

Trim Power
LX 150KW | 201HP
(2.0-liter)
LUX 150KW | 201HP
(2.0-liter)
GT 155KW | 209HP
(2.0-liter)
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