Move over Sequoia, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser returns to the North American landscape, retaking its rightful place atop the Toyota SUV lineup.
If you felt left out of the Land Cruiser fun because Toyota offered the top-tier SUV in other markets but not in North America, that feeling will end soon. This big and proud Toyota SUV returns to the United States in the spring of 2024 with a starting price in the mid-$50,000 range. A new First Edition version is the introduction model, and it’s expected to include all the Toyota bells and whistles that make this SUV one of the top models available.
Toyota Adds i-Force MAX to the Mix
Toyota moved away from massive V8 engine blocks beginning with the 2022 Tundra. The Toyota lineup continues to evolve with new hybrid models, and the Land Cruiser will be the next SUV to have the i-Force MAX hybrid powertrain. This fuel-sipping system pairs nicely with an impressive array of off-road equipment to continue the dominant personality found in this Toyota SUV. If you’re ready to enjoy the trails in the top-tier Toyota once again, it will be here sooner than you might think.
Is the Land Cruiser Good on the Road?
The Toyota Land Cruiser’s reputation is as a hardcore, off-road-ready, full-size SUV. That said, most consumers are looking for more than a one-trick pony, especially at the size and price this Toyota SUV demands. Early indications show this new model bringing distinct sculpted exterior design elements, reminding us of the new Tundra generation. The Land Cruiser can easily be described as “boxy,” but it should also offer impressive driving manners when you stick to the roads and let this new SUV handle your daily commute.
If you’re looking for a Land Cruiser with some classic elements, the 1958 trim offers the look you’ll enjoy. This model has round LED headlights and the TOYOTA lettering across the grille. Other models of the Land Cruiser feature rectangular headlights.
What Platform Is Used for this New Land Cruiser?
Much like the other large SUVs and pickup trucks, the next generation of the Land Cruiser features the TNGA-F body-on-frame platform. This ladder frame brings greater chassis rigidity than previous models. Compared to the previous 200 Series Land Cruiser, this model stands with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, a 31.0-degree approach angle, and a 22.0-degree departure angle. Although this new model stands tall, it’s 4.4 inches narrower and 1.2 inches shorter than the previous generation, which actually makes it better on the trails.
Go Off-Road Anytime With this Hybrid SUV
The i-Force MAX hybrid powertrain found under the hood of the new Toyota Land Cruiser gives you everything you want in a hybrid full-size SUV. The i-Force MAX system brings a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Between these two elements is a 48-horsepower electric motor which is powered by a 1.87-kWh battery pack. This system is good for 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. The new Land Cruiser brings standard full-time 4WD to the mix, which includes a center locking differential and an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case.
The powertrain isn’t all it takes to go off-road for some serious fun. Other items included in the new First Edition models of this SUV are:
- A front stabilizer bar disconnect
- Front recovery hooks
- Rock Rails
- Steel skid plates
These items are where the off-roading equipment begins. As one of the most impressive and historically useful off-road SUVs, the new Land Cruiser can be improved with a bevy of aftermarket parts and customization items to provide enough off-road equipment for any outdoor enthusiast.
Is the Cabin Worthy of the Land Cruiser Name?
The new 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser features seating for five people, modern luxury features, and the rugged good looks you’ll enjoy. This SUV is fine for pickup up the kids but is much more comfortable out on the trails. The seating is comfortable and supportive, making it easy for you and your family to head out for some fun on the trails.
The new Land Cruiser 1958 version features black fabric seats, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration. The Land Cruiser trim adds heated and ventilated SofTex-trimmed seats to the mix, while increasing the size of the infotainment screen to 12.3 inches. This trim is eligible for the Premium Package, with includes real leather-trimmed seats. The First Edition model has the leather-trimmed seats and First Edition logos.
Every new Toyota Land Cruiser includes the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 package of safety features.
Will this new top-tier Toyota SUV be the one you want to drive?
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