Toyota, the brand known for its relentless pursuit of quality, durability, and reliability, is rolling out a new version of its veteran off-roader – the all-new 2024 Land Cruiser. And trust us, this isn’t the same old truck your dad raved about; this is a new breed of beast altogether.
The first thing you notice about the new Land Cruiser is its style. It’s got that good old boxy silhouette – a beautiful nod to the Land Cruiser’s retro past, specifically, the FJ60 series. Square headlights, a clean, upright grille, and chiselled body lines give it a look that screams “I mean business” – but with a twinkle of nostalgia in its eyes.
Under that rough-and-ready exterior is a seriously modern frame. The Land Cruiser has been built on Toyota’s new Global Architecture (TNGA-F), the same body-on-frame platform underpinning the Lexus GX and its bigger sibling, the J300 Land Cruiser.
The result? A chassis that’s around 50% more rigid than its predecessor, lending the vehicle a steadfast durability that’s set to weather any storm – or off-road adventure – you throw at it. Moreover, Toyota assures us that despite its rugged backbone, this new Land Cruiser provides improved on-road refinement for a ride that’s smooth as silk.
Toyota Land Cruiser Interior
Inside, the 2024 Land Cruiser presents a blend of rugged charm and modern tech. The cabin is roomier and designed to impress with chunky physical controls, plush leather upholstery, and a wraparound digital display.
The focal point? A touchscreen infotainment system – either 8 inches or a stunning 12.3 inches depending on the trim level – supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an upgraded Multi-Terrain Monitor interface. To keep everyone comfy on those long road trips or off-road excursions, it even sports a multi-zone climate control system.
Toyota Land Cruiser Performance
Let’s not forget the heart that beats under this beast’s bonnet. The Land Cruiser launches with a familiar 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine for Europe, and a new 2.4-litre hybrid for the US market. Yes, a hybrid. But wait, before you start with the “hybrids are slow” chatter, consider this: the hybrid setup delivers an impressive 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, linked to an 8-speed automatic transmission. This isn’t a hybrid that’s merely about economy; it’s about power and performance too.
For those of you itching for some off-road action, the 2024 Land Cruiser is ready to rumble. It boasts a generous 8.3 inches of ground clearance, several terrain-driving modes, rock rails, skid plates, and recovery hooks. There’s also an innovative disconnecting front anti-roll bar that can be disengaged to allow maximum wheel articulation during particularly tricky trails.
Toyota Land Cruiser First Edition
A nod to nostalgia with an exclusive, limited-run twist – that’s what you get with the Land Cruiser First Edition. Slated to make its debut during the initial pre-sales period later this year, this special model is designed to evoke cherished memories of the Land Cruiser’s off-road heritage.
This exclusive version is set to be quite the rarity, with only around 3,000 units destined for Europe. It’s steeped in its rich past, featuring iconic round headlights and bi-tone exterior paint finishes. Your choices? An earthy ‘Sand’ or a mysteriously cool ‘Smoky Blue’, imbuing your ride with a touch of personal style and heritage.
Toyota Land Cruiser Price and Availabilty
So, what’s the damage on the wallet? Toyota has not officially announced the price for this new beast, but speculation suggests it’s likely to start in the mid-$50,000 range in the US, with UK pricing still under wraps. Not too shabby for a vehicle that’s bringing a whole new level of sophistication, technology, and capability to the off-road segment.
The 2024 Land Cruiser is set to roll into dealerships later this year, marking Toyota’s most ambitious attempt yet to stake a claim in the premium off-road segment. It’s a big bet – a mix of nostalgic design, modern tech, and proven performance. Can it outshine the Land Rover Defender? Only time will tell.