The original Toyota Land Cruiser first entered the U.S. market in 1958, and in America it was the brand’s bestselling model from 1961 to 1965. The Land Cruiser went on to become an off-road icon and spawn numerous generations. So, it was a sad day when Toyota killed off the U.S. version after the 2021 model year. Now, three years later, all the resulting frowns can be turned upside down as a new version of the legendary nameplate is returning to our shores.
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser arrives on the TNGA-F body-on-frame platform that it shares with the mechanically similar Lexus GX that just debuted and the recently revealed Toyota Tacoma. Along with a standard hybrid powertrain and retro-inspired design, the new Land Cruiser is notably different than the U.S. version that preceded it.
How different are they? To find out, we’ve compared the new one’s specs and features to its predecessor’s.
Design and Size
The 200-series Land Cruiser that was last sold stateside had roots that could be traced back to 2008, which was when that generation got its start. The decidedly bland design didn’t change much until a facelift arrived for the 2016 model year, but even then the grand SUV didn’t really stand out. That changes with the 2024 Land Cruiser, which exists as a 250-series between the old 200 and the newer 300-series that’s only sold overseas.
Still, the latest Cruiser’s blocky shape and nostalgia-inducing styling make it the most visually interesting of the bunch. Compared with its predecessor, the new LC is 1.2 inches shorter at 193.7 inches long, but the two have an identical 111.2-inch wheelbase. Both versions are also 78 inches wide, but the new one is just under an inch shorter at 73.2 inches tall.
When it comes to off-road specs, the new Land Cruiser has an approach angle of 30 degrees, with break-over and departure angles measuring 25 and 22 degrees, respectively. While it predecessor had a better approach angle of 32 degrees, its break-over and departure angles are each 1 degree less. The new version boasts up to 8.7 inches of ground clearance, which is a couple tenths less than before.
Powertrain
Whereas the 2021 Land Cruiser was powered by a 5.7-liter V-8 with 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque, its replacement debuts with a hybrid turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder. The powertrain’s total output is 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet. Both Toyota SUVs feature an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive with a center locking differential.
The 2021 Land Cruiser had a paltry combined EPA estimate of 14 mpg. We don’t yet know how fuel-efficient the hybrid 2024 Land Cruiser will be, but there will almost certainly be a big improvement in that department. One thing that will go the other way with the new LC is towing capacity. The previous version could pull 8100 pounds, but the new one is capped at 6000 pounds.
Hardware
The new Land Cruiser rolls on 18-inch wheels, but tire sizes vary between trim levels. The base model, called 1958, wears 245/70R-18 rubber at all four corners, while other Land Cruisers have bigger 265/70R-18 tires that are nearly 33 inches tall. A set of 20-inch wheels are optional, but not on the 1958. The 2021 model went out solely wearing 18-inch rollers with 285/60 tires that are closer to 31 inches tall than 33.
Both new and old Land Cruisers feature a double-wishbone front suspension, but Toyota says the setup has been revised for the 2024 model as a result of the new platform. The rear suspension retains a four-link configuration with coil springs cushioning a solid rear axle. Except for the 1958 trim level, the new LC features an electronic disconnecting front anti-roll bar, which wasn’t previously available.
Interior
The new Land Cruiser’s interior isn’t as luxurious as its predecessor, evident from the 1958 trim’s standard cloth seats with manual adjustments. Previously, all 2021 models came with semi-aniline leather upholstery and 10-way power-adjustable front seats. Leather-trimmed seats with power adjustments are available on the higher Land Cruiser trim as part of the Premium package, which also includes a head-up display, digital rearview mirror with a camera view, and a sunroof.
Despite fewer upscale materials, the new Land Cruiser’s interior design and technology is more modern. Sure, the base 1958 model has a smaller 8.0-inch touchscreen than the 9.0-inch unit that was previously offered, but it still benefits from Toyota’s latest software, which includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Plus, the rest of the 2024 Land Cruiser lineup takes the infotainment experience a step further, gaining a massive 12.3-inch touchscreen and offering a 14-speaker JBL stereo.
Unlike with the 2021 version, it doesn’t look like the new one will have an optional rear-seat entertainment system with dual 11.6-inch displays. There’s also no eight-passenger model, with the 2024 Land Cruiser limited to seating for five. Still, heated and ventilated front seats are standard on all but the base trim.
Price
Perhaps the biggest difference between the new Land Cruiser and the one that was last sold in America is the price. Toyota won’t release full details for awhile, but the company says the 2024 model will have a base price in the mid-$50,000 range, making it considerably less expensive than its predecessor.
Back in 2021, the Land Cruiser started at just over $87K, so its replacement will have a nearly $30K discount. The new Cruiser’s higher trim levels will most likely crest the $60K mark, but they’ll still be a lot more affordable than before. That suggests more people will get the chance to experience the Land Cruiser lifestyle, and we think that’s a good thing.
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Senior Editor
Eric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si.
Source: Motor - aranddriver.com
