A legend by no means dies. It returns in hybrid kind with a worth tens of 1000’s of {dollars} lower than its predecessor – at the very least if that legend is known as “Land Cruiser.”
Toyota as we speak unveiled an all-new, reborn model of its iconic off-roader and longest-running nameplate. The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser returns to the American market three years after the mannequin was put out to pasture, a lot to the despair of its many admirers.
However since its U.S. debut in 1958, the Land Cruiser has been identified for doing the unattainable, be it tackling the harshest terrain or evolving from a small and crude 2-door SUV that bought just one unit in its first 12 months to a full-size luxurious liner that would command an almost 6-figure worth.
The final new Land Cruiser on our shores was a 2021 mannequin with a thirsty V8 engine and a beginning worth of practically $90,000. The brand new one has half as many cylinders and a a lot lower cost tag. What stays, Toyota says, would be the Land Cruiser’s go-anywhere, do-anything perspective.
2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Value and Powertrain
The brand new Land Cruiser bucks the pattern of SUVs getting larger and pricier by doing the other. Let’s start with the worth: It’s going to begin within the mid-$50,000 vary. We’ll offer you a minute to begin budgeting so funds are prepared when the Land Cruiser arrives within the spring of 2024. We certain are.
In a world the place a Toyota 4Runner begins at $40,155 and might simply attain the mid-$50,000 vary, that is past welcome information for these of us who might solely dream of affording a Land Cruiser up to now. Toyota says it intends for this new Land Cruiser to return to its roots and be accessible to extra consumers. That worth level is proof they aren’t kidding.
The brand new Land Cruiser will use Toyota’s i-Pressure Max 2.4-liter turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. Earlier than you scoff on the cylinder rely, know this setup makes 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. The final Land Cruiser’s V8 produced 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. And whereas we don’t know the brand new powertrain’s gas effectivity numbers, they’ll undoubtedly beat the wallet-draining 13 mpg metropolis/17 freeway of the outdated one.
The 2024 Land Cruiser is barely smaller than its predecessor – 4.4 inches narrower and 1.2 inches shorter (the 2021 Land Cruiser was 195 inches lengthy and 78 inches huge). All put on 18-inch wheels as customary and have 8.7 inches of floor clearance.
Reminiscent Design, Trendy Options
If you happen to’ve been purchasing for journey automobiles currently, you realize that boxy is again. From newer entries just like the reborn Ford Bronco and Land Rover Defender to outdated stalwarts just like the Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner that by no means left, nothing says “succesful SUV” like a boxy design.
Right here, too, the Land Cruiser sticks to its roots with an upright and angular form that’s as pragmatic as it’s interesting, at the very least in the event you’re among the many REI crowd. We expect they nailed this design.
The 2024 Land Cruiser will likely be out there in three trims: 1958, Land Cruiser, and First Version. The 1958 and First Version fashions characteristic spherical headlights like their ancestors, plus that candy “TOYOTA” lettering within the grille. The mid-trim that’s merely referred to as “Land Cruiser” has rectangular headlights just like the later-gen fashions.
All 2024 Land Cruiser fashions will characteristic the aforementioned gas-electric hybrid powertrain linked to an 8-speed automated transmission and a full-time 4-wheel-drive system with a middle locking differential and 2-speed switch case with high- and low-range gearing. Beginning with the mid-trim mannequin, you additionally get a disconnecting entrance sway bar and multi-terrain choose system. If you happen to’re an fanatic, that is all music to your ears. If this seems like gibberish and also you merely need an SUV for mall hauls, know that Toyota sells a beautiful one referred to as the Highlander.
As for towing, Toyota says the brand new Land Cruiser can lug 6,000 kilos, and a trailer hitch comes customary. This real-deal, body-on-frame SUV is constructed for journey, and a strong aftermarket is already shaping up. Toyota says over 100 real Toyota equipment, like rack attachments and restoration gear, will likely be prepared for the car. The Land Cruiser is “a clean canvas for personalization,” Toyota says.
Inside, the brand new Land Cruiser forgoes the 3-row setup it final had and returns to a 2-row/5-passenger structure. Inside options vary from an 8-inch touchscreen and cloth seats in base fashions to a 12.3-inch display and simulated or real leather-based in increased trims, together with heated and ventilated entrance seats. Trendy facilities like wi-fi Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, 4G connectivity, over-the-air updates, and a 14-speaker JBL audio system additionally arrive with the brand new ‘Cruiser.
Security galore, 5,000 First Version Fashions
Like different Toyotas, the 2024 Land Cruiser incorporates a sturdy suite of normal security techniques. Toyota’s newest Security Sense 3.0 consists of lane-departure alert with steering help, adaptive cruise management, automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and extra.
Toyota says the primary two months of manufacturing will likely be restricted to five,000 items, all First Version trims with two new 2-tone colours and extra off-road tools.
In line with Toyota, “The 2024 Land Cruiser will likely be in-built Toyota Motor Company’s Tahara and Hino vegetation in Japan and arrive within the U.S. within the spring of 2024.”
Welcome again, Land Cruiser. We’re grateful you missed us as a lot as we missed you.
