The all-new 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser marks a significant shift in the model’s storied legacy. We journeyed through the rugged terrain of Utah to determine if this change was the right move for this iconic off-roader.
Exploring Hanksville, Utah
Hanksville, a small crossroads town in south-central Utah with a population of about 170, has a rich history. In the late 1800s, it served as a critical supply outpost for Butch Cassidy and his Wild Bunch. Cassidy used the nearby Robbers Roost canyon, a steep-walled hideout along the Dirty Devil River, to evade capture.
Today, Hanksville attracts adventurers seeking off-grid experiences. These daring visitors often explore the treacherous canyons, rappel down sheer cliffs, or stock up on supplies before venturing further into Canyonlands National Park’s Maze district or towards Lake Powell. This environment proved to be the perfect testing ground for the new Toyota Land Cruiser, offering both a glimpse into the area’s challenging topography and a chance to see if the Cruiser lives up to its legendary name.
The Land Cruiser’s Resurrection
Toyota discontinued the Land Cruiser in North America after the 2021 model year, but for 2024, the vehicle has made a comeback. However, some Land Cruiser purists remain skeptical. The discontinuation and subsequent reintroduction of the model seem to have been part of a premeditated plan, despite Toyota’s claims of responding to consumer demand. Instead of bringing back the 300-series Land Cruiser (the “real” one), Toyota opted to introduce the 250-series Land Cruiser Prado, a move designed to lower the base price and make the model more accessible to a broader range of buyers.
What the New Land Cruiser Offers
The 2024 Land Cruiser starts at $57,345 for the base 1958 model, with the top-tier First Edition priced at $76,345. The mid-level trim, simply called Land Cruiser, offers a well-equipped option at $63,345, significantly less than the final $87,030 base price of the previous model. This pricing strategy is a welcome change for off-road enthusiasts who had long lamented the model’s transformation into a “mall wagon” for affluent owners, rather than a true off-road machine.
While some still view the Prado lineage with skepticism, Toyota’s new TNGA-F platform—which underpins both the 300-series Land Cruiser (sold in the U.S. as the Lexus LX600) and the 250-series Land Cruiser—blurs the line between the two. The new Land Cruiser shares its 112.2-inch wheelbase with the 300-series, and its track widths, independent front suspension, and live-axle rear suspension are nearly identical. The First Edition model we tested features a more compact and streamlined body on this proven chassis, offering a svelte and capable off-roader that excels on tight trails like those leading to Angel Point.
On the Road and Off
During our testing, the Land Cruiser impressed with its smooth ride and quiet Michelin LTX Trail tires. While the suspension components and tires are not particularly remarkable from an off-road perspective, they provide a solid foundation for aftermarket upgrades. The vehicle’s interior is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, with everything where you’d expect it to be. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen is a standout feature, offering physical HVAC controls below the display, unlike the virtual controls found on the larger 14.0-inch screen in the Lexus GX550.
Navigating the Terrain
Descending into Poison Springs Canyon, the Land Cruiser showcased its off-road prowess. The trail’s challenging terrain, shaped by millennia of geological activity, tested the vehicle’s capabilities. Healthy wheel articulation, aided by the First Edition’s electronically disconnectable front anti-roll bar, and lockable center and rear differentials allowed us to navigate tight turns and rocky obstacles with ease. The trail-camera system proved invaluable in avoiding potential damage to the vehicle’s sidewalls.
However, the trip wasn’t without minor mishaps. The First Edition’s mud flaps and an aero wedge ahead of the front tire were damaged during our off-road adventures, highlighting areas for improvement in the vehicle’s design.
Under the Hood
The 2024 Land Cruiser is powered by Toyota’s i-Force Max turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor. This hybrid system boosts the engine’s output to 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, though this additional power is not continuous due to the battery’s limited capacity. While the Land Cruiser’s 7.7-second 0-60 mph time is not particularly impressive, the vehicle shines in real-world driving scenarios, with quick acceleration from 30 to 50 mph and strong fuel economy figures.
A Return to Form
In many ways, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser represents a return to form. By focusing on affordability and off-road capability, Toyota has created a vehicle that appeals to a new generation of enthusiasts. While the Land Cruiser may never regain its live front axle, this downsized and right-priced version is a worthy successor to the name.
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is a well-rounded off-roader that balances modern conveniences with the ruggedness that has long defined the model. While it may not be as specialized as previous versions, its appeal lies in its accessibility and versatility. As the overlanding community continues to grow, this new Land Cruiser is poised to become a popular choice for those seeking adventure both on and off the beaten path.
