2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 1958 4WD Hybrid, Reconnect with your past

 

When I first looked at the new Land Cruiser I kept seeing other makes and I thought it was too derivative. Then I thought about the first couple of Land Cruiser generations and I thought "so what."

When North America first got the Land Cruiser it was a pretty spartan vehicle. It was meant as a competitor to the Land Rover and Jeep. In a crowded Toyota SUV line-up I'm not sure what are it's intended competitors. So I just have to take it as it is. And it isn't bad. 

Starting with the exterior design I can't say it stands out, at least not for me. It has a passing resemblance to the FJ Cruiser (which itself was an attempt to recapture the early Land Cruiser's panache and it did).

I liked the size of the Land Cruiser, it isn't a gargantuan SUV, and there is minimal overhang. There is about 8.7" ground clearance, more than enough for day-to-day use. Even so, I would have appreciated the Predator Drop Step (a $700 option) to get in and out. The side nerf bars are meant to save the rocker panels from damage. Off-roaders will modify the Land Cruiser so that they will need a step ladder to get into it.

Normally press vehicles are loaded with every known option. It was nice to find the Land Cruiser wasn't. Manual seat adjustments, and cloth seats. I'm not against power everything but all that stuff costs money. Don't worry, all those extras are available if you want them.

What really sets this new Land Cruiser apart from earlier versions is the engine. You will no longer find a V8, or ever a V6, under the hood. In a quest for economy and reduced pollution the Land Cruiser now has a four-cylinder. But not just any four, no, it is turbocharged and coupled with an electric motor for a combined output of 326 hp and 465 lb-ft. Power goes out to all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission.

I was surprised to find that the '24 Land Cruiser weighs over 5,600 lbs. because it felt lighter. Regardless of how it feels that is too much weight. Even getting it down to an even 5,000 lbs. would be a big improvement. 

 

The 4WD is full-time and controlled by switches on the center console. You can select High range (normal), Low Range, and you can lock the center and rear differentials. 

You can select the transmission mode (Sport, Eco, etc), and ECT 2ND (select 2nd gear). Most of you will never touch these switches but I'd urge you to learn when they may be useful (sometimes these electronic features are your friend).

The majority of my driving was around town and I was surprised by the fuel economy of the Land Cruiser. Normally hybrids do well around town, in fact EPA rates the Land Cruiser at 22-mpg city, and 25-mpg highway. I did not come close with mostly around town driving. Maybe it was just me? I looked at other reviews and their economy was more in-line with EPA. 

The '24 Land Cruiser is rated at up to a 6,000 lbs. trailer. 

I have mixed feelings about the 2024 Land Cruiser. It drove just fine, better than average for an SUV. I feel confident that Toyota will sell a lot of them. Maybe when they get into the well-used market they will be accepted and modified for real off-road use. For now, at least out here in sunny California, mostly poseurs will buy them. In snow country they definitely would be a good choice.

I know I'm getting old when I see car prices. "Why I remember ..." Well those days are gone my friends. A base 2024 Land Cruiser 1958 starts at $55,950, the top First Edition (no, not the Kenny Rogers band) at $74,950. 

If you think a Land Cruiser is the car for you check them out at toyota.com