Toyota's 2024 Land Cruiser 4WD SUV is all new with hybrid technology for impressive fuel economy10/16/2024 When you see a movie or a National Geographic piece and they show folks traveling the Serengeti on a safari or hunting trip, the vehicle of choice is unmistakably a Toyota Land Cruiser that made its initial debut in 1958. This famed SUV has a long history that temporarily left the market in 2020-21, but was resurrected in 2024 with a new chassis and smaller size with hybrid technology that includes a host of interior upgrades. But it’s still a tough, off-roader if you want it to be with its full-time 4WD and center and rear lockable center differentials. It’s built on the same platform that’s shared with Toyota’s Sequoia SUV and Tacoma pickup. And it must be said, the 2024 Land Cruiser is the best one yet. To show its off-road prowess, the 4WD Land Cruiser has a ground clearance of 8.7 inches along with a front stabilizer bar disconnect that keeps the front tires in contact with the ground as one front wheel can be higher and offset with the other which keeps the Land Cruiser planted. The locking rear splits power in 50/50 fashion to the rear wheels for greater traction. There’s also Multi-Terrain Select that offers Mud, Dirt and Sand settings to help control wheel spin on varied terrain. If going downhill on a steep slope, the CRAWL mode acts as a low-speed, off-road cruise control with five selectable speeds. And get this, when going off-road, Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Monitor acts like a trail spotter by using cameras to show the lay of the land and any obstacles around the Cruiser on its 12.3-inch infotainment display. This is all in addition to normal driving modes of Sport, Normal and Eco. Push the MTS switch and the slick roads modes offer Deep Snow, Mud, Sand and Auto. Land Cruiser has it all and is a true SUV unlike those who market theirs as such. This five-passenger SUV is not only and off-roader, but transforms into a comfortable on-roader. With a 14.5-inch step onto the running boards or a 24-inch stretch straight in. Its new interior has sumptuously padded heated/cooled front seats with extended under thigh support. The vertical stack is all comprehensive and similar to a corporate jet in its layout. As said a 12.3-inch infotainment display serves a host of features such as navigation, rearview/frontal cameras with overhead view plus a revolving view, climate selections, audio, XM radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto connectivity and mode. The console houses the hefty 8-speed automatic transmission, mode switches, differential locking switches and a 7-inch deep Cool Box to keep drinks cold. An all-digital and vivid gauge cluster includes a driver information display that provides a host of functions and alerts. This is topped off with a wide angle digital rearview camera that can be switched to a traditional view. Atop the steering wheel hub is a sensor that senses when the driver’s head is not straight ahead. It gives a warning on the gauge cluster. It can become annoying but it’s there for safety reasons. Don’t like it? Put a piece of electrical tape over it. Rear seat passengers have their own HVAC controls that are located at the rear of the console. The seats are also comfy for two adults with marginal leg room provided the front seats are not racked well rearward. Head room though to generous. Land Cruiser’s cargo area is spacious with a 35-inch lift over into the cargo floor. With the rear seats upright, it offers 42.5 inches of loading depth. Flip the second-row seats and there’s 72 inches of loading depth. The rear seatbacks are unique in that they also tumble forward for 60 inches of loading depth but they’re useful when stowing small packages or gear behind them instead of in the cargo area. And the Land Cruiser is one of the rare SUVs where the liftgate can be opened separately of the hatch. This can come in handy when carrying lengthy items like 2x4s, long curtain rods or one-piece fishing rods. If the item is too long for the cargo area, Cruiser has a heavy-duty roof rack to carry a canoe, two kayaks or ski’s/snowboards. And on foggy days, Cruiser has dual color fogs lights. Land Cruiser also comes with a new i-Force Max 2.4-liter inline-four-cylinder hybrid that employs an electric motor for a total output of 326-hp and 465 lb/ft of torque that couples to an 8-speed automatic transmission. So powered, the combination has EPA mileage ratings of 22 city, 25-highway mpg and carries a tow rating of 6,000 pounds. This new powertrain lacks nothing in performance as it has a linear application of power in Eco mode, but switch to Sport and acceleration is impressive during passing maneuvers especially when the turbo kicks in. The new powertrain is a huge improvement over the former gas guzzling 5.7-liter V8. Ride wise on optional Dunlop 9-inch wide, 365/60R20-inch tires (18 inchers are standard), is smooth albeit a bit firm. The extra tire height is good for off-roading and deep snow whereas the 18s could be a bit softer. Together with the suspension, Cruiser has excellent handling manners. It has a planted stance with no discernible body lean in sharp turns and cloverleafs. Off-road it excels in maintaining trail obstructions and is stout and sure-footed. With a substantial amount of safety features such as blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and more, the Land Cruiser came with a base price of $61,950. Added to that was the 20-inch alloy wheels ($1,240), Land Cruiser Premium Package ($4,600) that includes a host of features including the digital rearview camera, lane changing assist, front cross traffic alert, wireless cell charger, traffic jam assist, 4G connect, dual color plus more, two-tone roof ($350), ball mount ($80), cargo floor carpet ($130), carpeted floor mats ($179), illuminated door sills ($360), roof rack ($1,440), wheel locks ($105) and delivery ($1,395) took the bottom line to $71,929. This is about the going price for a true SUV with real off-road capabilities. And the Land Cruiser takes it a step further with hybrid technology for impressive fuel economy in a sturdy, off-roader. It’s the consummate sport utility vehicle that has a long history of extreme and on-road service.
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