We spent a day in the reborn 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser on a mixed test loop of freeway, city streets, and graded fire roads. These first impressions focus on how the new turbo-hybrid powertrain, chassis, and cabin tech translate to everyday driving and light off-roading.
The U.S.-spec Land Cruiser pairs a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with an electric motor for a combined 326 hp and 465 lb-ft, routed through an 8-speed automatic and full-time 4WD with a lockable center differential and a 2-speed transfer case. Our primary drive vehicle was the mid-grade Land Cruiser trim on 18-inch all-terrains, rated on regular fuel. Curb weight hovers around 5,000-plus pounds, but the hybrid’s low-end shove promises to mask the mass. Test conditions included a 142-mile loop at 58–82°F with two adults and light photo gear, 45 percent highway, 40 percent suburban, and 15 percent graded dirt with a short rocky section.
Tire pressures were set to the door sticker for on-road work and dropped 3 psi for the dirt segment. We didn’t run any deep mud or low-range climbs, but we did engage the center diff lock and tried the off-road drive modes on loose gravel. On pavement, the hybrid system’s immediate torque is the headline. The Land Cruiser steps off smartly and holds city speeds with little throttle.
The 8-speed shifts unobtrusively once warm, and the handoff between regen and friction braking is cleaner than earlier Toyota hybrids—there’s still a hint of initial softness, but modulation is natural by the second stop sign. Subjectively, 0–60 mph feels mid-6 to low-7 seconds, adequate for passing without drama. Ride quality is controlled but never floaty. The TNGA-F ladder frame and long-travel suspension take the edge off potholes, and the 18-inch tires help with impact isolation.
Steering is light with consistent weighting on-center; lane-keeping aids nudge rather than nag at highway speeds. Wind noise is modest; tire roar rises on coarse concrete but remains acceptable. The front seats offer broad bolstering and long thigh support, and outward visibility is excellent thanks to a low cowl and upright glass. Off-road, the powertrain’s smooth tip-in and crawl-friendly first gear make precise throttle inputs easy.
Multi-Terrain Select is straightforward, and Crawl Control now feels quieter and more progressive than older iterations. With the center diff locked, traction was confident on loose climbs; the available front stabilizer-bar disconnect (on certain trims) increases articulation noticeably over offset ruts. The underbody camera and trail view reduce guesswork when cresting blind humps, though the feed can wash out in direct sun. Efficiency impressed: our loop returned 23.1 mpg indicated, aligning with the EPA’s mid-20s combined figure depending on trim.
The 12.3-inch infotainment is quick, with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and redundant climate knobs where you want them. Cargo space is wide and usable, though the load floor is high; towing is rated up to 6,000 pounds. First take: this Land Cruiser prioritizes usable torque, sensible tech, and genuine trail basics over spec-sheet bravado. Choose the 18-inch A/T setup for the best balance; buyers needing more luxury or tow headroom should cross-shop the Lexus GX.
