For over six decades, the Toyota Land Cruiser has been celebrated as a rugged off-road icon. In recent years, however, it grew larger, more luxurious, and more expensive. In 2024, Toyota has shifted gears, bringing the Land Cruiser back to its roots by reimagining it as a smaller, more rugged, and affordable SUV. Join us as we explore how the all-new Land Cruiser First Edition performs on the challenging trails and open roads it was built to conquer.
A Return to the Core DNA:
After a two-year absence in the U.S. market, the Land Cruiser has made its comeback with a familiar yet modern design. The new model adopts a more compact, boxy shape and features a standard hybrid powertrain—delivering both power and improved fuel efficiency. The First Edition stands out from the rest of the lineup with its distinctive round LED headlights and heritage-inspired design that honors the Land Cruiser’s adventurous past.
During the Texas Truck Rodeo at Eagle’s Canyon Raceway, the Land Cruiser proved its mettle on rugged trails, steep inclines, and technical obstacles, demonstrating that Toyota’s focus on off-road performance was well-placed.
Under the Hood – The Hybrid Max Powertrain:
One of the most significant changes for the 2024 Land Cruiser is the shift away from the naturally aspirated 5.7L V8 engine of its predecessor. The 2024 model features a more efficient and modern 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, paired with a powerful 36-kW electric motor—creating the Hybrid Max powertrain. This setup produces 326 horsepower and an impressive 465 lb-ft of torque—64 lb-ft more than the previous V8.
Fuel efficiency has also taken a leap forward. With a rating of 22 MPG city, 25 MPG highway, and 23 MPG combined, the First Edition greatly outperforms its fuel-hungry predecessor, which averaged around 15 MPG combined. This makes it a more practical choice for both daily commutes and long off-road excursions.
Design and Presence:
Toyota’s approach to the Land Cruiser’s design pays homage to its heritage while incorporating modern touches. The rugged exterior of the First Edition is defined by its round LED headlights, bold Toyota script on the grille, and the two-tone paint options—such as Heritage Blue with a white roof—that evoke nostalgia. The squared-off proportions and functional design elements, like the unpainted fender flares and skid plates, reflect a balance between style and purpose.
The Land Cruiser’s 112.2-inch wheelbase and 193.7-inch overall length remain true to its roots, giving it the classic dimensions that have proven successful over the years. Built on Toyota’s TNGA-F body-on-frame platform—shared with the Tacoma, Tundra, and Sequoia—the new Land Cruiser is lighter and smaller than its predecessor. Its estimated curb weight starts just over 5,000 lbs, making it more agile and responsive than before.
Interior Comfort and Tech Upgrades:
Inside, the Land Cruiser First Edition offers a comfortable, tech-savvy environment. Dual 12.3-inch displays—one for the digital gauge cluster and the other for the infotainment system—deliver a modern experience with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The First Edition’s cabin features premium black leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and soft-touch materials throughout. For those looking to enhance their experience further, the Premium Package adds perks like real leather seats and a 14-speaker JBL sound system. The cabin’s design successfully blends practicality and comfort, ensuring that occupants can enjoy both off-road escapades and daily driving.
Off-Roading Performance – Eagle’s Canyon Experience:
When it comes to off-road performance, the Land Cruiser First Edition truly shines. At the Texas Truck Rodeo, its off-road capabilities were put to the test, demonstrating how features like Crawl Control—essentially an off-road cruise control—made even the trickiest terrain feel manageable.
While it features only 8 inches of ground clearance, the Land Cruiser’s approach and departure angles, suspension setup, and sway bar disconnect help it tackle obstacles and uneven surfaces with ease. The sway bar disconnect enhances wheel articulation, allowing the vehicle to smoothly navigate rocky trails without scraping or losing stability.
The full-time four-wheel-drive system, equipped with locking center and rear differentials, effectively distributes power across all four wheels. This agility and confidence on the trails are further aided by its smaller size, making the Land Cruiser feel more nimble than its larger, bulkier predecessor.
Balancing Tradition with Modernity:
The 2024 Land Cruiser First Edition balances its off-road heritage with the needs of a modern SUV. From the outside, it embraces its retro-inspired roots, but under the hood, it features an efficient hybrid powertrain and off-road technologies that allow it to thrive in any environment. With its limited run of just 5,000 units, the First Edition stands as a unique blend of luxury, performance, and tradition—a compelling choice for those in search of a classic yet contemporary off-road SUV.
Final Thoughts and Takeaways:
The Land Cruiser First Edition offers a well-rounded package that stays true to its legacy while offering a more efficient, refined, and accessible driving experience. Despite its slightly reduced towing capacity and the lack of a third-row seating option in the U.S., the First Edition’s combination of heritage-inspired design, modern technology, and off-road capabilities make it a standout in its segment.
For enthusiasts looking to explore rugged landscapes or simply cruise the open road in an SUV with a legendary nameplate, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser First Edition proves it can handle it all with grace and confidence.
