Earlier this week in Salt Lake City at the Land Cruiser Heritage Museum, Toyota enthusiasts from around the automotive industry gathered among the largest collection of Land Cruisers in the world for the 2024 Land Cruiser reveal. The old steel foundry is home to rare examples, including the very first 1953 Toyota BJT, one of only six in the world, and a 1958 FJ25 which is the first Land Cruiser to be sold in the United States. In addition to covering the initial news, click here, we were there to see the all-new 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 250 firsthand, and the setting was a great celebration of innovation with an appreciation for the past.
When Toyota stopped selling the Land Cruiser in the US market in 2021, it was after a 60-year run. For fans of the brand, it was a confusing change that seemed to happen without much explanation. It turns out that Toyota has a grand plan and knew back then that they would be bringing an all-new Land Cruiser back to the US.
(Click here to watch Expedition Portal’s recorded live coverage of the Land Cruiser reveal)
Land Cruiser Overview
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser will be available in the United States in 2024, with production starting in Japan during next spring. Initially, 5,000 First Edition units will be released, followed by two additional versions, including Land Cruiser 1958 and Land Cruiser. MSRP will start in the mid-$50,000 range. All grades will be powered by Toyota’s hybrid gasoline + electric technology.
Intent
Toyota set out to bring the new Land Cruiser back to its origins while also looking toward a responsible future. Their global beyond-zero commitment is to help reduce carbon emissions through electrification. The new Land Cruiser has evolved into a more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly confident adventure vehicle with more accessible pricing. (Click on the video below and forward to 5:00 to hear Simon Humphries, Chief Branding Officer of Toyota, talk about the new Land Cruiser.)
Capability and OEM Equipment
It’s an impressive out-of-the-box value. All three grades of the Land Cruiser will be powered by an i-Force Max turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain. All will be equipped with full-time 4×4 and a two-speed transfer case for high and low-range gearing. Driver assist systems will include a smart key, digital key, connectivity, and Toyota Safety Sense. To enhance off-highway overland use, standard equipment will include Crawl Control, Downhill Assist Control, front recovery points, a new double-wishbone front suspension, twin-tube shocks, and a multi-link rear suspension, center locking differential, and vehicle stability control. An automatic limited-slip rear differential in the 1958 will upgrade to an E-locker in the other two options.
In addition to the standard features outlined above, the three different grades will include:
Note that the Land Cruiser and First Edition grades will come equipped with electronic sway-bar disconnects for increased flex, an electronic rear differential locker, and Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select and Multi-Terrain Monitor that will now function in both high and low range.
Engine Performance
As with every evolution of a legacy nameplate, the 2024 Land Cruiser 250 will be compared to its predecessor, the 200 Series. One of the immediate comparisons already being targeted by online chatter is the engine. The new i-Force Max turbo-charged 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid may be less than half the size of the 200’s 5.7-liter V8, but it will be utilizing an 8-speed automatic transmission and a 48 horsepower electric motor with a 1.87-kilowatt battery to provide competitive output with what will likely be double the fuel economy. The new system will make 326 horsepower, and 465 pound-feet of torque, compared to the older V8’s 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. The fuel economy of the V8 was about 13 mpg while (although not announced) the 2.4-liter hybrid system should see 25-28 mpg. Towing goes down by about 2,000 pounds from 8,100 pounds with the V8 to 6,000 pounds with the new Land Cruiser.
Styling
The initial comparisons start with the 200 Series and quickly broaden to the 4Runner, or even outside of Toyota to the Bronco, Defender, and others. Walking through the museum’s collection, it was an interesting contrast to stumble upon examples of the 80-, 100-, and 200-Series trucks amongst all the others. Although popular at the time, their designs were a departure from classic rugged Land Cruiser styling. It’s clear by the 2024 Land Cruiser reveal that design inspirations for the new Land Cruiser were taken from the FJ40, FJ60, and the 70 Series. It is noticeably smaller, slightly narrower (84.2 inches), shorter in length (193.7 inches), and shorter in height 73.2 inches, than the 200 Series. However, it boasts a 112.2-inch wheelbase and 8.7 inches of ground clearance with 265/70R18 tires. It presents as compact on the outside, which will benefit maneuverability, and is relatively spacious on the inside. The front seats offer climate-controlling heating and cooling, while ergonomic system controls are thoughtfully placed in dedicated zones within easy reach of the driver for intuitive operation. There is even a palm rest for using the touchscreen controls.
Outward Visibility
The design team took several steps to create an optimal driving experience based on clean visibility. Being able to see out improves the experience and safety of the driver and passengers. The new Land Cruiser’s design features a tall cabin, low beltline, more upright windshield, and a scooped-out hood which all improve driver position and sight lines.
Pricing
This a welcome change as Toyota and Lexus brands seem to be directing high-end luxury to Lexus and perhaps more approachable utility to Toyota. Compared to the last Land Cruiser offering, when the 200-Series MSRP started at $87,000, a mid-$50,000 starting point will be more accessible to a larger audience. Detailed pricing won’t be available until Spring of 2024 but we anticipate the three-grade range to be between $55,000 and $75,000 US, from the basic 1958 grade to the First Edition fully loaded with options.
Toyota Land Cruiser fans have been asking and waiting for the nameplate to be returned to the United States since the first whispers of its discontinuation. The new Toyota Land Cruiser 250 may just be the beginning of what’s to come. Similar to the 2024 Land Cruiser reveal this week, We look forward to more news from Toyota, as they’ve also announced the availability of the 70 Series in Japan. The new 250 has been designed with overlanding and adventure travel in mind. It’s a capable and comfortable solution with an approachable price tag, built upon a legacy of performance.
Our No Compromise Clause: We do not accept advertorial content or allow advertising to influence our coverage, and our contributors are guaranteed editorial independence. Overland International may earn a small commission from affiliate links included in this article. We appreciate your support.
