1958 saw the first Toyota Land Cruiser in the U.S. It was the company’s best-selling U.S. automobile from 1961 to 1965. The Land Cruiser, a famous off-road vehicle, inspired many generations. It was disappointing that Toyota stopped creating the American model after 2021. A new version of the iconic brand name returns to our shores three years later, reversing all the frowns. The new Toyota Tacoma and Lexus GX share the TNGA-F body-on-frame platform with the Toyota Land Cruiser 2024. The new Land Cruiser boasts a hybrid powertrain and classic styling. What’s different? To discover, we examined the new and old’s specs and features. Planned Measurements The 200-series Land Cruiser was initially built in 2008 and last marketed in the U.S. The considerable SUV’s 2016 redesign didn’t make it stand out because it didn’t seem fascinating. The 2024 Land Cruiser, offered only outside the U.S., will fill the gap between the 200-series and 300-series models. With its blocky design and classic style, the new Cruiser is the most appealing. The new L.C. is 1.2 inches shorter at 193.7 inches than the old one, despite their 111.2-inch wheelbases. The new one is 73.2 inches long but 78 inches wide. The new Land Cruiser has approach, break-over, and exit angles of 30, 25, and 22 degrees, respectively. This model had a lower break-over angle and departure angle than its predecessor, which had a 32-degree approach angle. The new model has 8.7 inches of ground clearance, a few tenths less than the old model. Powertrain The 2021 Land Cruiser’s 5.7-liter V-8 engine produced 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet. A hybrid turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder replaces it. The engine produces 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet. Toyota SUVs have eight-speed automatic gearboxes, four-wheel drive, and central locking differentials. The EPA predicted a dismal 14 mpg highway for the 2021 Land Cruiser. The hybrid Land Cruiser will likely achieve higher gas mileage. The new L.C. will pull less. The old model pulled 8100 pounds, whereas the current model pulled 6000 pounds. Hardware The new Land Cruiser’s 18-inch wheels include grade-specific tires. The 1958 base model had 245/70R-18 tires on all four sides, while other Land Cruisers had approximately 33-inch 265/70R-18 tires. 20-inch wheels are optional on the 1958. The 2021 model had only 18-inch wheels with 285/60 tires. Due to its redesigned base, Toyota says the 2024 Land Cruiser’s double-wishbone front suspension differs from the old one. Four-link back suspension coil springs cushion the solid rear axle. The new L.C. has an electrical front anti-roll bar, except for the 1958 trim level. Interior The new Land Cruiser’s interior is less opulent than the 1958 trim’s hand-adjustable cloth seats. Semi-aniline leather and 10-way power front chairs were standard in 2021 automobiles. The premium Land Cruiser boasts a head-up display, a computerized rearview mirror with a camera view, and a sunroof. The Premium option offers leather seats with motorised adjustments. Despite using less materials, the new Land Cruiser’s cabin is more modern. The base 1958 model’s tablet is smaller than the previous 9.0 inches, but it still includes the latest Toyota software, which lets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work wirelessly. All 2024 Land Cruiser models have a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 14-speaker JBL radio to enhance infotainment. The 2021 model had an optional entertainment system with two 11.6-inch screens. The next model may not. The 2024 Land Cruiser only seats five. All models, save the base, include heated/cooled front seats. Price The new Land Cruiser may be the most expensive. Toyota said the 2024 model will start at $50,000, much cheaper than the previous model. The corporation will demonstrate only some functions for a while. The 2021 Land Cruiser started at $87,000, so its replacement will cost roughly $30,000. The new Cruiser’s upper trim levels will cost over $60,000 but I’ll be less than the outgoing model. It’s good because more people can live the Land Cruiser lifestyle.
