The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of the most iconic and legendary vehicles in the history of off-roading. Since its debut in 1951, it has been a symbol of reliability, durability, and adventure for generations of drivers around the world. However, in recent years, the Toyota Land Cruiser has become more luxurious, expensive, and bulky, losing some of its original charm and appeal. That’s why Toyota decided to bring back the Land Cruiser to its roots with the all-new 2024 model, which is smaller, lighter, cheaper, and more capable than ever before.
A New Platform and a New Powertrain
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is based on the new TNGA-F platform, shared with the new Toyota Sequoia and Lexus GX. This platform is designed to enhance the rigidity, stability, and safety of the body-on-frame structure while also reducing weight and improving fuel efficiency. The new Land Cruiser is about 200 pounds lighter than the previous generation and has a shorter wheelbase and overall length, making it more agile and maneuverable on rough terrain.
The biggest change in the new Land Cruiser is the powertrain. Instead of the thirsty V8 engine that powered the last model sold in America, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine that produces 326 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, a full-time four-wheel-drive system, a two-speed transfer case, and a locking rear differential. The hybrid system also features a Trail Mode that optimizes the throttle, brakes, and traction control for off-road driving.
The hybrid powertrain not only improves the fuel economy of the Land Cruiser but also enhances its performance and capability. The electric motor provides instant torque at low speeds, which is ideal for crawling over rocks and obstacles. The hybrid system also allows the Land Cruiser to tow up to 7,000 pounds, which is more than enough for most trailers and campers.
