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.
A Retro Design with Modern Features
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser pays homage to its heritage with a retro design that recalls past models. The front grille features the TOYOTA name spelled out in capital letters, while the classic FJ40 Series inspires the rounded LED headlights. The steel bumpers, skid plates, roof rack, and rock rails add to the rugged look of the Land Cruiser while also providing protection and functionality.
The new Toyota Land Cruiser will be available in three trims: First Edition, 1958, and Land Cruiser. The First Edition will be limited to 5,000 units for North America and will come with exclusive features such as a unique front skid plate, a roof rack with crossbars, rock rails with steps, leather seats with heating and ventilation, a JBL sound system with 14 speakers, a wireless charger, a head-up display, and a panoramic view monitor. The 1958 trim will be the base model and will have cloth seats, manual climate control, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a rearview camera. The Land Cruiser trim will be the top model and will have rectangular headlights instead of round ones, body-colored front fascia instead of black ones, a power moonroof, a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and wireless smartphone integration, a digital rearview mirror, a blind spot monitor, a rear cross-traffic alert, and a multi-terrain monitor that shows the surrounding terrain and obstacles on the screen.
The new Land Cruiser will also come with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which is a suite of advanced driver-assist features that includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams.
A Lower Price for a Wider Audience
One of the most appealing aspects of the new Land Cruiser is its lower price. The previous generation of the Land Cruiser started at around $85,000 when it was last sold in America, which made it inaccessible to many potential buyers. The new Toyota Land Cruiser will start in the mid-$50,000 range, which is much more affordable and competitive in its segment. The new Land Cruiser will face rivals such as the Ford Bronco and the Jeep Wrangler Willys 4xe, both of which are serious off-roaders with similar prices and features.
The lower price of the new Toyota Land Cruiser will also help it reach a wider audience of customers who are looking for an authentic and reliable off-road vehicle that can also serve as a comfortable and practical daily driver. The new Land Cruiser offers a balance of performance, capability, efficiency, style, and technology, making it appealing to enthusiasts and families.
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is a return to the roots of off-roading and a tribute to the legacy of one of the most iconic vehicles in the world. It is a vehicle that combines the best of the past and the present and offers a unique and satisfying driving experience for anyone who loves adventure. The new Land Cruiser will be available in the spring of 2024 and will surely attract many fans and customers who have been waiting for its comeback.
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