2025 Toyota Land Cruiser Review & Road Trip // Is this the Real Deal? In-depth On and Off-Road Test!

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Review: The Return of an Icon

For decades, the Toyota Land Cruiser has been the go-to name for adventurers, families, and anyone needing a reliable SUV capable of withstanding, well, pretty much anything. Whether you were tackling the Sahara Desert, cruising through the Rockies, or just heading to the grocery store, the Land Cruiser was your no-nonsense partner.

Now, after a short hiatus in the North American market, the Land Cruiser is back—and it’s shaking things up. It’s smaller, hybrid-powered, and slightly different in character, but the essence of what makes a Land Cruiser is alive and well. Let’s break it down.

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The Legacy Continues: A Real Land Cruiser?

One of the big questions surrounding this new model is, “Is it a *real* Land Cruiser?” Purists might raise an eyebrow at its lighter-duty vibe compared to the massive 300 Series that’s still roaming Europe and the Middle East. That version? Designed for oligarchs, warlords, and, let’s be honest, people with far deeper pockets than most Americans.

This new 2024 Land Cruiser, however, is aimed squarely at adventure-ready families and enthusiasts who want something rugged, reliable, and modern without the $100K price tag. Sharing its TNGA-F platform with the Lexus GX550, Toyota Tacoma, and Sequoia, it’s built to handle trails, highways, and everything in between.

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Under the Hood: Hybrid Power, Truck Toughness

The 2024 Land Cruiser ditches the old V8 for a 2.4-liter hybrid i-Force Max four-cylinder engine. Before you sigh at the thought of fewer cylinders, consider this: it delivers **326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque**. That’s more torque than the outgoing V8, and it all comes in at just 1,700 RPM, making it perfect for low-speed crawling or highway merging.

Power is sent through an **8-speed automatic transmission** that’s smooth and quick to shift. And while it may not be the fastest off the line (0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds), this isn’t the SUV for drag races—it’s built for conquering trails and long-distance comfort.

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Off-Road Capability: Built for Adventure

The Land Cruiser doesn’t just talk the talk; it’s still one of the most capable off-roaders you can buy. Key features include:

- **Full-time 4WD** with selectable high and low-range gearing

- **Torsen center differential** and rear locking differential

- **Stabilizer bar disconnect** for improved wheel articulation

- **Multi-Terrain Select (MTS)** with modes for sand, mud, and snow

While the 8.3 inches of ground clearance and light all-terrain tires might not match the GX550 Overtrail or a Bronco Raptor, it’s still more than enough for most trails. And thanks to its relatively compact dimensions, it’s surprisingly easy to navigate through tight trails or urban streets.

If you’re into gadgets, the **360-degree camera system** is a lifesaver for off-roaders, offering views of what’s ahead, behind, and even beneath you. The transparent “underbody” view is especially cool—it’s like having X-ray vision for your SUV.

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On-Road Comfort: Hybrid Magic

For all its off-road chops, the Land Cruiser shines on pavement too. The hybrid powertrain makes it quiet and smooth, with a seamless transition between electric and gas power. The ride is firm enough to feel controlled but cushioned enough to soak up potholes and speed bumps without a second thought.

Even with its tall, boxy shape and chunky tires, road noise is impressively low compared to competitors like the Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco. The **22 mpg city/25 mpg highway** fuel economy is another big win, especially for a vehicle with such rugged capabilities.

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Design: Retro Done Right

The 2024 Land Cruiser nails the retro-modern aesthetic. The boxy silhouette and classic round headlights (on the base 1958 and First Edition trims) pay homage to Land Cruisers of old, while sharp LED lighting and a two-tone paint job keep it fresh.

Sure, the rear tow hitch cover looks a little...awkward, but overall, this SUV is a head-turner—especially in First Edition trim with its unique white roof and retro details.

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Interior: Practicality Meets Toyota Quality

Step inside, and you’ll find a cabin that balances rugged durability with modern tech. Here’s what stands out:

- **12.3-inch touchscreen** running Toyota’s intuitive interface, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

- A **digital gauge cluster** with customizable layouts and off-road info.

- Durable but soft-touch materials, making it feel more upscale than a Tacoma but less posh than a GX.

- Heated and ventilated seats with physical climate controls (thank you, Toyota, for keeping it simple).

- Tons of storage, including an optional cool box in the center console.

The second row is spacious, with reclining seats and enough headroom for passengers up to 6'4". The rear cargo area offers **38 cubic feet of space**, expandable to even more when you fold the seats down.

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How It Compares

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser faces tough competition, but it carves out its own niche:

- Jeep Wrangler/Ford Bronco: Great off-road, but louder and less refined on-road.

- Lexus GX550: More powerful and luxurious, but pricier.

- Land Rover Defender: A direct competitor, but can’t match Toyota’s bulletproof reliability.

With a starting price of around **$56,000 USD** (or $93,000 CAD for top trims), the Land Cruiser slots below the GX550 but offers similar capabilities in a more budget-friendly package.

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Final Thoughts: A Worthy Return

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser proves that you don’t need a massive price tag or over-the-top horsepower to deliver a real adventure SUV. It’s rugged, reliable, and packed with just the right amount of tech to handle anything you throw at it—whether that’s a camping trip in Alberta’s Badlands or a Costco run.

Sure, the GX550 offers a little more power and luxury for a slight price bump, but the Land Cruiser strikes an excellent balance for those who want rugged capability with a touch of nostalgia.

Toyota’s back with a winner, and yes, this is absolutely a real Land Cruiser.

What do you think—would you like to refine anything or dive deeper into specific sections?