New Land Cruiser models sold in Europe are very similar to those set to be offered stateside. With this in mind, the capable off-roader and 4×4 follows in the footsteps of the larger Land Cruiser 300 and is based on Toyota’s GA-F platform. Toyota notes that a new frame is 50% more rigid than the frame of the previous-generation model and that this, in conjunction with the new platform, results in better off-road performance as well as improved on-road driving.
A plethora of other features add to the appeal of the new Land Cruiser. For example, it comes with electric power steering that promises to reduce kickback on rough surfaces while also providing a smoother and more direct feel. This system has also allowed Toyota to implement Land Tracing Assist into the Safety Sense active safety and driver assistance package.
The new Land Cruiser gains further off-road capability with a new disconnecting front anti-roll bar. The technology – SDM (Stabiliser with Disconnection Mechanism) – is a Toyota first and enables the driver to change the status of the anti-roll bar (stabiliser) using a switch on the dashboard. This flexibility allows for better driveability on rough roads and greater comfort and easier handling in on-road driving.
In Western Europe, the new Land Cruiser will be launched with a 2.8-liter turbo-diesel engine. It produces a maximum 204 DIN hp/150 kW and is mated to a new eight-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission, giving it the power to tow loads of up to 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs). An electrified powertrain combining the diesel engine with 48-volt mild hybrid technology will be available in early 2025.
2024 Toyota Land Cruiser (Euro-spec). Overall length is 4,920 mm, width 1,980 mm and height 1,870 mm; the wheelbase is 2,850 mm.
For other markets, the new Toyota Land Cruiser will get different powertrains. The US-market 250-Series will make use of an advanced I-Force Max turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four. This mill produces an impressive 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. What’s more, there will likely be an abundance of grunt even at low speeds thanks to the 48-hp electric motor mounted within the eight-speed automatic gearbox. The instant torque of the motor should help the Land Cruiser step off the line smartly or get over tough rocks with relative ease.
Like all Land Cruisers before it, the new 250-Series will come standard with four-wheel drive. In this instance, it’s a full-time setup with a selectable two-speed transfer case, as well as an automatic limited-slip center differential and locking rear diff.
2024 Toyota Land Cruiser (US-spec)
Visually, two distinct versions of the Land Cruiser will be sold with different front fascias. As in the U.S., one will have simpler round headlights while the other will have more premium headlights that run horizontally. Unlike in the U.S., however, the model with the round LED headlights will not be the entry-level model and instead sold exclusively as a ‘First Edition’ variant. Just 3,000 examples of the Land Cruiser First Edition will be produced with pre-sales to commence in October.
The 2024 Land Cruiser will be built in Toyota Motor Corporation’s Tahara and Hino plants in Japan. Toyota will open pre-sales of the new Land Cruiser for European customers in October, with first vehicle deliveries expected in the first half of 2024. European and international prices have not yet been confirmed. As for the U.S., MSRP will start "in the mid-$50,000 range" and will be announced closer to the launch date.
Sources: Toyota Europe, Toyota USA
