The Toyota Land Cruiser has long stood as an icon in the world of off-road vehicles, renowned for its unparalleled durability and luxurious features within the Toyota lineup. For decades, it has been synonymous with a robust, vault-like cabin and a chassis engineered to withstand extreme conditions. However, the new Land Cruiser marks a significant shift. It now shares its platform with other Toyota models in the U.S. market, including the new Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Tundra, Toyota Sequoia, and Lexus GX. This raises a key question: Does this new Land Cruiser retain the unique and special character of its predecessors? While it may not feel entirely like the outgoing model, it remains a highly compelling SUV in its own right.
The debate surrounding whether the new Toyota Land Cruiser is a “true Land Cruiser” is widespread. The Land Cruiser name carries different weight and expectations across various markets. For those familiar with the Land Cruiser “Prado,” a more accessible version sold internationally, the new model feels like a natural evolution. However, in the U.S., where the legacy is built upon the larger Land Cruiser 200 Series, 100 Series, and 80 Series, the new Land Cruiser presents a slightly different impression. It could be best viewed as a successor to the Lexus GX, which was previously based on the Prado platform, making its positioning quite fitting.
[Full Disclosure: Toyota provided travel and accommodation for the author to attend the new Land Cruiser media event.].
Image: Jonathan Harper
This discussion is clearly passionate among enthusiasts. As highlighted in a comment from “I drive a boring SUV” on The Autopian:
The concern about the new Land Cruiser not being “real” seems misplaced. The Land Cruiser lineage has diversified over three decades. The original 40 series evolved into the 70 series, and a lighter-duty version, the Prado, emerged in the 90s. The 80 series arrived in 1990 as a top-tier, Range Rover-esque Japanese SUV. By the late 90s, the Prado became a distinct model, establishing a three-tiered Land Cruiser range that persists today.
What we are seeing now is the new Land Cruiser fitting into the middle of this established range. The larger 300 series is not broadly available, targeting markets like Gibraltar, Moldova, Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. Toyota’s strategy suggests the 300 series is aimed at a more exclusive clientele, while the new Land Cruiser caters to a broader market.
The continued presence of the 4Runner in the U.S. market is somewhat unique in Toyota’s global strategy. Similar to the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (Shogun or Challenger), the 4Runner is a cost-effective midsize SUV, essentially an SUV body on a robust pickup chassis (Hilux/L200), intended for developing markets. Its overlap with the Prado limited its introduction in Europe and its future in the U.S. might be uncertain as Toyota positions the new Land Cruiser to potentially fill its space at a higher price point.
This context was crucial for reviewers at the recent Toyotathon event. The central question was how to evaluate this new Land Cruiser: Should it be judged against its immediate predecessors, or as a fresh mid-size off-road SUV entering the U.S. market? The review here aims to address both perspectives.
Unveiling the New Land Cruiser: Platform and Design
Toyota faced a critical question regarding the future of body-on-frame vehicles amidst increasingly stringent emission standards. As Sheldon Brown, chief engineer for the Toyota Tacoma, explained, this was an “existential crisis” for the company, driven by the mounting pressure to meet global CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) requirements. The focus shifted to developing body-on-frame vehicles in a “smart” and efficient way, minimizing investment in a climate of technological and market uncertainty, particularly with the rise of electrification. Efficiency became the core principle in Toyota’s body-on-frame strategy.
The outcome was the TNGA-F platform, a foundational architecture now underpinning five Toyota models: the Sequoia, Tacoma, 4Runner, Tundra, and the new Land Cruiser, as well as the Lexus GX. This platform utilizes Tailor Welded Blanking, enabling a single frame design to serve multiple vehicle types without excessive weight. This innovative approach involves welding thicker, stronger steel sections in specific frame areas as needed, optimizing strength and efficiency.
“Each platform redesign necessitates a long-term view,” Brown noted, reflecting on the extended lifecycles of previous models like the 4Runner, Tundra, and Sequoia, some lasting around 15 years. These long-term investments proved successful, but the current landscape of political and technological shifts towards EVs demands a more adaptable strategy. Toyota’s solution was to create a versatile, unified platform – One Platform To Rule Them All – mitigating risks and maximizing efficiency.
The new Land Cruiser features a robust steel body-on-frame construction with a coil-sprung double-wishbone independent front suspension and a coil-sprung five-link solid rear axle (the base Tacoma uses leaf springs in the rear). While the images above depict the Tacoma TRD Pro’s frame, the new Land Cruiser shares a similar architecture, including frame pitch, front and rear suspension design, and powertrain.
Here’s a closer look at the Land Cruiser’s front suspension setup:
And the rear five-link suspension:
Powering the new Land Cruiser is the same 2.4-liter turbocharged hybrid engine found in the Tacoma and upcoming 4Runner. This powertrain delivers 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid system integrates an electric motor between the engine and transmission, enhancing both performance and efficiency.
Given the shared powertrain, fundamental frame design, and suspension with the 4Runner, the question arises: What distinguishes the new Land Cruiser and justifies its position in the Toyota lineup?
Sheldon Brown, the Tacoma’s chief engineer, pointed to brand loyalty as a significant factor, noting the strong appeal of the Land Cruiser name. Furthermore, the mid-size SUV market is substantial, with Toyota representatives indicating ample space for both models and dismissing concerns of direct competition.
The new Land Cruiser is designed to offer greater refinement and unique styling, targeting a slightly different, possibly more mature demographic than the 4Runner. This distinction becomes apparent when experiencing the different trim levels, particularly the base “1958” model.
The Base Model Dilemma: Why the Cheapest New Land Cruiser Might Be a Miss
When pricing for the new Toyota Land Cruiser was released in February, the initial reaction was positive, especially with the base model starting at $57,345. An article titled “The New Toyota Land Cruiser Starts At $57,345. Here’s How I’d Option Mine” explored the appeal of the entry-level trim, the “1958” model with its classic round headlights. Initially, the base 1958 trim seemed attractive:
Spending over $60,000 on a vehicle that shares similarities with the Toyota 4Runner requires careful consideration. Even the base price of $57,000 warrants scrutiny. Opting for the standard 1958 model Land Cruiser, equipped with a 326 horsepower, 465 lb-ft i-FORCE MAX hybrid turbo four-cylinder powertrain, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and full-time four-wheel drive with locking center and rear differentials, appears to be a sensible choice. The gray exterior with the standard black interior seems a practical specification.
However, further consideration led to a change of heart:
The all-black interior in the base model is undeniably uninspiring. Upgrading to a higher trim, despite the increased cost to around $63,000, brings significant enhancements. Features like a sway bar disconnect, an advanced camera system, improved exterior color options, and a more appealing interior become available.
This modern Toyota FJ-Cruiser aesthetic comes at a premium. The crucial question is whether the upgrades justify the additional expense. Driving the vehicle in April will provide a definitive answer.
Now, having driven the new Land Cruiser, it’s clear that the initial concerns about the base 1958 model were valid. The issues are not primarily about styling, but rather about the overall quality and feel, particularly in the interior. As highlighted in the video below:
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While cloth seats themselves are not a drawback – they offer comfort, durability, and remain cool in sunlight – the problem lies in the quality of interior plastics in the 1958 model.
The interior plastics are notably hard and low-grade, extending beyond less critical areas to touchpoints like door armrests, the dash, door cards, and center console. While durability is expected in an off-roader, the “Playmobil-quality” interior raises the question: Why choose the base new Land Cruiser over a well-equipped 4Runner?
The new 4Runner is also attractively styled. If the goal is a more basic, affordable off-road SUV, the base new Land Cruiser at $56,000 doesn’t quite hit the mark. It lacks features expected at this price point, such as a front-facing camera and sway bar disconnect, which are not available on the “1958” trim.
The concept of a back-to-basics Land Cruiser is appealing, but the base new Land Cruiser is not priced accordingly. The 4Runner is intended to be the more affordable mid-size TNGA-F platform Toyota SUV. The base Land Cruiser model, despite its retro round headlights, struggles to justify its cost and feature set. Ideally, Toyota would offer the appealing round headlight design on more than just the base $56,000 “1958” and the top-tier $75,000 First Edition, perhaps extending it to the $62,000 standard Land Cruiser trim.
The Upscale Interior: Borderline Flawless in Higher Trims
Stepping away from the base 1958 model and its hard plastic interior reveals a significantly improved cabin experience. In higher trims, the interior of the new Land Cruiser approaches perfection. Materials are soft to the touch and feel premium, the interior space is exceptionally well-proportioned, and the switchgear is top-tier in quality and design.
The new Land Cruiser with the premium brown leather interior, priced around $75,000, justifies its cost with the substantial upgrade in interior quality. For those seeking a balance of luxury and value, the ~$62,000 trim offers “SofTex” synthetic leather upholstery, which is also a commendable alternative.
The second row of the new Land Cruiser highlights its suitability as a family SUV, offering generous legroom and spaciousness.
The cargo area is notably large, providing ample space for luggage and gear.
However, the cargo floor is raised due to the placement of the Nickel-Metal-Hydride battery pack underneath. This higher floor can make loading heavier items more challenging.
Additionally, the rear seats tumble forward rather than folding flat, which is less ideal for overlanding or creating a flat sleeping surface. The stepped cargo floor also presents an inconvenience for sleeping arrangements. (Note: A plastic grate visible in the image facilitates air-cooling for the battery pack).
Despite the raised cargo floor, the interior of the non-1958 new Land Cruiser trims is genuinely impressive. The spaciousness, high-quality materials, and exceptional switchgear create a premium and comfortable environment. The video below showcases the high-quality switchgear:
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Toyota has excelled in switchgear design for the new Land Cruiser. Physical buttons are prioritized for essential functions like volume, HVAC, and seat heating, all integrated seamlessly into the center stack.
Driving-related controls, including locking differential, sway bar disconnect, and stability control, are also physical and clearly labeled on the center console. The front-facing camera button is conveniently located for quick access when off-roading.
Overall, the switchgear in the new Land Cruiser is exceptionally well-executed. While a column-mounted shifter might free up space, the center console layout is functional and intuitive. The low-range selector, a knurled lever requiring a push-down and forward/backward motion, is a tactile and engaging feature, even if a traditional mechanical lever might be preferred by some off-road purists. In summary, the higher trim new Land Cruiser interiors are spacious, high-quality, and a pleasure to use.
Off-Road Performance: Capable but Not Class-Leading
The new Toyota Land Cruiser delivers good off-road performance but stops short of being exceptional, placing it in a similar category to the previous generation, which was also limited by its geometry.
The new Land Cruiser is equipped with features designed for off-road capability: available Toyo Open Country all-terrain tires, a locking rear differential, a disconnecting front sway bar for enhanced articulation, CRAWL Control off-road cruise control, skid plates for underbody protection, low-range gearing with an integrated Torsen limited-slip differential (and locker), and Active Traction Control (A-TRAC).
Despite these features, the new Land Cruiser’s ground clearance and departure angle are not class-leading. While a 31-degree approach angle is respectable and the 25-degree breakover angle is decent, the 22-degree departure angle is relatively weak, and the 8.3 inches of running ground clearance is modest for a dedicated off-road vehicle.
These limitations were evident during off-road testing. A relatively small bump on a dirt trail was enough to dislodge the rear hitch cover, a design flaw for a vehicle with off-road aspirations.
The rear hitch cover, made of plastic, detached upon impact, highlighting a design vulnerability in the departure angle. Ideally, this component should have a quick-disconnect feature rather than breaking upon contact.
The low 22-degree departure angle, attributed to the rear overhang, contributes to this issue.
During testing, the front of the new Land Cruiser also made hard contact with the ground. The ground clearance between the front wheels is limited, and upon descending a small ledge at speed, the front skid plate scraped against the terrain.
The new Land Cruiser features reasonable underbody protection, including a thin steel front skid plate.
However, the extent of this front plate’s coverage is unclear, and it may not fully protect components like the transmission oil pan. As seen in a video by Throttle House, the front skid plate experienced significant damage after a jump, suggesting potential vulnerabilities.
The transfer case has a small steel skid plate, and a thin metal skid plate is present under the fuel tank, unlike the Tacoma which lacks a metal fuel tank skid plate.
The spare tire is located under the cargo area, as seen in this underbody view.
Overall, the new Land Cruiser offers adequate underbody protection, but its ground clearance, particularly at the front plastic elements, could be improved. The absence of air suspension, even as an option, is notable and could have addressed some of these ground clearance limitations.
Despite these limitations, the sway bar disconnect performed effectively, and while the low-range engagement and locker activation were slightly delayed, once engaged, the new Land Cruiser demonstrated impressive traction.
Image: Jonathan Harper
In summary, the new Land Cruiser’s off-road performance is capable but not without shortcomings. It encountered issues with the rear hitch cover and front-end clearance, and its underbody protection could be more robust.
However, the front independent suspension flex with sway bar disconnect is decent, the low-range gearing and lockers are effective, and the vehicle is enjoyable to drive off-road, largely due to excellent forward visibility. The front-facing camera and the hood channel enhance the off-road driving experience.
The visibility and a seemingly tight turning radius contribute to the new Land Cruiser feeling nimble off-road. Despite being close in size to the outgoing 200 Series, it feels smaller and more maneuverable, adding to the overall fun factor.
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For a more in-depth look at the off-road driving impressions, refer to the video above.
On-Road Performance: Competent and Comfortable
While the primary focus of the media event was off-road driving, a brief on-road driving experience with the new Land Cruiser revealed its on-road characteristics.
The on-road ride is smooth and leans towards the softer side. Body roll and brake dive are present, and some wind noise, possibly from the mirrors, is noticeable. However, overall, the cabin is reasonably quiet and comfortable.
The 326-horsepower 2.4-liter engine provides adequate power for the approximately 5,000-pound vehicle. Acceleration is confident but not particularly rapid. The engine responds effectively when needed, with the transmission downshifting and revving audibly. While the engine lacks the refinement of the V8 in older Land Cruisers, the overall on-road performance is satisfactory. The cabin is not as isolated as older Land Cruisers, but noise levels are acceptable.
Historically, Land Cruisers have not been known for blistering speed. The significant improvement in fuel economy with the new Land Cruiser is a major advantage. The EPA estimates are 22 MPG city, 25 MPG highway, and 23 MPG combined, a substantial leap from the previous generation.
The last Land Cruiser, equipped with a 381 horsepower, 401 lb-ft 5.7-liter V8, achieved only 13 MPG city, 18 MPG highway, and 15 MPG combined. The new Land Cruiser represents a monumental advancement in fuel efficiency.
Conclusion: A Worthy Successor, Embracing Modern Demands
The new Land Cruiser shares noticeable similarities with the new Toyota Tacoma and, by extension, the upcoming 4Runner, due to their shared platform, powertrain, and suspension architecture.
The previous 200 Series Toyota Land Cruiser was a distinct, high-end vehicle within the Toyota range. This unique positioning has evolved with the new Land Cruiser, resulting in a more accessible model offering comparable off-road and luxury features with significantly enhanced fuel economy.
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While not flawless, the new Land Cruiser presents a compelling overall package. The battery placement in the cargo area raises the floor and the seats do not fold flat. Underbody protection and departure angle could be improved. The base 1958 model has interior quality issues. However, it offers a comfortable and spacious interior, nimble off-road handling, and attractive styling.
The value proposition compared to the upcoming 4Runner remains to be fully seen. However, for those seeking a family-oriented off-road SUV that blends refinement, capability, and Toyota reliability, the new Land Cruiser is a strong contender. The Lexus GX is also a comparable option. The new Land Cruiser offers a spacious, maneuverable, and visually appealing package, making it a desirable choice for those prioritizing a balance of on and off-road attributes. The high-quality cabin is a significant asset, enhancing the overall ownership experience.
Top image: Jonathan Harper
