The Toyota Land Cruiser is back in the U.S. after a brief hiatus, and its return signals a new chapter for the legendary nameplate. Now positioned below the larger Sequoia in Toyota’s SUV lineup, the redesigned Land Cruiser offers a more manageable size, improved fuel efficiency, a renewed focus on capability, and, more importantly, a lower price point. The limited-run First Edition model-restricted to just 5,000 units-adds unique design elements and exclusive features that celebrate the SUV’s heritage.
Design and Capability
The First Edition and Land Cruiser 1958 trim grades set themselves apart with round LED headlights, a heritage “TOYOTA” grille, roof rack, rock rails, and other off-road-oriented equipment. If you’d prefer a more high-tech appearance, the Land Cruiser trim features a rectangular headlight design that Toyota says harkens back to the Land Cruiser 60 series. Either option includes a standard, design-specific LED daytime running light.
Built on Toyota’s TNGA-F truck platform, it features full-time four-wheel drive, Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, and a front stabilizer bar disconnect system for improved suspension articulation on tough trails. Properly equipped, the Land Cruiser can tow up to 6,000 pounds, which is less than Toyota’s SUV flagship Sequoia, but on par with the Toyota 4Runner.
Powertrain
Under the hood is Toyota’s i-Force Max hybrid system, which pairs a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor. This setup delivers 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, sent through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Compared to the V8-powered Land Cruiser of the past, the new model offers improved fuel efficiency, with EPA estimates at 22 mpg city, 25 highway, and 23 mpg combined.
Interior
Inside, the First Edition is outfitted with leather-trimmed, heated and ventilated front seats, unique “First Edition” badging, and premium touches like a head-up display and digital rearview mirror. The Land Cruiser offers up to 82.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat folded.
A 12.3-inch touchscreen anchors the dashboard, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A JBL audio system and additional convenience features are available with the Premium Package. A standard Qi wireless charging pad gets enhanced power output, and dual USB-C charging ports are included in the front row and available for the rear passengers.
Standard Safety Features
Across the board, Toyota is quite generous when it comes to standard safety features, and the Land Cruiser is no exception. All Land Cruiser trims include Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, Automatic High Beams,
and Proactive Driving Assist.
Outside of TSS, the Land Cruiser also includes Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
Pricing & Warranty
The First Edition starts at around $74,950 MSRP and comes with Toyota’s standard 3-year/36,000-mile basic and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranties, plus roadside assistance and complimentary scheduled maintenance for two years.
Our Takeaway
The 2024 Land Cruiser First Edition blends the nameplate’s rugged heritage with modern hybrid efficiency and advanced technology. With its limited availability and exclusive equipment, it stands as both a capable off-roader and a nod to the model’s storied past. Toyota lent us a 2024 Land Cruiser First Edition to drive for a week.