2024 Toyota Land Cruiser First Drive Review: Off-Road Cheat Code

The Land Cruiser needs no introduction. It’s been one of Toyota’s preeminent badges for seven decades, worn by its most capable off-roaders around the globe. And, yet, the latest 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser warrants a reintroduction because the SUV took a brief hiatus from the U.S. market in 2021 only to return this year in the wake of the massive popularity of the off-road segment.

The Toyota SUV that returned is not the same as the one that left, and I don’t mean that metaphorically. This U.S.-spec Land Cruiser is the 250 series, known as the Land Cruiser Prado in nearly all markets abroad. The previous available model was the Land Cruiser 200 series, which was succeeded by the comparatively burlier 300 series. Toyota chose to bring the Land Cruiser 300 to the States only as the Lexus LX 600.

So, unless buyers move upmarket, the “true” (read: full-size) Land Cruiser remains unavailable in America. But after taking the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser off-road, I’m here to tell you there’s not much to fret about. Despite its smaller size, the new SUV earns its badge and then some: It’s a Land Cruiser, alright. One of the best yet.

Make no mistake; the Land Cruiser we’re getting is smaller, but it’s not small by any means. It’s officially a mid-size SUV, sitting below the Toyota Sequoia in terms of size and price. It’ll technically sit above the new 4Runner among Toyota’s stable despite both being classed as mid-size SUVs. The difference between the upcoming 4Runner and this Land Cruiser—besides price—will remain in their styling, comfort, and overall aims as vehicles. Toyota insists there won’t be much overlap in their sales, and I am cautiously inclined to agree; after all, a Land Cruiser buyer is not the same as that of a 4Runner.

According to Toyota, the latter is more interested in hardcore off-roading, while the former is looking for an all-rounder that still boasts great off-road capability along with reliability and durability. Hitting those three points was the reason Toyota chose to rerelease the Land Cruiser in the U.S., claiming a return to its roots. 

Those traits also happen to be characteristics of the Lexus GX, a perennial fan favorite. The new Lexus GX 550