For over six decades, the Toyota Land Cruiser has been synonymous with rugged reliability and go-anywhere capability, seamlessly blending on-road comfort with off-road prowess. Renowned among overlanders and adventurers alike, the Land Cruiser has consistently proven itself as a dependable vehicle for navigating challenging terrains while carrying passengers and gear. The latest generation marks a significant step forward, introducing enhanced affordability and efficiency to the iconic Land Cruiser lineage, solidifying its place as a top contender in the Best Suv 2024 Hybrid category.
Hybrid Power and Off-Road Prowess: A Winning Combination
Departing from its predecessor’s thirsty V8 engine, the 2024 Land Cruiser embraces a modern and efficient 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain. This new engine delivers a robust 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. True to its heritage, every Land Cruiser destined for the U.S. market is equipped with a highly capable 4WD system, ensuring drivers can confidently tackle demanding off-road trails. The Land Cruiser’s body-on-frame construction, a hallmark of traditional SUVs, combined with an independent front suspension and a durable solid rear axle, provides a comfortable ride on various surfaces. Coil springs at each corner further enhance ride smoothness, making this hybrid SUV equally adept at navigating city streets and rugged trails. For serious off-road enthusiasts, engaging the rear differential lock, shifting into Low Range, and disconnecting the front swaybar transforms the Land Cruiser into an exceptionally talented off-road machine, making it a prime example of the best SUV 2024 hybrid for adventure.
Luxury and Capability: Land Cruiser vs. Lexus GX 550
The strategic pricing of the 2024 Land Cruiser broadens its appeal, attracting a wider audience seeking off-road capability without sacrificing efficiency. For those desiring a blend of Land Cruiser’s off-road DNA with enhanced luxury, power, and towing capacity, the Lexus GX 550 emerges as a compelling alternative. While positioned at a higher price point, the GX 550 shares a similar robust foundation, offering a premium experience for discerning buyers within the best SUV 2024 hybrid segment and its adjacent luxury counterparts.
Interior Space and Modern Features
While slightly more compact and lighter than the previous V8 Land Cruiser models, the 2024 hybrid version still provides ample space for five occupants. The integration of the hybrid system’s battery pack, however, means the latest Land Cruiser is configured as a two-row SUV, foregoing the third row seating found in some competitors. Inside, the cabin is appointed with soft-touch materials and contemporary technology. The intuitive placement of drivetrain controls around the shifter ensures that essential functions are readily accessible, contributing to a user-friendly driving experience in this best SUV 2024 hybrid.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The 1958 base model, starting at $57,900, offers impressive off-road features as standard, including an electronic locking rear differential, Crawl Control, and an 8-inch touchscreen with a rearview camera. Stepping up to the Land Cruiser grade, priced from $63,900, adds further luxury and capability enhancements. These include an electronic swaybar disconnect system for improved off-road articulation, a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, and distinctive rectangular LED headlights, providing more options within the best SUV 2024 hybrid category.
Design and Competition
The 2024 Land Cruiser’s exterior design cleverly blends modern engineering with nostalgic cues from the iconic Land Cruiser FJ60 wagons of the 1980s. This retro-modern aesthetic is likely to resonate with buyers considering other authentically capable SUVs such as the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, or Land Rover Defender. However, the Land Cruiser distinguishes itself within this competitive set by offering a hybrid powertrain, positioning it uniquely as a blend of classic off-road capability and modern efficiency, and making a strong case for itself as the best SUV 2024 hybrid for a wide range of drivers.
