We lamented the end of the previous generation of the Toyota Land Cruiser. For the past several years, the Toyota Land Cruiser 150 has stood tall as the full-size three-row (optional) Toyota SUV made to haul families around. This will now continue with the new Toyota Land Cruiser 250, which brings an entirely new aura to this legendary off-road SUV.
The 2024 model year welcomes this new Toyota Land Cruiser, which is completely different from the previous version. Although it shares the TNGA-F platform with the Lexus LX600 (essentially the Land Cruiser in luxury garb), the new Land Cruiser is completely different. Unlike the hulking predecessor, this new model has only five seats across two rows, making it shorter and more capable than previous models.
10. First Land Cruiser With Electric Power Steering
Electric power steering improves the maneuverability of a vehicle at low speeds. When driving a vehicle slowly without this feature, the driver gets a massive workout while wrestling the steering wheel to make the wheels turn in any direction. The electric version of this feature also lessens the kickback on rough terrain, which can happen when you suddenly hit a rock or log that’s in the way of one of the turning wheels.
Added Benefits Of This Steering Feature
When adding upgraded features that make driving easier, automakers are finding they can also add additional safety features. Because the new Toyota Land Cruiser 250 features electric power steering, it also has Lane Tracing Assist. This is part of the SUV’s safety and driver assistance features, making it easier to stay in your lane while driving on the road.
9. The New Land Cruiser Steps Away From Its Luxury Focus
The previous Land Cruiser in USA was so closely related to the Lexus LX it was nearly impossible to tell these two SUVs apart. Toss in the Sequoia, which was often overlooked in the three-row SUV world, and Toyota had a bit of a mess on its hands. The previous Land Cruiser started at more than $87,000, which sounds like a lot for a Toyota.
No More Fancy Styling
The new 2024 Land Cruiser departs the luxury world and returns its focus where it belongs: on the trails. Many shoppers might not take a $90,000 SUV out on the trails but will drive a $50,000 SUV on some of the roughest terrain out there. Although departing the luxury-laden world, the new Land Cruiser has plenty of impressive features to make you comfortable and offer an amazing driving experience. Some of these features include:
- Heated and ventilated SofTex upholstered seats
- 12.3-inch touchscreen
- 10-speaker audio system
8. Built On A Global Toyota Platform
Toyota has created several platforms that are shared across models wearing both Toyota and Lexus badges. The TNGA-F (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform is featured on the Tundra, Sequoia, Tacoma, and Lexus LX600. It’s also the platform being employed for the new Toyota Land Cruiser 250.
More Rigidity Means Better Off-Road Capabilities
The TNGA-F platform is a body-on-frame build that provides more rigidity in the new Land Cruiser than in the 200 Series model. Toyota utilizes high-strength steel with laser welds and blanking to make this platform tough, strong, and ready to handle off-road challenges. The ladder on the frame enables this platform to be great for the long-travel suspension and tougher axles that are part of the new Land Cruiser. This build keeps the wheels on the ground when traveling over uneven terrain under harsh conditions.
7. Boxy, Retro Style Is the New Off-Road Look
The new look of this legendary Toyota SUV brings a design that takes it back to its roots. These roots reside in military vehicles. This new redesign brings the Land Cruiser back to the simplicity of being an incredible off-roader instead of a luxury SUV that wears a Toyota badge.
How Retro Is This New Land Cruiser?
The new Land Cruiser’s headlights are reminiscent of the models found on the old J-Series version. The fenders also remind us of the FJ40 models, and the overall boxy design with straight lines and an upright build make this new Land Cruiser loom more like the FJ Cruiser of old than the previous Land Cruiser. Even the rear hatch takes us back with a swing-style opening instead of a liftable hatch.
Those opting for the First Edition version receive some impressive off-road features, including:
- A roof rack
- Roof rails
- Front skid plates
6. It’s Packed With Impressive Off-Road Capabilities
If the new Toyota Land Cruiser 250 isn’t made for serious off-roading, it’s not really a Land Cruiser. Thankfully, this new Toyota SUV is packed to the gills with off-road features while offering the right build and size to handle some time on the trails. Every trim includes a full-time 4WD system, a center locking differential, and an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case.
Land Cruiser 250 Off-Road Angles
| Ground Clearance | 8.7 inches |
| Approach Angle | 31 degrees |
| Departure Angle | 22 degrees |
| Breakover Angle | 28 degrees |
The short overhangs in the front allow this SUV to overcome most obstacles. The upright A-pillars contribute to better visibility on the trails. The new Land Cruiser has a disconnectable front stabilizer bar, Multi-Terrain Select, 4WD-High and Low, Crawl Control, and Downhill Assist.
5. Three Excellent Land Cruiser Trims
Land Cruiser 1958
The Land Cruiser 1958 is the base trim with a great package. This model stands out with retro styling and a fantastic package of features, including:
- Round LED headlights
- Halogen fog lights
- 18-inch wheels
- Six-speaker sound system
- 8.0-inch infotainment screen
Land Cruiser
The middle trim is simply known as the Land Cruiser, and it includes:
- Rectangular headlights/Rigid Industries LED lights
- Roof rails
- Electronic front anti-roll bar disconnect
- Multi-Terrain Select drive modes
- Multi-Terrain Monitor cameras
- 12.3-inch infotainment screen
- 10-speaker sound system
Land Cruiser First Edition
This range-topping trim is limited to 5,000 units. This model receives the retro lights from the 1958 model built and keeps the Land Cruiser trim features. You also get
- Roof rack
- Rock rails
- Skid plates
- Mud flaps
- Real leather upholstery
- Tailgate light
- Key fob cover
4. Toyota Continues To Transform SUVs With An Excellent New Powertrain
Every trim of the new 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 250 utilizes the same powertrain. It delivers more torque than the previous model and nearly as much horsepower. The added torque is achieved sooner in the rpm range, which translates to better low-end power during slow-going off-road adventures.
Land Cruiser 250 Specifications
| Engine | 2.4-liter turbocharged hybrid 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 326 hp |
| Torque | 465 lb-ft |
| Drive System | Full-Time 4WD |
| Tow Rating | 6,000 pounds |
The 4Wd system features a two-speed transfer case to make shifting from Four-High to Four-Low much easier on the trails. Add the locking rear differential, hill descent control, and Crawl Control to the mix, and this new Land Cruiser is easily one of the most capable hybrid off-road SUVs.
3. The 250-Series Land Cruiser Squeezes In The Middle
The new Land Cruiser is much smaller than the previous version, with a 112.2-inch wheelbase that’s nearly seven inches shorter than the LX and the previous Land Cruiser 200 Series model. The shorter build means Toyota has removed the third row of seats in favor of more rear cargo room and legroom in the middle row. Strangely, the new 250 Series model is just as wide as the previous version.
The Body Shrunk, Or Did It?
The wide-set wheels don’t translate to a wide body. One of the most noticeable differences between the new Land Cruiser and the previous model is the narrow body. The off-road credentials are on display with the prominent fender flares. The body reduction compared to the 200 Series model places the new Land Cruiser 250 in the midsize SUV class, positioning it below the Sequoia.
2. Familiar Hardware To Entice Land Cruiser Enthusiasts
When the Land Cruiser’s name is mentioned, specific items are expected. Toyota maintains the off-road credentials and familiarity of older models with the new Toyota Land Cruiser 250. This new version continues to give us:
- Full-time 4WD
- Two-speed transfer case
- Torsen center differential
- Dual control-arm independent front suspension
- Solid rear axle
Where’s The KDSS?
Previous versions of the Land Cruiser utilized the KDSS system to automatically disconnect the front and rear anti-roll bars. This feature is no longer part of the Land Cruiser. A new e-KDSS is part of the new Lexus GX550, but it’s not found in the new Land Cruiser because of the cost of adding it to the mix. Toyota aimed to make this new Series 250 model more affordable than the previous version, which meant e-KDSS was left on the shelf.
1. The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 250 Has An Attainable Price
How likely would you be to take a $90,000 SUV out on the trails? Most would answer that it would be crazy to take such an expensive vehicle off-roading for fear of damaging body panels or other expensive components. That said, there are plenty of high-priced off-road vehicles in the market that are being used on the trails, but that’s not for everyone.
Starting In The Mid-$50,000 Range
The base Toyota Land Cruiser 1958 will start in the mid-$50,000 range, which is a huge departure from the luxury-priced Toyota of old. This price puts the Land Cruiser in the same price range as many off-road SUVs, including the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco. Most consumers are much more likely to take a $50,000 SUV on the trails than one that costs $90,000 or more.
