2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Review For The New Zealand Buyer

The Toyota Land Cruiser 300 series is a popular SUV that is renowned for its spirit for off-road explorations yet equally commanding in urban streets thanks to its bold and muscular look that coats attention. The 2024 model retains the same silhouette used by its predecessors but with subtle refinements. It features state-of-the-art technology that focuses on intelligent safety and enhanced connectivity for a seamless driving experience. The 300 series has raised the bar when it comes to luxury furnishings incorporated in the cabin as its atmosphere is serene and welcoming. Under the hood is a brand new twin-turbo diesel engine that produces significant power marking a milestone as the most potent engine ever in the Land Cruiser line-up. It competes with the Nissan Patrol, Land Rover Defender, Mercedes Benz G Class, Lexus LX, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Ford Expedition.

Engine Options

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser comes with one engine option.

1. 3.3 L Twin-Turbo Diesel

Transmission Options

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser engine is linked to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Grades

• Toyota Land Cruiser VX
• Toyota Land Cruiser VX Limited
• Toyota Land Cruiser GR Sport

For a detailed review of these grades and the best pick while buying this pickup, kindly refer to the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Buyer’s Guide.

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Interior

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser has an elegant cabin that prioritizes functionality and luxurious comfort. Lower grades are after ergonomics and durability as the higher grades boast premium upholstery and finishes that elevate the overall look. Passengers seated in the first row have plenty of legroom and headroom that allows them to stretch out. Higher grades have heated and power-adjustable front seats for enhanced comfort. The driver has excellent visibility and command of the oncoming traffic. The second-row seats are not only comfortable but also supportive. Its occupants have generous knee room and headroom. The third row is only ideal for kids as adults will find it crampy due to its limited legroom.

A panoramic sunroof infuses the cabin with ambient lighting. To improve its ride comfort, this SUV features a keyless entry and dual-zone climate control for more convenience. The 300 series features numerous storage compartments that are designed to either store or hold gears of its passengers for ease of access and use. The first row features a glove box, two cupholders, a center console, and door panel storage. The second row has jacket pockets, two cupholders, and door pockets. Third-row occupants have access to cupholders.

In line with its rugged heritage, the 300 series has embraced significant technological advancements. It features a 12.3-inch color touchscreen infotainment system embedded with Apple Car Play and Android Auto. It also comes with USB ports, satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and a wireless charging pad. A premium 14-speaker JBL sound system enriches the driving experience with immersive audio quality.

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Exterior

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser retains the traditional silhoute that gives it an imposing and bold appearance on the road. Its traditional design elements are fused with contemporary updates. The front grille has been redesigned to be more prominent and features a horizontal slat that integrates seamlessly with the LED daytime running lights and headlights lending it an upscale look. Muscular body lines on its hood convey its rugged capabilities.

Large wheel arches that house the 19-inch alloy wheels dominate the side profile contributing to its muscular demeanor. Subtle character lines enhance aerodynamics which results in fuel efficiency. Wide-opening doors facilitate ingress and egress for passengers. Integrated roof rails provide practicality and versatility catering to adventurous people hauling freights of cargo. Depending on the grade, the 300 series features premium finishes and accents that improve the overall aesthetics of this SUV.

The rear encompasses large tail lights and turn signals. Its tailgate is electronically actuated and comes in handy especially when your hands are full of stuff and you want to access the boot. A roof spoiler is nicely integrated to not only improve aerodynamics but also lend a sporty appeal to the vehicle. A tow bar is included to underscore this vehicle’s towing capacity.  As you move up the grade ladder, more premium fittings and furnishes are incorporated. The 2024 model of the 300 series is available in a variety of colors to cater to divergent clientele preferences.

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Carrying Capacity/Cargo Capacity

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser offers 104 liters of boot space when all seats are in place, 553 liters when the third-row seat has been folded, and 974 liters of space when both the second and third rows have been retracted.

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Fuel Consumption

• 3.3 L Twin Turbo Diesel fuel consumption- 11.2 km/l

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Fuel Tank Capacity

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser has a fuel tank capacity of 110 liters

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Ground Clearance

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser’s ground clearance ranges from 9 inches.

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Performance

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser comes with one engine option, a 3.3 L Twin-Turbo diesel generating an impressive 304 horsepower and 700 NM of torque, formidable figures that allow it to cruise extreme off-road terrains effortlessly. However, this powerful engine is thirsty for fuel hence compromising its fuel economy, something that eco-conscious individuals will not find ideal. But be it as it may, it cruises in urban streets and off-road trails with equal prowess.

Despite its ruggedness, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser delivers a composed and comfortable ride on-road. The steering wheel provides responsive feedback hence the vehicle adapts very well to road curvature. The suspension system is finely tuned to absorb road imperfections. The engine works in tandem with the 10-speed automatic transmission to deliver a smooth start and decent acceleration. Its brakes are robust and capable of bringing this SUV to a complete stop in a matter of seconds hence avoiding any kind of collision. Due to its high ground clearance which results in a high center of gravity, it is recommended to slow down when approaching tight bends as this SUV may experience body rolls.

Depending on the grade, the driving modes of the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser vary. Lower trim levels feature eco, normal, and sport modes. Higher grades feature an eco mode which prioritizes fuel efficiency over performance, comfort mode which makes the steering wheel lighter and the suspension system softer, normal mode which is the default driving mode and suitable for everyday driving, Sport S mode which enhances handling and performance with sharper steering response and quicker throttle response, and the Sport S+ mode which is the most aggressive mode when cruising on-road for firms up the suspension system and maximizes responsiveness for a spirited driving.

Other technologies incorporated in this SUV to enhance its stability and handling include a blind spot monitor, traction control, lane departure warning, and cruise control.

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Off-Road Performance

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser continues the legacy of being a capable off-roader that can exploit diverse and difficult terrains. It comes standard with a 4WD system that incorporates a low-range transfer case, selectable drive modes, and locking differentials that allow it to cruise in different terrains like on mud, snow, or even gravel.

A multi-terrain select is incorporated to adjust various aspects like brake pressure, driving force, and suspension to optimize traction on uneven surfaces. Higher grades encompass an electronic kinetic dynamic suspension system that engages stabilizers that frees movement when traversing on rugged surfaces. Hill Descent Control and Crawl Control are also incorporated in this SUV to help the driver to descend steep slopes with greater control and to maintain a steady pace when cruising off-road allowing you to concentrate on steering the vehicle.

Owing to its high ground clearance, its approach and departure angles can clear inclined and reclined surfaces without damaging its body components. The suspension system is tailored for off-road driving. It comes with adjustable dampers and stabilizer bars that enhance optimal wheel articulation when driving off-road.

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Reliability

Toyota has a long-standing reputation for building durable and reliable cars. The Land Cruiser which is credited for being the longest production vehicle in the Toyota line-up is a benefactor of such engineering prowess. Its off-road capabilities and towing capacity have been proven and ascertained to be powerful. The 3.3 L Twin-Turbo is a new engine hence it is premature to issue a comprehensive overview of its reliability. Regular service and maintenance are highly recommended to ensure the Land Cruiser remains in optimal condition.

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Maintenance Schedule

At 5,000 km the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser requires a change of the air filter, engine oil, and oil filter. At 10,000 km, this car requires an air cleaner, oil filter, fuel filter, ATF filter, cabin filters, plugs, front brake pads, rear brake pads, ATF oil, brake fluid flushes, coolant flushes, and engine oil.

For a comprehensive maintenance schedule, click here to download the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Owner’s Manual.

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Competitors

• Nissan Patrol
• Land Rover Defender
• Mercedes Benz G Class
• Lexus LX
• Ford Expedition
• Jeep Grand Cherokee