The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is Smaller, Better Off-Road, & WAY Cheaper! 

Putting the vehicle aside for a minute, can we give Tommy credit for the excellent one-take review? If you have ever recorded a video, you know how difficult this is. Well done, man.

I’m loving the boom in 80s styling lately! I hope it keeps going because it’s making me love modern cars again!

The fact that you are reviewing the value option just earned you my subscription. Value options juat dont get enough love!

We had a land cruiser back in the 60’s. It was quite the workhorse and us kids loved the bench seats in the back. So much fun bouncing around in the back (no seatbelts back then) going over railroad tracks or bumps when off roading. it was light blue in color and we called her Blue Belle. I wish they would build that style frame again.

FINALLY! someone showing us something that ISN'T the flagship model! Thank you!

Tommy has become the premier TFL show host. He’s smart, articulate and passionate about trucks. He did an excellent job describing the capabilities, the pros and cons of the Landcruiser.

I’ve owned my FJ Cruiser since 2008 and in all that time I’ve never liked another SUV enough to invest in something new. I think this might be my next car! I love how the front looks like a sleeker FJ.

I could see toyota going in 2 different directions with the 4runner; one would be going back to its roots. That means smaller, like you said based on the tacoma, to more directly compete with the bronco and wrangler (maybe with removable top like the 1st gen?). Or they make a blazer like crossover and have the land cruiser take over the offroad duties. I hope it's the first version.

You guys are really turning TFL into an empire and it's because your reviews are so grounded and fun for all brands. You have developed a great formula.

I love this. It's such an 80's/90's look, but a modern interpretation. Simple, clean, rugged. Thank goodness they didn't over stylize it and make it so busy looking. Even the seats look like they came out of the 90's. But in a good way. This is just, yes. Great job Toyota.

I always loved boxy models. When I need to upgrade my car and if this landcruser fits my budget I'll definitely buy one.

I had a FJ80 1992 Land Cruiser with 3 locking Differentials and inline 6. It was a beast off road only used the Michelin Tires for this model. Didn’t matter if I was in Utah or Colorado never getting stuck was amazing

Man, what a cool mix between modern and 80/90's. Mid 50k is still a lot. I miss the days of standard vehicles going for 19-25k.

It looks like an FJ Cruiser and a new Bronco Sport had a baby.

It's amazing how GM consistently build LS motors that are beautiful under the hood. No maze of wires, hoses, controls. And it's an awesome engine.

Toyota claimed it would introduce the Land Cruiser starting at about $20k. They lied.

Even as a Jeep guy, I absolutely love it! 4 cylinder hybrid seems “meh”. But hey, anything Toyota makes is more reliable than any modern Jeep made today 😂 Welcome back to the U.S. Land Cruiser ❤🇺🇸

Excellent job Tommy! Man, those tire wells… I’m impressed! 6000lbs of towing, “affordable,” ladder frame, solid rear axle, and a standard rear locker on all models (what?). Definitely want to see more. I could see this as the first non-Jeep I buy… will definitely test drive!

Great review. I'm in love with this rugged back to basics set up. So refreshing.

Great video, thanks. When the FJ Cruiser was about to be release the target price was $16,000, once the dealer mark up and delivery it came out at $30,000.

Starting price in the mid 50s is a definite step in the right direction, but I have a feeling that after a few options and destination/freight, you’re still gonna be $65k+, which is way out of my price range still unfortunately. Excited to see what the new 4runner brings eventually.

Bravo Tommy on the walk around. You make an ex salesman blush. This is EXACTLY what people want! Im digging this 1958 base. Its everything you need and nothing more. I think the aftermarket will absolutely make this the next best off road vehicle. Ive been a Jeep guy since I turned 19 and almost 20 years later, might actually make the jump to this. Bravo Toyota for giving us passionate off roaders something we deserve!

great review Tommy! Lots of good info with no fluff, all in one take!

This guy knows his stuff! Great run through

Almost looks like a grown-up Suzuki Jimny! Looking good and loving that they have stepped back from always adding more luxury to each now iteration so they can keep the price humane and not going the way of the pick-up trucks now sitting in car-lots rotting away due to high prices.

This only makes me appreciate my 4Runner TRD Off-Road even more.

The landcruiser 80, 100, 200 and 300 are part of the same series. This particular one, the 250, is part of the same family as the prado or the series 70, 90, 120, 150. They tend to be smaller, with smaller engines and came with IFS from 90 onwards. They were also available as a short wheel based 3 door version. Not sure why it is being compared to the 200 or 300 series. It's just that in the US you are not getting the big daddy landcruiser that you used to get but the smaller, aka the Prado.

Rock on the new Toyota land cruiser back to 1st class, off-road, reliability, dependability and an all-round trustworthy vehicle in virtually every situation on this planet. Well done Toyota. Hoping you’re going to beat the pounds of all the other off-road is out there.

I love how big the wheel wells are. Lots of room for bigger tires.

Well done, Tommy. Looks pretty promising, but that $55K is going to be way higher in the end.

I like how you reviewed the base model. I have a base 2024 santa Cruz and got to run it off road and through a lot of snow and ice this week and it's awesome.

Great presentation, very factual and light on opinion. I appreciate your having a camera person. Excellent presentation!

I’m not sold on the exterior but the retro interior styling is way cool. Love the seat fabric.

It's so weird how Tommy went from being a young guy to being his dad in the space of a year...

Tommy I have been watching for years now and your journalistic skills and charisma continue to improve and impress me! Keep up the great work I appreciate you guys!

Thank you, Tommy. Good one take. Sounds like Toyota is (and has been) having issues with import rules. Makes you really think if they are making these changes in the US to make in-country electric vehicles look better. Can't wait to see one of these on the lot.

Best review of the Land Cruiser, giving details for us who like the Off Road capabilities! I love the 1958 design and more simple equipment, glad to know it has the rear diff lock and transfer case! Just install some larger BFGs (mud or A/T) and ready for off road fun!

This is like a perfect fusion of oldschool and new tech, old body looks without it looking too far into the future I love it!

I have an 06 100 series and absolutely love it. Most reliable car I've ever owned. Can't wait for the 24 model. My 100 series you can fit a 35" tire on it. This looks like you could definitely fit that

Excellent vid! 👍 I love this LC already! Good that they made it smaller.

Once he said "hybrid" and then also showed the gaudy interior tech I, well,...I couldn't be less interested in this vehicle.

I love the cloth seats and hope they're an option on more vehicles and trims. Also glad to see that they kept the 2-oiece rear hatch but wish it was the clamshell style like the previous LC/LX.

My 5speed 98' 2 door rav4 lasted me 369,000 miles and I followed it up with a 2007 6 speed FJ cruiser and it lasted me till 391,000 miles! Literally the only reason I sold it was because the floor boards were almost rusted out and I was getting close to Fred Flintstone status . Living in NY with all the salt on the road and often launching my boat into the salt water the salt eventually started getting to the ol'girl . But even at almost 400k and taking abuse from towing my boat all the time and sometimes upstate NY to lake george ( I live eastern long island) . THE ENGINES ARE BUILT TO LAST and for this i will forever be grateful to toyota . I am sad they stopped the FJ cruiser for it will forever hold a place in my heart .

I was told that they are putting a minimum up charge of $10k ...I went to a couple places the value option will have at least a 10k add on to the base price tag. The 4 Runner will probably get the upgrade next @ a$30-$35 k starting price.

I’m glade you guys reviewed a base model. It’s always the most expensive one in the lineup. Awesome review as always

Tommy, you’re killing it. You have a bright future ahead of you. Also this version will probably be 75K after markups. This market will be completely unreasonable for at least a few more years.

I must be smoking crack because $50k+ for a vehicle with manual seats is insane

When I was 12 yo. I hopped on to my grandmas friend land cruiser and I felt like I own the street while he drove his Landcruiser down the road. I really adore the ride quality, the height, the hefty design., The fact that this Landcruiser hasn't change as much as the last gen is really tempting for me to upgrade from my Jeep GC WK2. I was comparing the Hyundai Santa FE 2024 with this vehicle.. I think time will tell when I first seeing this guy and the Hyundai in person, the whole car industry went to the right path except for those ev cars, no hate whatsoever. I thought 4runner will be replacing the legend, but little did I know lol I'm glad to see this

I love the simplicity with the landcruiser, hopefully the stout/pickup’s return would have the same styling

Love that the LC is back. Love that it will be a serious off roader. But 2 inches smaller makes it JUST 2 inches on a bumper or something. It’s a mid size just like the T4R…so how the runner compares will be interesting

Nice review, and looking forward to seeing this on the road. Here in Oz this replaces the ('Landcruiser') Prado. Even though capable off road, mostly popular as a 7 seat family car. The 200/300 is the ever popular luxury grey nomad RV puller, and here we still get the classic 76 Cruiser too (even upgraded to meet upcoming safety regulations i.e. autonomous emergency braking etc). The 76 has been long gone in most global markets except for NGO buyers and off road die hards in Australia and Africa (and believe they spend up to the actual purchase price on mods and personalisation). I love how utilitarian this new Prado is, even that upholstery! It will certainly deter the 'DVD in leather head rests crowd' but will certainly please the go anywhere off road fans. Can't wait how this will pan out for Toyoya.

I really like this rig. Skidplates, tires and a roof rack would make this perfect for me. Maybe steel wheels. Still spendy, though. But, great value. Makes me curious about the new 4Runner, though. I miss my 3rd gen.

I’m so glad that Downunder we are getting an updated LC 70 series with solid front and rear axles. Sorry to you in the USA, without this model option.

This is a Land Cruiser as it should be. It was never supposed to be a luxury SUV as it was.

Great job on this overview of the base model. I’m liking what Toyota did with this.

I love the look except perhaps the rear view (small lights.) Overall I still prefer the look of my 3 door LC3, but this is the closest thing I’ve seen to a car I might someday replace it with.

Great retro look I reckon, I thought it looked a bit like a Discovery from the side. Great to see the traditional cruiser toughness hasn't been compromised too much for the US market.

My father got a Land Cruiser in 1982. I've only had Land Cruisers since I could afford one in 2002. I'm now on my 4th Land Cruiser in the last 20 years. And I don't regret a single thing. With some luck this will be my next Land Cruiser 😅

Once you see a land rover discovery you can’t unsee it

Nice review Tommy. Keep it up TFL team 👌

There is no doubt the hybrid set up specifically helps MPG but also immediate torque for the offroad chops.

This is definitely a welcome development, and glad to see Toyota finally bringing out a Land Cruiser that's not a luxobarge in UN drag. It appears to be durable without going completely military-spec on us. The Grand Cherokee (probably the closest competitor) bookends with both cheaper and pricier options, but it's a minimum of $7,000 more for one with the hybrid powertrain. Ditto for the poverty-spec Land Rover Defender 110 S - and that doesn't have the hybrid powertrain. So even for $55,000 there's some value here.

"you gotta look at the letters on the front...." great analysis! LOL.

A master class in engineering and common sense design. You would not hesitate to trust everything about it. Thanks TOYOTA, I’ve been waiting and you made my day. My dad had a 1985 Toyota Tercel wagon with 4 wheel drive. It had a small engine but,,,,,,,an extra low first gear so if you were in a pickle you could crawl and not fry the clutch. Genius stuff. For sale soon ,,,,2000 GMC Sierra SLT extended cab short box 2500 with 4.10s for towing your stuff.

I like how much I love the base model. All the fancy stuff is great but you don’t need it to make as good truck. Toyota knows how to build a good truck,And it looks like the LC58 is no exception

Get ready for markups and year long wait lists woohoo!

Yes, well done Tommy, that was intense. As far as towing is concerned, The EV side of the system is great, but we all know an EV battery is flattened incredibly quickly if you attempt to tow, what happens when the traction battery is flat and the (small) petrol engine has to do all the work? Presumably the torque figures include the assistance from the electric motor? A nickel metal hydride battery has significantly less impact on the environment during production and cheaper to produce and hopefully, replace in the future too. It’s a great looking truck, but I can’t wait for you guys to test it in real world situations like overlanding and towing tests. 👍

Thank you for reviewing a reasonably optioned car

Despite the LandRover-ish looks (which looks good btw) and the questionable engine option, the standard 4X4 rear diff arsenal across the range is awesome.

Traditional Landcruiser is solid front and rear axles.

Awesome review... I still feel it's a Prado. I also feel that if we are allowed to believe it will be 55k you have to be living under a rock, I feel more 65k-75k. Would have taken this as a 4 door Fj with parts that are compatible with the 4r, taco, and Tacoma. Just seems a little 2 basic for a Landcruiser or a Prado and I would go old school or imported. Because there has to be rigidity issues to be able to use a hybrid 4cylinder. I work for Toyota and am still stoked for this as an employee. But as an AE86, t100 4x4, Supra, helix, 70's celica guy I see a cheaper version from the frame up that WILL cost more than 55k. And those look like t100 seats...❤❤❤

Head to head comparison with 4-runner on trails would be great!

We all wanted a electric roll down window on the rear… not listening to consumers. That window is a huge sell point for a lot of buyers

Great video, very informative! Loving the fact that Toyota is designing with more class leading features and giving customers more value even on an entry level vehicle.

That trim naming makes a lot of sense People who are looking for bottom dollar will appreciate getting some nice naming and sentimentality so they're not feeling like they picked the base model. That lowers the psychological barrier to buying less of a car than you were hoping for. People who buy top trims partly do it for the name since most buyers know they're getting zero practical benefit from the extra stuff. It's often a status thing or a sick gadgets thing, so they catered to that. Everyone in between just goes "yeah I'm getting a landcruiser"

A great replacement for my former FJ60 but would like a tailgate over the hatchback. My FJ60 would hold five full sized golf bags and pull carts. Glad there’s no third row seats. If you need that buy an MPV. Fantastic looks.

I seriously cannot wait for this series premiere!. And maybe Toyota will might do the same thing as for the 4Runner as it follows by the Tacoma skinbones.(Meaning, it might share the same front end as the Tacoma but into a rugged SUV counterpart of a next 6th Gen.)

60s in the states never had a third row. I really wish this thing had a split rear hatch. That's one of the main things that make a LandCruiser. I'll buy one of these if I can get the first edition, but my FJ62 will still be my main ride.

Great review - thanks! Like the new LC but refuse to normalize dealer mark-ups… I’ll never pay more than MSRP so may be stuck with my 2021 Tacoma forever! 😉😎🙏🏼

it's so beautiful. I'm 27 and I'm honestly just a big fan of newer cars with the old-school design. so I'm glad these companies are making boxy looking cars with reasonable gas mileages.

wonderful review, you have gotten VERY good at these! I think the existing 5th gen 4runner still wins in many ways: the way the 2nd row folds is super wasteful in terms of space, the "arm rests" for the 3rd row waste space and the interior rear dimensions look the same as the 4runner, many welded brackets on the frame underneath look like a much thinner steel, the frame itself looks no beefier than that of the existing 5th gen, the reality of increased maintenance and failure points of a more complex powertrain exists regardless of who makes it, the brakes look the same as the brakes now in terms of both size and piston count, the UCAs and wheel arch design are not that different really, plus you have weird protrusions in the rear quarter of the wheel well, the 2nd row leg room is the same as 5th gen, the tech is more modern but with 2021 redesign of things in the 4runner it really doesn't matter a whole lot. basically, it is a newer, more complex truck, that will require and need EVERYTHING in order to get it to where you need it. moving the sway bar to behind the powertrain is an interesting choice as well...and not doing E-KDSS is odd, I suppose the sway bar disconnect on the higher trims helps. imo, better to stick with a 5th gen and modify it unless you want to daily it and need the torsen with full time awd.

It’s impressively well equipped. It’s a base model that you would actually like to have. Oh, never mind I just heard the $55k starting price. 😂

The 4 cylinder wrangler was fantastic when I rented one around the hills of Pittsburgh plenty of torque for overtaking even at the high end with the 8 speed transmission. That being said it's sad if I got one I'd have to supercharge a 6 cylinder to have something fun with a manual transmission.

I really like this cheaper version of a Land Cruiser. It's about time they did this. I think this will do very well in the 55k price range.

It’s the smaller Land Cruiser Prado in other markets, including here in Australia. The full size Land Cruiser 300 is also sold here and is bloody expensive with a ridiculous wait time.

Really love this as a base model. Full time with lockers is awesome as a base and fuel zone with heated seats and steering is really cool to see. Would never buy one over sticker though

Thanks for the great video. Slowly you are looking and sounding like your dad. Keep up the good work

I’m not tripping over myself to get this power train. I like the styling. It’s definitely a miss not adding the third row or US vehicles. That’s one of the knocks on the 4Runner.

Love it! Great job Tommy! Hope it’s the new European Prado. Definitely would love a TfL long term test, can’t wait for the podcast on this

I love the overall look and design. I wish they had designed it so that the rear seats could fold down to create a flat platform all the way back to the rear hatch, and instead of a hatch, there was a split tailgate hatch. The original idea behind the wagon style Land cruiser was more utilitarian, to be able to carry more people as well as to be used as a truck in case you might need it to haul cargo.

I recently traded in my 5th gen 4Runner on a 2021 Tundra Crewmax 1794 with a topper. I wanted the highway comfort and increased towing capacity of the Tundra, but was sad to give up the off-road capability of the 4Runner. The new Landcruiser 1958 just may be the answer. No vehicle is perfect, but this LC is checking off a LOT of boxes for me. Pretty sure the availability and finding one at MSRP will be impossible for a year or two.

Thanks reviewer for the take. Also special thanks to the man behind the camera.

Please look what is behind the blank switches! The base FJC had a connector behind it for enabling A-Trac which was meant only for the higher trim levels …$25 switch from Ebay upgraded your off-road capabilities

This is actually a good size for off-road. In particular it would be about right for overlanding. It shouldn't take the aftermarket long to figure out how to stuff at least 35s under it.

More clearance underneath than my FJ cruiser. Got rid of those big bent pipes under the crossmember to engine bay. Stoked to see these around. (Stuck in 4WD) im good lol

That cloth is very classic-80s toyota. The storage at the rear makes me think this will be a 3 row in other markets. I'd love to see what kind of structure hides underneath the trunk floor.

The engine just pisses me off, that isn’t a Land Cruiser, that’s a joke.

Props to Toyota for not putting in third row (at least in the US).

I had a Land Cruiser in 1973 and I still miss it. Toyota is my favorite.

And thanks for the review! Looking forward to the car.