2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Review | Toyota's Icon Returns To Basics, Sort Of

How does Toyota's Land Cruiser drive on-road? You'll have to check out our Lexus GX video for that because sadly our time with the Land Cruiser was strictly off-road and not on the most challenging course I've ever seen. Bottom line however: Toyota has finally worked the kinks out of their RWD hybrid system. This is notably smoother than the Tundra or Sequoia hybrid thanks to additional software refinements, although the fuel economy numbers leave a bit to be desired. Yes, it is the most efficient gas powered off-road SUV I've driven, but not by as much as you'd think...
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[@mrgurulittle7000]

Badass! With everything getting bloated and huge nowadays, I’m glad Toyota kept the Land Cruiser Prado nice and compact.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Compact is relative but yes, this could have been bigger and I'm glad it isn't. -Travis

[@rogue13131313]

Car prices are insane

[@eg4449]

All prices are insane...

[@NomenClature-o8s]

CAFE standards, EPA regulations, safety standards…all those things made cars more expensive. Careful who you vote for.

[@iamgermane]

"No replacement for displacement!" No way accept a 4-cylinder engine in lieu of a V-6!!

[@NomenClature-o8s]

@@iamgermane Good, don’t buy one.

[@patricklawrence2755]

I want one. But still too steep for me. The plan is to get a used one in 2026 after any bugs or recalls come thru for a 1st yr vehicle. Maybe trade in my paid-for 4Runner, maybe keep that too

[@Tully3674]

A very thorough review. Expect nothing less from Alex. Kudos!

[@dcuccia]

Like the conversation mode on the drive, and the classic AoA format to start. Great evolution of format and the franchise.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

It's all a work in progress, thanks for watching! -Travis

[@francoa.9646]

After leaving the USA for the Philippines a few years ago, we bought a brand new ‘21 FJ Cruiser which was still being made in some parts of the world. It was just under $40k. Now there is news of Toyota making a smaller 2 and 4 door SUV called SCOUT about the size of the Ford Maverick, but target price is around $16k usd. I think I will choose one of those instead of this $60k 4cyl LC.

[@vipraz119]

Alex.. no such thing as a LC 350. Its 300.

[@huanronghu4432]

Hey Alex, you got the code name wrong for the Lexus LX600-related Land Cruiser. It's called the 300 series, not the 350 series, unless they will call it that when it gets the TTV6 hybrid

[@Mean_Bean279]

My hope for the new GX hybrid is that it will be this 2.4 hybrid and not the 6. I’d love my GX to be actually fuel efficient rather than a V8 replacement (which I don’t need a 3rd V8 in my fleet).

[@faheemabbas3965]

Pretty sure it is, pictures of it from China were posted online a while ago iirc and it has the cargo-area bump that the LC250 has due to the battery.

[@mrketo7077]

I hate v8

[@OldelCpt]

My bet is that Lexus has to remain a step up from the LC and 4Runner. It thus will be the similar hybrid system as the Tundra/Sequoia, but with the same smaller turbo that is in the new GX 550. One reason is that it will have to keep the higher capacity towing of up to 9000 lbs and the 4L hybrid most likely cannot do that being limited to 6000 lbs.

[@ZaZa-ra]

250 and 300 are on the same platform. Only Drivetrain and difflock differences. Very similar. The 150 and 200 (last generation) were a different platform and drivetrain. Much bigger difference. I own a 200 series (full fat land cruiser), felt much better than the 150. For my next cruiser I’m likely to go for the 250 (reviewed here) as the differences are less in this generation and I don’t run seven seats.

[@InvestBetter.]

I find it interesting that after over 15 years of hybrids, Toyota is not moving to Lithium-Ion This tells me 2 things: 1. It's not noticeably more efficient than Nickel-Metal 2. They can't build it at scale, cost-effectively

[@runner6m]

Looks like if you want the offroad goodies like MTS/Crawl/rear locker AND you want the full time 4wd with the lockable center Torsen, the LC or GX is your only choice. Really wish you could get the center Torsen with the Trail Hunter 4runner, I like the rear roll down window vs. the LC's pop open window.

[@OldelCpt]

It makes little sense that only the 4R Limited and higher get the full time 4WD, it should be an option on other trims like the Trailhunter indeed. Anyone driving on snowy mixed road would appreciate.

[@benrecht7300]

I know they had the Camrys out in the desert too, were you able to get those out on the road for the video coming Thursday?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

You'll just have to wait and see. -Travis

[@United_Kangaroo1992]

​@@AAutoBuyersGuideare they going to take the same course as this vehicle?

[@davidfuith2995]

Round headlights, please.

[@Ridingforsanity]

I like the round headlights, retro look. Rectangle headlights look like a Lego mobile

[@andyleo8418]

3rd row in the 4Runner is unusable except for small kids. Its already tight back there without the seats.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

That's why I like the term "emergency third row". -Travis

[@photokunstler]

square headlights is the way to goooo. it's refreshing not to see something unconventional... however w this trend in square pixel LCD, I'm sure will get old after a while, too.

[@bogart5131]

battery depleted? i thought hybrid means auto.atic self charging when car is running? if car is running, so the battery will not be depleted

[@sabbirmoula]

Ridiculously high dealer price

[@desimo147]

I feel like the base model Land Cruiser should ditch the hybrid powertrain and give you more room behind the 2nd row as a result. Plus, they could lower the price. That raised load floor looks like an afterthought tbh. The rest of the vehicle looks very well done.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

That would be added complication meaning it wouldn't lower the price as much as you'd probably like. -Travis

[@thegrth]

Agreed raised floor is terrible. In other markets this has a 2.8L 4cyl diesel option

[@garykinard7553]

70-80K, I will take two. And while I am at it I will buy two full engine and transmission replacements.

[@ttown918]

For what this is - a big, heavy, traditional, legit SUV - 23 MPG is perfectly acceptable.

[@finalmage6]

Really wish we had pricing on the new 4Runner. I don't see how it could be too much cheaper than the Land Cruiser seeing all the parts sharing. I guess maybe without the battery pack it will save on costs, but just how much?? Annoying that Toyota didn't give us some idea of pricing during the reveal.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Pricing would have been great but we'll just have to be patient. -Travis

[@ALMX5DP]

Yup without hybrid system and without full time 4wd likely can save $7-8k+ on the base price, not to mention some of the other bits and pieces that likely are different.

[@sandilemajiya7831]

Does it have a remote start?

[@ToneNYC718]

This looks a lot more roomy in the rear than the 4 Runner, yet the 4 Runner will offer a 3rd row and this won't. I don't understand why Toyota is offering 2 different models that are the same dimensions with the same powertrain. It would make sense if one was a luxury version and one was an off-road version or if one was a convertible Bronco/Wrangler competitor.

[@stephenwierzbicki4463]

I love the 3 module (side by side) Headlights ❤🎉🥳🤣😎 Although, I'm Looking forward to Purchasing a New Trail Hunter Blue with Brown interior (Hopefully)😎🇺🇲

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

The Land Cruiser won't have a Trailhunter trim at launch. -Travis

[@stephenwierzbicki4463]

@@AAutoBuyersGuide Travis, I meant to say that I'm gonna be purchasing a 4RUNNER Trail Hunter 💙 Blue with Brown 🤎 interior (Hopefully)😎 Unsure IF I will get a Hybrid 🇺🇲😎😍

[@eebclee]

I’m pretty sure there is a front trail camera, one of the other reviews showed it on one of these two LCs.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

It's dependent on trim. -Travis

[@davel7642]

What is the ground clearance of the LC with 18” tires? Does it have forward looking camera with tire placement guidelines as in the GX when in 4L?

[@davidheaton6206]

The 4R is longer than the LC! Hersey!!

[@neochu1]

A weird placement of the volume knob. The driver has volume controls on the steering wheel. The front passenger would not use it since it is so far from them, being to the left of the screen. I see why the design is what it is though - doesn't look like there is much room anywhere else. I guess the designers feared the potential complaints if they didn't put in a volume knob but it is completely useless.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I don't think many volume knobs take the passenger into consideration. -Travis

[@1GulFF]

In Middle East volume button in middle next to camera button

[@rosemont5339]

Ohh was waiting for this one!

[@mubirudenis809]

I go with the land cruiser

[@Tryagain205]

Ladder goes on the $2000 roof rack.

[@六点儿]

Toyota charges their customer soo much, but doesn't even bother to remove the third row arm rest.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

But you do get extra cupholders. -Travis

[@officialyasir]

Jeep Wrangler 4xe managed to hide the 18 kWh battery under the body without compromising any cargo capacity but Toyota couldn't figure out how to hide the tiny 1.87 kWh battery so they had to use the rear cargo. LOL, What the heck, Toyota?!

[@cormacsage7126]

FJ cruiser be proper name

[@JustinHall1976]

Looks great, but when you got to the price it took me out. Ha ha!

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

It's not cheap, that's for sure. -Travis

[@morg4620]

Come on toyota, you should have given us amber turn signals for North American market. Big fail. Wonder if the non North American taillights will fit for a swap?

[@scott8238]

Missed Opportunity. Toyota destroyed the land cruiser brand by making the 250 (it's no longer the 300) mechanically identical to the Tacoma and now failed to differentiate the 4runner in the slightest.

[@maidofmilo]

The 250 replaces the 150 (Prado in many countries). The LC300 replaced the LC200. The LC300 is still current and will be sold in many countries alongside the 250 (Prado, commonly referred to as the LC's little bro).

[@PeakDecline]

That might be the most ridiculous just slapped on volume knob I've ever seen.

[@tommy516]

Why can NO ONE MEASURE THE REAR CARGO AREA IN THEOR FREAKING REVIEWS? Hi difficult is to bring a tape measure and measure the length width and depth.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Why CAN ONE TURN OFF CAPS LOCK WHEN COMMENTING?

[@tommy516]

@@AAutoBuyersGuide I DON’T KNOW, if I double tap the up ARROW IT STAYS ALL CAPS!!!

[@tommy516]

Did you measure the freaking rear cargo area?

[@rogerfisher2303]

So it's a hybrid that gets about the same mpg as my current Grand Cherokee Overland V6. Somebody's gotta do better with SUV hybrid mpgs. Thought Toyota would make that happen but doesn't seem so, at least not yet.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

It's possible to get better mpg but that would likely mean sacrificing power. As much as I would love to see this be a bit more economical it's clear enough that enough people already have strong feelings about it being hybrid; imagine if it was less powerful. -Travis

[@chris-allen]

They are using hybrid tech to enhance power more so than fuel economy . It uses the electric motor to fill in gaps in power that the turbo would miss like low rpms where the turbo would be spooling up and higher rpms where the turbo boost starts to fall off

[@pahanin2480]

4 cylinder is not approved by the land cruiser community

[@bugsnbikes]

Toyotas most reliable and tough little engine is a 4 banger. in the U.S. its the 22re.GOAT. And abroad the 3B diesel is the Goat toyota diesel. Married to a 150ft lbs of torque from Zero rpms/hybrid power- will make these even more efficient when adding 33" or 35" wheels offroad as the torque to start everyting crawlng forward will be from the electric motors.

[@MeGaTrOn361-j6d]

I demand a heavy vehicle that gets Prius mileage!

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

By all means feel free to do so. -Travis

[@MeGaTrOn361-j6d]

@@AAutoBuyersGuide I bet I sound silly asking for car like mileage on a 5000 plus car while demanding more features and a third row seat for cheap.

[@user-rw7xd7qy3j]

What octane fuel does it take

[@Vin-fu1rm]

What's the point of this vehicle? The name itself will not sale.

[@gd3515]

A puky little 4 banger (turbo or not/hybrid or not). Thumbs down

[@drive-channel1834]

Am I Fourth?

[@hdds6544]

Yay, first comment!

[@jtomtl]

It’s Land Cruiser Prado, not the big full spec LC300, very misleading name. People who know knows what they are really getting into

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Very true. -Travis

[@YankeeMav]

@@AAutoBuyersGuideis the Lexus LX the same as JDM Land Cruiser 350?

[@M1911jln]

@@YankeeMav There is no Land Cruiser 350. There is a global 300 Series Land Cruiser. Yes, the LX 600 is essentially the same as the 300 Series Land Cruiser, although there are different trims and powertrains available in different markets. The LX 600 is top trim with the twin turbo V6. Other markets get lower trim models with less expensive appointments and different powertrains.

[@ClarkS963]

Who cares. Stop comparing it to the "old" LC. It's a different car. I swear. There are too many comments on all these new LC videos..."it's not a LC it's a Prado! Wa wa wa..."

[@perpelle]

The old LC prado was just called the land cruiser in many countries so it's nothing new.

[@peterscott2662]

I like the "classic" look of the round headlights.

[@Quincyq15]

Agree round headlights on the LC are better

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

It's interesting that they are either the cheaper or most expensive option. -Travis

[@iamgermane]

"No replacement for displacement!" No way accept a 4-cylinder engine in lieu of a V-6!!

[@drive-channel1834]

00:35 Hi Alex, I think the current worldwide version is 300 series. and this 250 (Prado?). They're now with same wheelbase (2850 mm). Previous gen: 200 series 150 series (Prado) (GX460) Older: 100 series 90 series (Prado)

[@drive-channel1834]

I think the current Lexus versions: LX650 ("big Bro") GX550 ("little Bro") The little Bro now isn't very little at all, they all have same wheelbase. IDK why Toyota love 2850mm so much. 🤔🤔🤔 Older G-wagen is 2850mm too (newer Gen slightly longer iirc 2890mm). Why 2850mm? IDK.

[@tempestv8]

Toyota/Lexus are not fooling me as the concept of a big LX vs a smaller GX or big 300 vs a smaller 250 really doesn't hold water anymore. All these new models are pretty much the same slightly shrunken size to the previous generation 200 Series LandCruiser or Lexus LX570. That's how Toyota and Lexus can release so many new models in such a short space of time - these vehicles are pretty much identical underneath the skin.

[@timbermannh]

I'm on the verge of pulling the trigger on a First Edition. This video is the best review for the LC I've seen to date. You guys have a great delivery. No goofy "bro stuff", just really good data delivery and driving impression feedback. It's giving me a little more comfort for my impending ridiculously expensive purchase- I'm a little more confident on what to expect on delivery. I wish you had the corresponding highway/road test tho... Thanks.

[@iamgermane]

"No replacement for displacement!" No way accept a 4-cylinder engine in lieu of a V-6!! The new Nissan Pathfinder is cheaper and comes with a bullet proof V-6.

[@bills6055]

Thank god they didn't put the giant "T O Y O T A" across the passenger side dash. I'd buy this over a 4Runner just to not have that.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Everyone has their things. -Travis

[@bradleysargent9803]

I would like to see a Prime version (plug in Hybrid). That would make the 23 MPG easier to live with. Great video!

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

It definitely would. -Travis

[@MadMadOne]

Unlikely to happen. We can see the effect of regular hybrid on the cargo space.

[@HumperMKB]

@@MadMadOne agree, it’s already heavy and pricey, prime will make if even more so in both issues

[@meenam300zx]

Yes, and expect to pay over $100k. Are you nuts?

[@rostamr4096]

I definitely like the Rectangulare headlights...you make the best and most detailed car review...second to none...

[@ibrahimbashir6634]

Do your homework !! Land cruiser 350 ?? This is 250 series or LC pracdo

[@Rioichi4]

I love boxes and and I love that lighter roof! 23mpg as a hybird tho.... Youch. I'm scared to know what it would be without a hybrid lol I also appreciate rear vents on the ceiling rather than floor, for no other reason than they stay CLEAN.

[@270billjones]

Best reviewer on KZbin. And I watch a bunch of them 👍

[@BTC909]

10K markups even on the base model.

[@jamesamber6009]

Some people don't care about EV, or FSD, they just prefer to drive.........

[@jasonracey9600]

Which headlights illuminate the road better? That's all that matters. If you care about the shape then you're shopping for a Mall Cruiser.

[@LoveStallion]

I don't care one way or the other on the headlights. I think this thing is pretty sweet. And it gets the wider infotainment screen that Toyota seems hellbent on never bringing to the Sienna!

[@ccolivardia]

They should have made the 4Runner more compact, making it a more direct competitor to a wrangler

[@perpelle]

It looks so freaking good! To bad it's way more expensive where I live compared to the US.

[@vernonbennettiii3646]

As usual, Alex, your analysis is EXCELLENT!

[@iamgermane]

"No replacement for displacement!" No way accept a 4-cylinder engine in lieu of a V-6!!

[@greggjarvis133]

I've owned dozens of land cruisers just not that piece of s***

[@kylepeterson]

needs more useless plastic on the front.

[@KKop]

The base model sounds great. I'm starting to tire of the big screens and luxury in general. Would much rather have the off-road hardware that the base model gets.

[@OldelCpt]

The base model has less offroad hardware like it doesn’t have unlocking the sway bar, which makes no sense.

[@daveybro]

Nice review! Did you get any on road time with the new lc? Wonder how it compares to the new gx. Feel like Toyota is rushing all these ice 4x4 out to stave off the ev revolution- they have to recoup all the r&d costs sooner than later.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

We wanted to but didn't get the opportunity. It won't be the last time we drive it though! -Travis

[@KimT-fy1ub]

25mpg from a hybrid 4 cylinder is kinda sad

[@aliendroneservices6621]

Sequoia is the new Landcruiser, according to Doug DeMuro. (You two must settle this with a cage match.) Looks like the new "Landcruiser" is a reboot of the downmarket and short-lived *_FJ Cruiser._*

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I wouldn't exactly call it a reboot but it's not the Land Cruiser we remember. -Travis

[@francoa.9646]

The big Laand Cruiser is still sold by Lexus as the LX model.

[@rcDoom]

It's a Costco Cruzer not a Land Cruzer

[@rblbatb]

Good looking car!

[@dand2334]

Big miss on the volume knob placement at 14min. Do you really want the passenger reaching all the way over to just in front of the steering wheel to adjust the volume? What was Toyota thinking? Dumb design

[@ruffmadman]

I have no idea about off roading at all, but I just really really want this vehicle. It just looks so cool. Maybe i can pick it up as a new hobby 🤔

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

It's a great looking vehicle. -Travis

[@lomax20744]

@AAutoBuyersGuide @ 3:27 wheelbase is 112.2. not 102.2

[@spinmouth4114]

Base model, no mark up please. Love the upright windshield and dual grab handles upfront. Turbo 4 and hybrid NMH are disturbing but few boxy SUV options out there to choose from. Old school is good school.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Take it for a spin, I'm sure you'll be less disturbed by the powertrain. -Travis

[@Yul-Uhlu]

Rocks love upright windshields too. Facts.

[@spinmouth4114]

Every Ranoramic Glass Roof in existance already knows this. Windshields are cheap, Glass Roof not so much.

[@jerrywagoner4373]

Towing codpiece! 🤣

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

We're open to other suggestions. -Travis

[@jlwagon]

@@AAutoBuyersGuide Nah, I'm going to use that one.

[@francoa.9646]

I found it odd that you never mention that you can still get the larger Land Cruiser in the US, just rebadged as the Lexus LX as it has been since the mid 90s.

[@mdensch1]

I recall reading that AMC had already adopted a more limited version of this interchangeability with the 1963 redesign of the “senior” cars. The inner door stampings on the 4-door cars were interchangeable in the same fashion as the Cavalier’s as were the bumpers. The American was also given this treatment with its 1964 redesign. IF I recall correctly.

[@Jazzzon777]

They might need to bring back the "mild hybrid" term. How does this compare to one of the 48v beefy stop/start systems?

[@kildli]

Does LC250 really have similar leg room as 6th 4runner? based on all the videos I watched, LC looks like extra few inches and look a lot roomier than new 4runner

[@davidheaton6206]

Should’ve done more to separate from 4R considering price point. Should’ve had EKDSS option and TTV6 option and 3rd row option

[@dimekoza]

You should use Travis for interior size presentation as he seems bigger/taller than you, and for us tall people is kinda nice to se on a video how we would possibly fit in a car.

[@brianh5393]

@AAutoBuyersGuide Am I understanding that the 2 row only 250 Land Cruiser has 3rd row air vents, but in the 4runner that actually has a 3rd row, it has no roof mounted 2nd or 3rd row air vents?

[@photokunstler]

It's soo soooo sexy, but damn that price. It kills me. If it was an EV, then I could see the price being agreeable- the MPG is just still too low :(

[@wydryfly]

Toyota is brilliant to charge for the name “Landcruiser. ”I’ve had three LCs in the past and this isn’t a Land Cruiser. The image will sell this.

[@jackchn23]

So…this, the GX,or the new 4Runner? All essentially the same truck with different options?

[@meenam300zx]

In N. California, this one is priced at $89k. I will not pay that kind of money for Toyota.

[@user-ss3ud7pp7f]

Can’t beat a 4Runner now, as awesome as the earlier Landcruisers were, they’re just not the same awesome trucks.

[@jhl72]

What tire size is on that First Edition? They look like Toyo Open County and that's not the stock tire.

[@lawrenceralph7481]

Just too expensive. Bought an older ICE Highlander for 40% of this, added Wildpeak Trails and will live within the reduced capability. Prices people pay today are unfathomable. 30% more that before COVID.

[@BattleScar09]

Does it have acoustic glass side windows like the GX 550?

[@adventurepromo]

Thumbs up for "towing cod piece". Excellent.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Alex, Due to the fact the new 4Runner has such a cramped interior, this is an easy win for Land Cruiser. The magnificent two-tone paint is just icing on the cake. 🤩🤩 Speaking of North American regulations, let's hope Toyota's new compact 4x4 is fit for sale in this market. 🤞🤞

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

The Land Cruiser has a lot going for it but you've got to be willing to pay for some of the differences between it and 4Runner. -Travis

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@AAutoBuyersGuide Travis, Whatever you are paying, you have to be able to fit in your SUV. The new 4Runner is yet another TNGA vehicle with lousy headroom. In a vehicle with the mass and mission statement of a 4Runner which is built specifically for big-boned Americans and Canadians, the miserable headroom is inexcusable.

[@janoycresnova9156]

I'm not too sure about an easy win. Lexus GX is way nice than this and costs less.

[@afcgeo882]

@@rightlanehog3151Except the LC in this video and the J300 LC also use the same TNGA-F platform as the 4Runner, so…

[@OldelCpt]

@@janoycresnova9156depends on trim. The GX 550 Overtrail is the comparable trim and it’s a bit more expensive, but has more, like e-KDSS.

[@MusicLuv80]

They are all hybrid? Oh no. I like Hybrid but not for off road trucks.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Why not? -Travis

[@MusicLuv80]

@@AAutoBuyersGuide Afraid it might malfunction. I have a friend who works at a dealership who said hybrids are great but if you damage them lot of times insurance totals the car because it cost a lot to fix them.

[@rosemont5339]

I like both the round and edge rectangular lights. Might go with round just for the throwback.

[@DaciaProject]

There is the 300, not 350!