By: Joshua Lee
November 29, 2024
The Toyota Land Cruiser has long been synonymous with off-road dominance and rugged reliability, and it returns to Canada after 35 years with a modern twist. This new iteration blends advanced hybrid technology, a meticulously engineered off-road platform, and distinctive design elements. Thanks to Toyota Canada, we’ll explore why the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser First Edition is one of the most anticipated vehicles of the year for adventure enthusiasts.
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser First Edition marks a monumental shift for the brand, as it adopts a hybrid powertrain and an eight-speed automatic transmission. It is powered by Toyota’s i-FORCE MAX turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with a 48-horsepower electric motor, producing a total output of 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. The Land Cruiser embraces a new chapter in automotive efficiency, offering a potent yet fuel-efficient hybrid system. This setup provides a smoother driving experience and delivers power instantly when needed, which is particularly beneficial for conquering steep inclines, rock crawling, or traversing challenging mud and sand. The system’s quiet operation also enhances the driving experience in nature, allowing drivers to enjoy serene surroundings without the roar of a traditional engine.
When it comes to off-road capability, the Land Cruiser stands out with its blend of sophisticated technology and robust mechanical features. Its body-on-frame construction provides the durability and flexibility necessary to handle demanding trails, rocky paths, and steep gradients. With Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) and crawl control, drivers can choose between different terrain modes to optimize traction and stability. The Land Cruiser First Edition also comes standard with a center locking differential, a two-speed transfer case, a locking rear differential, downhill assist, and a range of other advanced off-road features to ensure it is ready for any challenge.
Our First Edition tester comes in Trail Dust with a contrasting Light Grey roof, 18-inch alloy wheels, front and transfer skid plates, rock rails, a roof rack, and rally-inspired mud flaps. The Land Cruiser First Edition also features Rigid Industries’ LED fog lights, which can be toggled between white and amber for different weather conditions. Its boxy profile is a crowd-pleaser, and the round LED headlamps are a nod to its heritage.
The Land Cruiser seats five comfortably, offering plenty of room and excellent outward visibility. It features a 12.3-inch driver’s display and a 12.3-inch infotainment system that are quick and easy to operate. Luxury amenities include heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, three-zone climate control, a moonroof, and a 14-speaker JBL audio system. First Edition models also feature the logo embossed on the door panels for an exclusive touch. The Land Cruiser provides 1,063 liters of cargo capacity behind the rear seats. While the hybrid battery placement raises the load floor, the 60/40 seats can be folded and tumbled forward for additional space. A powered rear door adds convenience, and we appreciate the pop-up rear window for quickly placing items in the trunk.
The Land Cruiser comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which includes an improved forward-facing camera and radar sensor to better detect and avoid obstacles. Blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, and a multi-terrain monitor are also standard on the First Edition.
Fuel economy ratings are 10.7 L/100 km city, 9.5 L/100 km highway, for a combined 10.1 L/100 km. We achieved slightly higher consumption at 11.8 L/100 km during our week-long test.
The Land Cruiser is available in four models: 1958 at $72,355.08, Land Cruiser at $80,355.08, Land Cruiser Premium Package at $86,355.08, and the First Edition at $93,435.08. The Land Cruiser First Edition is limited to 5,000 units in North America, with only 290 units allocated to Canada.
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser First Edition is a masterclass in blending tradition with modernity. It retains the core rugged capabilities that made the Land Cruiser legendary, though its hybrid powertrain could be more fuel-efficient. However, this is a minor concern for such a capable off-roader. While both the Land Cruiser and Lexus GX550 Overtrail+ share the same fundamental platform and many off-road systems, the GX550 leans heavily into Lexus’s reputation for luxury, offering a higher-grade interior, premium materials, advanced technology, and a quieter, more composed ride on-road. The Toyota variant is better suited for serious trail use, and with the added benefit of a hybrid powertrain, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser First Edition might just be the winner.
