2024 Toyota Land Cruiser First Edition
01/29/2025
Shahed Hussain
The Land Cruiser dates back to 1951, originally as a compact 4WD off-road vehicle, inspired by the Jeep. Introduced in 1958 to the US market, the Land Cruiser has steadily grown in size and price over the years until Toyota stopped importing the 200 Series model in 2021. In 2024, Toyota decided to offer a smaller, less expensive version based on the TNGA-F platform shared with the 4Runner.
Toyota launched the downsized 2024 Land Cruiser with three models: Land Cruiser 1958 ($55,950), Land Cruiser ($61,950), and Land Cruiser First Edition ($74,950). For 2025, Toyota eliminated the First Edition from the lineup. The MSRP for the 2025 Land Cruiser 1958 rises to $56,700, but the Land Cruiser drops to $61,470.
We tested a 2024 Land Cruiser First Edition which includes most of the standard and optional equipment in the Land Cruiser. Only 5,000 First Editions were available in North America. Significant standard equipment includes 8-way power heated/ventilated front seats, leather seats, 12.3-in. infotainment display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, 10-speaker audio system, wireless Qi charging pad, digital key, roof rack, rock rails, and front skid plate. Safety technologies include pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitor, lane departure alert, dynamic radar cruise control, and lane tracing assist.
All Land Cruisers are powered by Toyota's i-FORCE MAX 2.4L inline-4 turbo mated to an 8-speed automatic. The integrated hybrid system uses a 48-hp electric motor and a small 1.87 kWh 288V NiMH battery pack. According to Toyota, the combined system is rated for 326-hp @ 6,000 RPM and 465 lb.-ft. @ 1,700 RPM. A full-time 4WD system and a 2-speed transfer case are standard. The lockable center Torsen(R) limited-slip differential and an electronic locking rear differential can split torque 50:50 (F/R) to maximize available traction. EPA fuel consumption estimates are 22/25 MPG (city/hwy.). Chilly winter weather during our evaluation resulted in 15-20 MPG in highway driving, and around 19-20 MPG on city streets.
Toyota's TNGA-F platform has a double wishbone front suspension, coil springs, dampers, and stabilizer bar. At the rear is a 4-link solid axle, coil springs, dampers, and a stabilizer bar. Ventilated disc brakes are at all four wheels: 13.1-in. rotors, front and rear. A motor-assisted variable-ratio rack-and-pinion steering system is geared for a 20-ft. turning radius. The First Edition gets 18-in. alloy wheels and 265/70R18 Michelin LTX Trail tires. Optional 20-in. wheels and 265/60R20 tires are available on the Land Cruiser model. A full-size spare is standard on all Land Cruisers. Curb weight ranges from 5,360 lbs. to 5,445 lbs. Towing capacity is rated at 6,000 lbs.
The Land Cruiser's interior design is functional with logically laid out controls. Exterior visibility is excellent due to the upright windshield and high seating position. The leather-wrapped steering has buttons for audio, phone, and vehicle settings. Dual paddles behind the wheels allow manual shifting on demand. The digital gauge cluster displays a simulated analog speedometer, digital speedometer and a tachometer. A 12.3-in infotainment display shows navigation, audio, and vehicle settings. Under the center vents are the dual climate controls, heated/ventilated seats, and heated steering wheel. A wireless charging pad on the center console recharges mobile phones. Dual USB-C charging ports, and a USB-C data port are on the center stack. Next to the shifter are dual cupholders. Mode setting buttons for the 4WD system are located on the center console.
The First Edition's perforated leather seats provide excellent comfort and reasonable lateral support. We found the power lumbar support to be too high on the back to be effective. The rear split-bench seats accommodate three passengers, but the flat cushion is too firm. Rear legroom is above average, since the Land Cruiser doesn't have third row seats. Even with the panoramic roof, front and rear headroom is exceptional for passengers over 6 ft. tall. Rear passengers benefit from climate controls, dual USB-C ports and a 12V power outlet.
Toyota equips the Land Cruiser's with a full complement of off-road drivetrain modes: center differential lock, rear differential lock, stabilizer bar disconnect, 4WD high, 4WD low, crawl and terrain modes. Three powertrain modes are available: Normal, Eco, and Sport. We mostly used the Normal and Sport modes. The Land Cruiser drove through light snow and slush in 4WD High mode with no traction or handling issues.
SUVs like the Land Cruiser sacrifice on-road steering and braking performance as a necessary compromise in return for off-road capability. As we expected, steering turn-in response is delayed due to the Michelin all-terrain tires. On winding roads, the Land Cruiser exhibits significant body roll and understeer, both typical for tall SUVs. Toyota's engineers tuned the suspension for a relatively soft and compliant ride, although damping is firm enough to control body motion effectively. Subjective braking is average with a spongy feel and long pedal travel.
At highway speeds around 70 MPH, the slab-sided Land Cruiser is affected by crosswinds, requiring frequent steering corrections. Like other all-terrain tires, the Michelins contribute to reduced steering precision. The roof rack and exterior mirrors generate audible wind noise, but engine, road and tire noise are relatively subdued.
The i-FORCE MAX turbo four delivers excellent low-RPM response, augmented by the electric motor's torque. Midrange throttle response is impressive, aided by the smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic. In Normal mode, the automatic upshifts into 8th gear for maximum fuel efficiency. The 2.4L gets buzzy at full throttle, typical for a large displacement inline-4. The idle stop/start system shuts off the engine to reduce fuel consumption, and restarts immediately when accelerating from a stop.
Returning the legendary Land Cruiser back to the US should please Toyota fans, and appeal to a larger customer base. The First Edition is certainly priced at a premium compared to the other Land Cruiser models. Off-road trekkers should consider the base Land Cruiser 1958 instead. Alternatively, the Lexus GX 550 Overtrail is a comparable alternative at slightly lower price. Although the First Edition is a limited production model intended for collectors, we believe the other Land Cruiser models offer superior value with similar capability.
