2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 1958 5k Mile Review

Joined
Dec 5, 2003
Messages
4,355
Location
New England, USA
We put a fast 5k on the LC so here are some thoughts.

I really like the vehicle. I was a bit concerned about the 'step down' from my RR's, and it is, but I am very happy with the vehicle. It is very practical, has very good road manners for a truck based SUV, gets decent mileage and you can carry a lot in it comfortably. One of my concerns was the non-lowering vehicle and access by our parents and others, however per my Mom, the steps on the LC are more comfortable to use than the still high Rover even lowered, but that is one person's opinion...well two as an In-Law said something similar. I immediately replaced the OE tires w/ Michelin Defender LTX M/S2's in the optional larger size, a recommended upgrade.

Pluses
-Very good driver, decent ride if a bit rubbery feeling. Lots of power, especially on sport setting. Still decent on normal or econ. Decent mileage ~24mpg average so far.
-Comfortable seats, but a bit wide for me. Lumbar support could be better. No complaints from rear seat passengers so far.
-Cloth seats feel good AND clean completely with a Bissel say if your pup got into a vanilla tootsie roll and decided to return it in the car. Same for the plastic and vinyl doors. This is actually a big plus...dog vomit will permanently affect the finish on real leather seats and doors.
-Decent panel, configurable. Same for the center display.
-Some of the best functioning auto main beams that I have experienced, headlights very good overall. Standard front fogs are good.
-Driver aids, and there are many, provide a lot of adjustment.
-Cargo area is huge and mostly square w 120v power and cup/bottle holders (vestiges from the 3 row model). Convenient, but rather limited storage in the floor around the battery pack.
-The hybrid, stop/start is smooth. The engine has a distinct growl and slight vibration that I like but others may find coarse and unrefined. If the car is quiet say between songs, you can hear the turbo spool up.... (y)
-18" wheels and nice, ample sidewalls are great. Do not miss the 22" low profile tires, fragile and $$$$ wheels especially in the city.

Minuses...mostly nit picky
-Ridiculously small fuel tank. Most range I have seen is ~307 miles.
-Heated steering wheel and seats, but not mirrors.
-Beeps, chirps, etc. many, many alerts......
-Automatic braking can be a bit aggressive, may be regenerative.
-Center console storage is just a big box...would be nice to have a change area, money clip on the lid and maybe two levels of storage....I know, first world gripes.
-Some minor wind whistle from the hugh side mirrors...see first world comment above.
-Should have a wireless charger.
-No cargo cover is offered, but you can get one for the Lexus, which I did. Baffling...
-Gets a surprising amount of attention, questions, etc.

Overall, we enjoy the car and are satisfied. I'd recommend one without reservation, but I still look at Defenders....

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The local Toyota dealer sells one or two of these a year. My sons girlfriend bought a new Sequoia hybrid. That powertrain is ultra smooth. The interior of the vehicle (especially for what it costs) is a nightmare. He is now buying multiple units of certain trim pieces because they break, falloff, etc.
We can disagree-but I am still convinced Toyota doesn't really know the large SUV market and doesn't really compete.
 
Let me be a little clearer-that's what they sold of the previous generation. I suspect because of the high cost of entry-this generation will not be any different.

I know of four of them within a mile of me. Including my closest neighbor.

They have almost nothing in common with the previous 200 series Landcruiser. It's MSRP was in the 90k+ range.

This LC250 (known as the Landcruiser Prado in the rest of the world) is most closely related to your favorite vehicle, the 4Runner.

The base 1958 model MSRP starts in the high $50's. Fully loaded First Gen Editions, can reach an MSRP in the mid 70's.
 
I know of four of them within a mile of me. Including my closest neighbor.

They have almost nothing in common with the previous 200 series Landcruiser. It's MSRP was in the 90k+ range.

This LC250 (known as the Landcruiser Prado in the rest of the world) is most closely related to your favorite vehicle, the 4Runner.

The base 1958 model MSRP starts in the high $50's. Fully loaded First Gen Editions, can reach an MSRP in the mid 70's.
Hopefully with the redesign of the 4Runner riding on similar platforms some of the issues will be addressed.
 
Looks good, I hope it gives you many years of trouble free service.

How much weight can you load in the cargo area? I thought I read something about because of the battery being there, you can only load a couple hundred pounds on that surface.
 
Only have 600 miles on mine so far. Definitely wish the fuel tank was a 20 gallon. I have an Overtrail+ on order so just patiently waiting for that to come in.
 
Looks good, I hope it gives you many years of trouble free service.

How much weight can you load in the cargo area? I thought I read something about because of the battery being there, you can only load a couple hundred pounds on that surface.
There is a narrow storage compartment cover panel that has a weight limit of ~120lbs, but I'm not aware of a limit for the rest of the cargo area floor. I guess someone could put a knee on that panel and have an issue, but I have already filled the area w/ a recovery strap, chocks and the rest of my (never used) emergency stuff that the lid is well supported!
 
I like the looks of it! Kinda reminds me as the Japanese version of Range Rover as the Miata was the Japanese version of British roadsters.
I anticipate that you will experience traditional Toyota reliability.
 
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