2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, Test Drive

[wings&wheels]

I finally got to take a long test drive in the new Land Cruiser, the mid model. Short story is I liked it much more than I expected, and it drives very much like the current comparable Defender, albeit significantly 'lighter' feeling. Overall feeling is much less substantial than a RR.

Overall fit and finish and material quality, exterior and interior, are what you would expect from a Japanese built Toyota; excellent. Ergonomics, control placement and ability to find a good driving position were also very good, the seats have one of the widest adjustments I have experienced. The dash layout is good by current standards (but I am a steam gauge loving Luddite), or maybe less bad is a better description. It has toggles switches and buttons for the key climate controls, which is a plus as I prefer controls that one doesn't have to constantly look at to use. The seats had too much vinyl for this category but at least it was good vinyl. I believe partial leather is an option, but I do not believe full is.

Drove well, little touchy on throttle and the same for brakes. The steering is a bit light and had very little feel, but was tight and precise, but feels like one is turning a rheostat instead of a mechanical device...but I am comparing to what I usually drive. This is fine for a DD.

Rode a bit stiffer than I thought, again Defender like. No rattles, etc. On feature I like is the smaller wheels and relatively higher profile tires vs. many current vehicles. Still feels light.

Overall I liked it a lot and it may be my next DD. While I am a Rover fan, have had great experiences with mine over the years, and I am cross shopping the Defender. However, I know a few folks who have bought LR products over the past ~2 years and have heard about issues with the current offerings.

Surprised at this though, unusual to see 100% single COO on any vehicle.

 

[Trav]

Was this the 4 banger? How is it?

 

[edyvw]

Was this the 4 banger? How is it?

They are only 4 bangers as far as I know.

 

[02SE]

They are only 4 bangers as far as I know.

Yes, the Landcruiser 250 is 4 Cylinder and Hybrid only, in the USA. A neighbor has had theirs for 4+ months, and says they are very happy with it. I drove it when they first got it. It has good low-end torque at 465 lb-ft.

My sister and BIL have a 1 year old Defender. It's a good thing they have numerous vehicles, because the Defender is often spending quality time at the Dealer.

 

[edyvw]

Yes, the Landcruiser 250 is 4 Cylinder and Hybrid only, in the USA. A neighbor has had theirs for 4+ months, and says they are very happy with it. I drove it when they first got it. It has good low-end torque at 465 lb-ft.

My sister and BIL have a 1 year old Defender. It's a good thing they have numerous vehicles, because the Defender is often spending quality time at the Dealer.

Yeah, LR and RR are definitely not the epitome of reliability.
I think a 4-banger-hybrid is a good mix for LC. But they completely missed the target in Sequoia with a 6-cyl-hybrid combo. And I cannot tell you how pissed I am bcs. of that.

 

[wings&wheels]

Was this the 4 banger? How is it?

Surprising amount of power, but the throttle response is almost too much at initial application. It felt almost as if Toyota is trying to make the 4 feel like something else.

LR/RR have never been the epitome of reliability, bit mine have been fine. That being said, I have heard that things have gone a bit downhill over the past model year or two. That, plus its time for a change.

 

[Elkins45]

What’s the sticker price on one of those?

 

[wavinwayne]

I have a current crush on the Lexus version of this SUV. Drool...

 

[02SE]

What’s the sticker price on one of those?

Basically high 50's for a base trim model, up to high 70's for a loaded trim model. That's MSRP. Some Dealers are asking for ADM, and some are probably getting it.

 

[sw99]

Thanks for the test drive review. I hope to buy the GX550 Overtrail next year

 

[wings&wheels]

Got a quote on some suspension work that the RR needed, then decided I'd rather spend that towards new. I drove to three Toyota dealers and pulled the trigger. Amazing that between three dealers within a ~75 mile radius, two were selling over list, by different amounts, and one came off list, offered a fair trade in value (I made sure they drove the RR) and included side steps....and a $5 Dunkin Donuts card.

 

[Delta]

I think the 2.4T will be a solid engine going forward. Only failures have not been mechanical, but an issue with oil filter housings where it dumps all its oil. And that is a RARE issue.

Now the rollout of the 8 speed automatic has been rocky, at least in the Tacoma's. Supposed to be a non-issue after I want to say June/July.

One thing to note, when it is really hot out, like 90°+ I can feel it pulling timing and loss of power running 87 octane. Shouldn't be an issue for the LC as IIRC they require premium. Now that the cooler weather here it's what they call "boost weather" and I can really feel it. My MPG has reflected my foot being into it more

 

[02SE]

I think the 2.4T will be a solid engine going forward. Only failures have not been mechanical, but an issue with oil filter housings where it dumps all its oil. And that is a RARE issue.

Now the rollout of the 8 speed automatic has been rocky, at least in the Tacoma's. Supposed to be a non-issue after I want to say June/July.

One thing to note, when it is really hot out, like 90°+ I can feel it pulling timing and loss of power running 87 octane. Shouldn't be an issue for the LC as IIRC they require premium. Now that the cooler weather here it's what they call "boost weather" and I can really feel it. My MPG has reflected my foot being into it more

Cooler air is denser, which is why it can make more power. At the same time the denser air creates more aerodynamic drag, which for a Truck or SUV which has worse aerodynamics than most cars, can noticeably reduce MPG. So you have the effect of using more throttle, more aero drag, and in cold weather it takes longer for the engine and all oils to reach operating temperature, which further hurts MPG.

 

[02SE]

Got a quote on some suspension work that the RR needed, then decided I'd rather spend that towards new. I drove to three Toyota dealers and pulled the trigger. Amazing that between three dealers within a ~75 mile radius, two were selling over list, by different amounts, and one came off list, offered a fair trade in value (I made sure they drove the RR) and included side steps....and a $5 Dunkin Donuts card.

View attachment 246086

So which model and options did you get? It appears to be the 1958 edition.

 

[wings&wheels]

So which model and options did you get? It appears to be the 1958 edition.

I got the 1958 w/ side steps, all weather mats, cargo area net and mat, tow package and some minor dealer installed options like the door edge guards. not by choice. The 1958 actually had many if not most features that I want in a DD; heated wheel and seats, the drivers aids (fine on a DD, not on a toy), Apple car play, etc. It also has cloth seats which I like. Why? You can steam clean them and I'd rather have a quality cloth seat over vinyl or coated leather. I like 'real' leather like on my Rover, but things that you can clean out of cloth can ruin fine leather... I really liked the round headlight look too, but didn't want a lot that came on the higher version with the round lights.

I wish it had cooled seats, I never really used them on my other cars except on a few occasions, but that is when you really want them.

I will replace the OE tires though, probably with Michelin LTX M/S2 in the next up factory size.

 

[Delta]

I got the 1958 w/ side steps, all weather mats, cargo area net and mat, tow package and some minor dealer installed options like the door edge guards. not by choice. The 1958 actually had many if not most features that I want in a DD; heated wheel and seats, the drivers aids (fine on a DD, not on a toy), Apple car play, etc. It also has cloth seats which I like. Why? You can steam clean them and I'd rather have a quality cloth seat over vinyl or coated leather. I like 'real' leather like on my Rover, but things that you can clean out of cloth can ruin fine leather... I really liked the round headlight look too, but didn't want a lot that came on the higher version with the round lights.

I wish it had cooled seats, I never really used them on my other cars except on a few occasions, but that is when you really want them.

I will replace the OE tires though, probably with Michelin LTX M/S2 in the next up factory size.

Heh, my Tacoma has the option package with the heated steering wheel. Thought it was gimmicky and wouldn't use it. Well, it has gotten cold in the mornings and I tried it out. Well, that was a life changer! That combined with the heated seats I don't think I'm driving the Camry at all in cold weather

 

[blueglide88]

"and a $5 Dunkin Donuts card."

View attachment 246086

I wish you many miles of trouble free smiles !!

 

[wemay]

Yes, the Landcruiser 250 is 4 Cylinder and Hybrid only, in the USA. A neighbor has had theirs for 4+ months, and says they are very happy with it. I drove it when they first got it. It has good low-end torque at 465 lb-ft.

My sister and BIL have a 1 year old Defender. It's a good thing they have numerous vehicles, because the Defender is often spending quality time at the Dealer.

My Cousin has a Defender and says its been at the dealership for issues more than on the road. It's a beautiful vehicle but he's looking to get back into a new QX80.

 

[wings&wheels]

My Cousin has a Defender and says its been at the dealership for issues more than on the road. It's a beautiful vehicle but he's looking to get back into a new QX80.

After hearing similar stories about the Defender and meeting one woman who wound up in a 2022 RR from the Dealer took back their '24(!), I decided against the Defender. I'd consider LR again when (if?) they recover from this rut they appear to be in. The four that I had, 2010 through 2021, before this car have been fine so I'll admit to being a bit surprised at the recent and apparently steep decline in reliability.

 

[The Critic]

Got a quote on some suspension work that the RR needed, then decided I'd rather spend that towards new. I drove to three Toyota dealers and pulled the trigger. Amazing that between three dealers within a ~75 mile radius, two were selling over list, by different amounts, and one came off list, offered a fair trade in value (I made sure they drove the RR) and included side steps....and a $5 Dunkin Donuts card.

View attachment 246086

Congrats. If you decide to get an extended warranty (and I probably would), Midwest Toyota out of KS sells them for slightly above cost and Toyota now offers 10 year terms. The cost is incredibly reasonable.

https://www.landcruiserforum.com/th...ead-u-s-negotiated-price-list.2575/post-36851