Nice Drives: 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 1958

The Land Cruiser is one of the crown jewels in the Toyota crown. It was one of the first two vehicles they brought to sell in the United States, and it’s one of the toughest vehicles ever made—by anyone. That’s a heckuva legacy to live up to. Its smaller size makes it more trail-worthy, and it is also more affordable than the outgoing 200-series, whose price topped $90k when it went on sale in 2021.

Upright and comparatively narrow, the new LC easily fits into tight parking spaces yet is comfortable for the occupants of the two rows of seats (there is no longer a third-row option). The 1958 model’s heated seats are covered in a retro tweedy cloth, which is a nice touch, though the lack of power adjustments limits the ways one can tweak the driving position. Material quality inside is not worthy of the Land Cruiser name or the price point. Why Toyota feels the need to remind you, every time you slam the tinny-sounding door, that you didn’t spring for the Lexus GX remains a mystery. But it certainly undermines the sense of indomitability that was once an LC hallmark. Perhaps the worst offenses are committed by the interior door panels, which are assembled of scratch-prone, hard and shiny plastics. They couldn’t even put in padded armrests. Another obvious sign of decontenting is making skid plates optional.

The chunky shapes that make up the dash are fine, and the smaller infotainment screen of the 1958 fits the vintage vibe well, without undermining functionality. Likewise the prominent placement of 4-wheel drive controls such as buttons to lock the center and rear differentials and for high and low range. And the fitment of actual buttons and knobs for the HVAC system makes the Land Cruiser nicer to use than the Lexus, whose 14-inch screen includes virtual versions of these oft-used controls.

In many ways, this is the best-driving Land Cruiser ever. The 326-hp powertrain, comprised of a hybridized, turbocharged 4-cylinder and 8-speed automatic, is compelling, with great torque from a virtually zero RPM, and a growly, gravely engine note that sounds vaguely turbodiesel-like. The LC feels faster than its 7.7-second 0-60 time suggests and struggles to return the rated fuel economy, though. At up to 6,000 pounds, the Toyota does have a significantly higher tow rating than competitors like the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler—and is much quieter than them on the highway, though wind noise from the optional roof rack and large mirrors is prominent.

Ride quality is very good, partially due to the smallish (18-inch) wheels and tall sidewall tires. There is some of the shimmy one feels in almost any body-on-frame vehicle, though it is comparatively well contained. Steering accuracy is great, as is highway tracking. Perhaps this is a result of the on-road oriented tires fitted to the 1958. While good for ride quality and path tracking, an all-terrain tire might do better at evoking the historic, tough-as-nails image the round headlights and lack of chrome imply. But dynamically they are hard to fault for urban usage. Likewise, the brakes feel powerful and are easy to modulate.

The LC stands five inches taller than the upcoming 4Runner, and its low-cut windows and squared-off hood make placement on trails easier, as do standard crawl control and downhill descent control. The 465-lb-ft of torque that’s available from the i-Force Max hybrid system makes low-speed trail tiptoeing a breeze. However, the ground clearance of 8.7-in is almost an inch less than the outgoing 4Runner and is what you can now get from a Subaru Outback. Better make sure those skid plates are specced.

In fairness to Toyota, switching the American Land Cruiser from the 300-series frameset that underpins models sold overseas (as well as the Lexus LX600) to the 250-series “Prado” makes sense; it is roughly $25,000 less than the last model sold on these shores in three years ago. In actuality, it has the same suspension as the 300, the same track widths, and the same wheelbase, which harkens to models back to the legendary 80-series. For most this Land Cruiser will be a perfect do-it-all SUV, and for the hardcore, a great platform upon which to bolt upgraded dampers and springs and beefier wheels and tires. Its price point will place it in clear air above the upcoming 4Runner, alongside the top trims of the Wrangler and Bronco, and well below the Land Rover Defender. If it delivers on the reliability and durability front, it will be considered a worthy inheritor of the crown.

EPA Ratings: 22/25/23mpg

0-60mph: 7.7 seconds

Price as tested: $60,790

Rating: 3.5 Stars

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