2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 1958 4WD Wagon Hybrid – Review by David Colman +VIDEO

It’s the real deal!

David Colman

Photos and Story by David Colman
Special Correspondent to THE AUTO CHANNEL

Just when you thought the Land Cruiser had disappeared from the face of the earth like a victim of the La Brea tar pits, Toyota has resuscitated their classic off roader from extinction. The completely revamped model, just introduced mid-year 2024, is a knockout re-creation in terms of looks, performance and pricing. The latest example to wear the proud Land Cruiser badge honors the terrain conquering panache of the original, but does so in a way consistent with climate goals attuned to a new generation of automotive adventure.

Instead of its predecessors 381hp, 5.7 liter V8 which recorded a dismal 13MPG overall, the new Cruiser's power unit consists of a 2.4 liter inline (T24A-FTS) 4-cylinder turbocharged gas motor. Augmenting the gas turbo is a 36kW traction motor that adds 48hp. This electric motor charges a 6.5Ah, 288 Volt nickel-metal hydride battery. Despite the fact that the new 2.4-liter gas is less than half the displacement of the old V8, the hybrid Land Cruiser still manages to produce 326hp (combined). The hybrid's 465lb.-ft. of torque outdoes the V8's 401lb.-ft by a whopping 64lb.-ft. The final feather in the cap of the hybrid is an overall fuel economy rating of 23MPG, which is 10MPG better than the V8 could muster.

Part of the greater driveline efficiency is attributable to the reduced size and weight of the latest Land Cruiser, which tips scale at 5,000 pounds, a hefty 800 pounds lighter than its discontinued predecessor. Part of the weight savings comes from the fact that it's 4 inches narrower than the last classic version, but in all other regards, the "1958" model we tested is within an inch of the old Land Cruiser's dimensions. What the new one lacks is a third row of seats. If you want that option, you need to buy a Lexus GX, which shares its TNGA-F platform with the Land Cruiser, but adds seating for 8 rather than 5. Also, note that the V6 turbocharged Lexus GX is not available with the fuel-efficient Hybrid drive train of the new Land Cruiser.

You can order three variants of the Land Cruiser, with the 1958 model being the price leader at $55,950. A more fully equipped Land Cruiser retails for $63,345, while the plushest Land Cruiser First Edition goes for $76,345. While we haven't driven the more luxurious leather-trimmed models, we found the baseline 1958 version to be perfectly in keeping with the Land Cruiser's new mission in life. This entry-level model carries the 1958 designation because that was the first year Toyota imported the Land Cruiser to the USA. This special introductory model presents a huge price decrease from the last V8 Land Cruiser, which carried an astronomical tag of $87,030.

Why did we like the 1958 model and what made it so appealing? You can start with its round "Heritage Style LED Headlights," which mimic the look of the first generation LC. These expressive eyes flank a "heritage style" blacked out grill. Note that only the "1958" version features the round headlights, while the more expensive models are given conventional square lenses. Inside, the Toyota styling staff has outdone itself with what I call Toyota's tribute to Johnny Cash. Just like the man from Tennessee, who dressed in black and hit the big time the mid-50's, the 1958 Land Cruiser's interior is also dressed in black. Ten shades of black. So forget the fancy leather of the pricier versions, because you're going to love the 1958's understated brand of chic: suede black dash top, piano black dash face, black crackle air vent housings, and tufted, sparkly black seat upholstery.

Opting for the stripper 1953 model means you'll be adjusting the rake and slide of your seats manually, and lifting your rather heavy tailgate without electric assist. But you'll find the controls for HVAC and infotainment easy to locate, and easy to operate. The steering wheel spokes are loaded with the usual compliment of buttons to control the cruise control functions or run through a raft of parlor tricks that will have the instrument binnacle noting everything from tire pressures to current radio station choice, performing artist, and song being sung. Folsom Prison Blued would be perfect.

The hybrid driveline is quick off the mark, posting a 0-60mph time of 6.6 seconds, a standing start quarter-mile run of 15.1 seconds, and a top speed of 105mph. Back in 1953, tires were a lot taller and skinnier than now, so Toyota equips this model with 245/70R18 Yokohama Geolander X-CV 6057 rubber (TW 520) mounted on 18x7J black alloy rims. Upmarket Cruisers get fatter rims (18 x 7.5J) with fatter tires (265/70R18). However, we found the back road handling characteristics of our test Toyota to be quite commendable, even with its comparatively tall and skinny Yokohama street tires. Off road forays would benefit from a set of fatter knobby rubber.

But Toyota has retained the mechanical building blocks that have long made the Land Cruiser iconic in the off-road world: full-time 4 wheel drive, locking center and rear differentials, plus a huge array of optional skidplates, tow hooks, rock rails and roof rack (aggregate cost: $3,235) that make the reinvented Land Cruiser look and drive like the real deal it has always been.

2024 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 1958 4WD WAGON HYBRID

ENGINE: 2.4 liter inline-4 gas engine, DOHC, 16-valve turbo + 36kW electric motor
HORSEPOWER: 326hp (combined)
TORQUE: 465lb.-ft. (combined)
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 22MPG City/25 MPG Highway
PRICE AS TESTED: $60,969

HYPES: Knockout Looks, Serious Off Road Chops

GRIPES: Hood and Tailgate Weigh a Ton

STAR RATING: 10 Stars out of 10

©2024 David E Colman