When the Japanese automaker revealed the 2024 Land Cruiser is returning to America, the company also said it would be a bargain compared to its predecessor. But, of course, there was a catch.
The last time Toyota sold the Land Cruiser in North America, the previous generation was a full-size SUV that was paired with the Lexus LX. However, the current LX 600 doesn't fear any Toyota anymore because the J300 Land Cruiser isn't sold in the region anymore. Instead, the company decided to slim it down to the mid-size segment, reintroduce the nameplate based on the TNGA-F underpinnings, and twin it with the Lexus GX instead.
Known as the Land Cruiser Prado and now also Land Cruiser 250 in other regions, this new off-road Toyota has some big shoes to fill, of course. Interestingly, the company is making everything more straightforward because the 2024 Land Cruiser slots above the mid-size 4Runner with an exclusive i-Force Max hybrid powertrain and also caters to traditionalists with its dual vintage styling – round headlights for those who love the initial Land Cruiser generations and squared ones for the fans of the 1990s.
Naturally, now that we finally have the pricing details for the 2024 Land Cruiser, there's a quick question that begs to be answered – is it better or not than the 2024 Lexus GX 550? Well, frankly, if you don't mind our two cents on the matter, it's not necessarily either; it's just subtly different. Also, it's $30k more affordable than the previous generation for anyone keeping tabs, but that's less important because of the massive gap between them.
So, Toyota finally announced the pricing details for the 2024 Land Cruiser alongside its spring availability at nationwide dealerships. The MSRPs kick off at $55,950 (plus a $1,495 destination fee), and just three grades are currently available. The base model is the 2024 Land Cruiser 1958 with just three color options (!) and an estimated fuel economy of 22/25 mpg, followed by the squarer Land Cruiser at $61,950 and the flagship First Edition (also with round headlights) at $74,950. The middle grade has seven available colors while the First Edition just four, and all share the same powertrain credentials – a 326-hp i-Force Max inline-four hybrid setup with 465 lb-ft of torque, a full-time 4WD system with rear and center locking differentials, and an eight-speed ECT-I automatic transmission.
Meanwhile, the more expensive 2024 Lexus GX 550 kicks off at $64,250 and has six trim levels (Premium, Overtrail, Luxury, each with a + variant, too), so it can go all the way up to $81,250. A quick calculation shows the difference between the base models is $8,300, while the flagship First Edition and Luxury+ trims are separated by $6,300. The other significant discrepancy is between the powertrains – while the power levels are almost the same, the ritzier Lexus GX 550 gets access to a 349-hp and 479 lb-ft V35A-FTS 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6. That might make the choice easier – if you want the V6 and don't mind the higher price, then the GX is for you; if the heritage look and sustainable powertrain are more important, you'll also pocket a sizeable discount if you go with the 2024 Land Cruiser.
Frankly, the V6 lovers also have a slightly different alternative – the 2024 Toyota 4Runner is still alive and available from $40,705 with the old-school 4.0-liter 1GR-FE V6 packing 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque. It's down on power compared to the 2024 Land Cruiser and GX, but you also save a lot of cash that can be used for some pretty cool aftermarket upgrades. So, the 2024 Land Cruiser seems to be the middle ground between the old and derelict but ultra-reliable 4Runner and the luxurious yet rugged Lexus GX. I would say the Land Cruiser takes the win, but I'm afraid to say it out loud because Toyota has started testing the 2025MY 4Runner prototypes, and it might borrow a lot of goodies from the N400 Tacoma for its sixth iteration, thus throwing into the air the current, precarious 4Runner-Land Cruiser-GX balance.
As for Toyota, they are trying their best to make us order a 2024 Land Cruiser, reminding everyone of some of its strengths ahead of the first market deliveries. For off-road use, there's a new (optional) front stabilizer bar disconnect mechanism (SDM), Multi-Terrain Select, available in both 4WD High and 4WD Low, an upgraded Crawl Control function, automatic limited-slip differential, and the performance also comes down to the 31-degree approach, 25-degree breakover and 22-degree departure angles.
Inside, "passengers aren't punished for the vehicle's capability" anymore, thanks to heated and ventilated front seats, reclining rear seats, or the optional 14-speaker JBL audio system. Technology plays a big part in our everyday life today. Hence, the 2024 Land Cruiser launches with a new 8- or optional 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen for Toyota's latest Audio Multimedia system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Qi wireless charging, six USB-C ports, a standard 2400-Watt AC inverter house type plug (120V) in the cargo area, and even an available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
Aurel has aimed high all his life (literally, at 16 he was flying gliders all by himself) so in 2006 he switched careers and got hired as a writer at his favorite magazine. Since then, his work has been published both by print and online outlets, most recently right here, on autoevolution. Full profile
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