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**By Simon Mabera**
The anticipation for the all-new 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is palpable, and for good reason. This latest iteration of the iconic SUV represents a significant departure from its predecessors, offering both advantages and drawbacks. On the positive side, it is more affordable than previous models, yet it comes with compromises that may affect its long-term durability and appeal to traditional Land Cruiser enthusiasts. Here’s an in-depth look at what the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser brings to the table.
### Pros:
- **Go-anywhere capability**: True to its heritage, the new Land Cruiser maintains its off-road prowess.
- **Strong hybrid power**: The new hybrid powertrain offers robust performance and better fuel economy.
- **Huge boxy cargo area**: The design maximizes cargo space, making it practical for various uses.
- **Great visibility**: The large windows and high seating position provide excellent visibility.
- **Cool looks**: Its rugged and stylish exterior is sure to turn heads.
### Cons:
- **Pricey 1958 variant**: The stripped-down 1958 model is expensive considering its hard plastic interior and limited features.
- **Complex hybrid system**: The new hybrid powertrain is more complex than the traditional setups, which could affect long-term reliability.
### A New Direction
The 2024 Land Cruiser is built on Toyota’s increasingly versatile truck platform, which also supports the Tundra, Tacoma, Sequoia, new 4Runner, Lexus GX, and the Lexus LX (the "real" Land Cruiser sold overseas). This platform ensures robust performance but signifies a departure from the overbuilt, ultra-durable Land Cruisers of the past.
The new model is most similar to the Lexus GX, sharing many design cues and underpinnings. However, the Land Cruiser is positioned as a more rugged, less luxurious alternative. It features a turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid powertrain that delivers significantly better fuel economy compared to both the old Land Cruiser and the GX.
### Off-Road Capability
While the new Land Cruiser lacks the GX Overtrail's KDSS automatically disconnecting stabilizer bars, it compensates with a manually disconnecting bar, staying true to its off-roading roots. This feature enhances its off-road performance, allowing for greater articulation on rough terrains.
### Variants
Toyota offers two main variants of the new Land Cruiser (plus a loaded First Edition): the stripped-down Land Cruiser 1958 and the more upscale Land Cruiser. The differences between these variants are substantial:
- **Land Cruiser 1958**: Priced at around $55,000, this variant has a minimalist approach with rock-hard plastics in the interior. This might be disappointing given the price, as many other SUVs in this range offer more comfort and features.
- **Land Cruiser**: This variant is more in line with what buyers expect from a modern SUV at this price point. It offers better interior quality and more features, justifying its cost and living up to the Land Cruiser's legacy.
### Conclusion
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is a mixed bag. It’s a lot cheaper and more fuel-efficient, but it comes with trade-offs in terms of sophistication and potential durability. For suburban use, it should be more than sufficient, maintaining Toyota's reputation for reliability and off-road capability. However, those looking for the overbuilt, nearly indestructible Land Cruiser of yesteryears might find this new model lacking. Whether it will stand the test of time like its predecessors remains to be seen.
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