Land Cruiser returns to the North American Market

The Toyota Land Cruiser returns in 2024 powered exclusive by the i-FORCE MAX powertrain that originally debuted with the 2024 Toyota Tacoma.


The 2.4L turbo parallel hybrid provides 326 hp (243 kW) and 465 lb-ft (630 Nm) of torque (same as the Tacoma i-FORCE MAX). It returns being narrower and shorter than the 3 year older Land Cruiser and now cheaper as well. It can haul 6,000 lbs (2,722 kgs) and is based on the TNGA-F body-on-frame platform, used by the Tundra, 4Runner, Sequoia, and Tacoma. Of importance to Land Cruiser buyers, it feature "a full-time four-wheel drive system with a center locking differential and an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case with high/low range."

"An all-new front stabilizer bar disconnect is standard on Land Cruiser and First Edition grades and increases flex at the push of a button. Overall, Land Cruiser has an approach angle up to 31.0 degrees and max departure to 22.0 degrees while breakover angle reaches 25.0 degrees. Ground clearance is up to 8.7 inches."

The Land Cruiser comes in 3 grades: Land Cruiser 1958, Land Cruiser, Land Cruiser First Edition. The Land Cruiser First Edition will only be available for the first 5,000 units.

 

Probably about the same chance as any vehicle on the TNGA-F or GA-F (Lexus) platform which is none. This platform is basically rear wheel drive biased which includes the, now, two exclusive hybrid systems: Sequoia and Land Cruiser. This platform will most likely be the last to get fully electrified either via PHEV, BEV or FCEV. This platform's electrification consists of only the 2.4L turbo hybrid or 3.5L turbo hybrid, both parallel power hybrids.

 

The Evolution of a Legend: The All-New 2024 Land Cruiser - Toyota USA Newsroom

Available MSRP for the 3 Trims (Canadian pricing unavailable):

	Trim	MSRP	Notes
1	Land Cruiser 1958	$55950	Retro-inspired round LED headlamps;heated fabric seats
2	Land Cruiser	$61950	Rectangular LED headlamps;power heated and ventilated SofTex®-trimmed front seats
3	Land Cruiser First Edition	$74950	Retro-inspired round LED headlamps

Standard equipment includes:
Smart Key System with push button start, Blind Spot Monitor (BSM),locking center and rear differentials, rear coil springs, full-time four-wheel drive, two-speed transfer case, CRAWL Control, the powerful 2400W AC inverter and a standard brake controller.

A lot of reviewers and magazines have started comparing the Land Cruiser to the 2024 Lexus GX 550 especially at the top end Land Cruiser First Edition. They're different animals since the Land Cruiser sports the 2.4L Hybrid Max and the GX will rock the 3.5L twin-turbo system found on the Tundra. The GX will be able to tow about 1404 kg (3,096 lbs) more. Starting US MSRP for the GX (non Hybrid) will be $64,250 (Canadian EVP $86,826) which means the hybrid may start about US $75k or so. I'm predicting the GX gasser may outsell the Land Cruiser First Edition and Land Cruiser with the Premium Package which will quickly approach the $68K mark. The Land Cruiser 1958 may be very popular.

 

So Europe gets the new Land Cruiser too and have opened pre-sales. Their Land Cruiser is a touch different with different trim levels.
Toyota opens pre-sales for the all-new Land Cruiser

	Trim	Notes
1	Prestige	Rectangular LED headlamps;18" wheels
2	Executive	Rectangular LED headlamps;20" wheels
3	Land Cruiser First Edition	Retro-inspired round LED headlamps;18" Wheels

I'm guessing they're not as enthralled with the round headlights as much as the NA market is.

Here's a table of differences between the NA version and the European version.

	Differences	North America 2024	Europe 2024	Europe 2025
1	Powertrain	2.4L Turbo iFORCE-MAX Hybrid	2.8L Turbo Diesel	2.8L Turbo Diesel Hybrid 48V
2	Power	243 kW (326 hp)	150 kW (201 hp)	150 kW (201 hp)
3	Torque	631 Nm (465 lb-ft) @1700 rpm	500 Nm (368 lb-ft) @3400 rpm	500 Nm (368 lb-ft) @3400 rpm
4	Seating	5	5 or 7	5 or 7
5	Towing	2722 kg (6000 lbs)	3500 kg (7716 lbs)	3500 kg (7716 lbs)

For an explanation of the 2.8L Turbo Diesel Hybrid 48V the new Toyota Hilux offers the same powertrain and provides slightly more than a standard start-stop mild hybrid:

"NEW 48V TECHNOLOGY

The powerful 2.8 litre Hilux diesel engine has been strengthened by the addition of a hybrid 48V system specifically designed for the unique demands of Toyota’s dual use pick-up.

The engine drives a compact motor generator using a belt system, which in turn charges the new 48V lithium battery, which is small enough to be installed under the rear seats to minimise impact on cabin space, and weighs just 7.6 kg. This 48V battery also supplies the vehicle’s 12V system through a new DC/DC converter.

Like Toyota’s full hybrid electric systems, the new battery is charged during deceleration, efficiently regenerating braking energy which would otherwise be lost, whilst also adding additional braking performance. Once charged, the battery sends up to 16 DIN hp (12 kW) of power and 65 Nm of torque through the motor generator to the engine to enhance acceleration, power and efficiency.

The robust motor generator is compact and has been designed to withstand the harsher working environments experienced by commercial vehicles, while the engine has been modified to adapt to the hybrid system. A new two-arm belt tensioner and stronger belt material contribute to the improved drivability and a quieter ride, whilst retaining Hilux’s famous durability.

Combining with the motor generator is the powerful and proven Euro 6d-compliant, DOHC, 16 valve, 2.8-litre diesel engine which generates 204 DIN hp (150 kW) at 3,400 rpm and 500 Nm of torque between 1,600 and 2,800 rpm.

It is equipped with a common rail fuel injection system, a variable nozzle turbocharger and a water-cooled intercooler. Exhaust emissions control measures include a Diesel Oxidisation Catalyst, a Diesel Particulate Filter, Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and Urea Additional Injection.

In common with existing Hilux, Land Cruiser and PROACE family of vehicles, the Hilux Hybrid 48V is compatible with HVO100 diesel, a non-fossil fuel made from 100% renewable sources."

New Hilux Hybrid 48V Enhances an Invincible Icon

Surprising is the slightly larger turbo diesel doesn't put out as much power and torque as the turbo iFORCE-MAX. I'm guessing the European environmental controls take a heck of a bite out of available power and torque. The 2.8L turbo diesel does compare well to the plain 2.4L Turbo found in the Tacoma, providing more torque (500 Nm/368 lb-ft vs 430Nm/317 lb-ft) but less power (150 kW/201 hp vs 207 kW/278 hp). No idea on efficiency so no comparison there.

 

In Europe, diesel is heavily subsidized particularly for farms and business in some countries. So Toyota is merely matching market to customer. Well they did give the Hilux one extra powertrain, an electric one. Yep the Hilux can be had as a Fuel Cell EV.

It also only gives the 2.8L Turbo Diesel Hybrid 48V about 5% better gas mileage. The standard 2.8L Turbo Diesel in the Hilux runs about 9.5L/100 km (~25 mpg) fuel efficiency on WLTP combined so the 2.8L Turbo Diesel Hybrid 48V may be around 9L/100km (~26 mpg). Everything I read about it is smaller and probably cheaper to align the European economy. The Hilux is also available with a 2.4L turbo diesel which does not match well against the 2.4L Turbo iFORCE (not MAX). About even with fuel efficiency with 2.4 Turbo Diesel at 9.3L/100 km (25.3 mpg) WLTP vs the Taco's 2.4L Turbo iFORCE at 10.2L/100 km (23 mpg) combined EPA projected. The Taco is about 500 kg heavier than the Hilux.