2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Hybrid

In 2022, Toyota’s Land Cruiser took a couple of years off but returned, fully redesigned, in 2024. It’s still built on a truck platform, but it’s now smaller and missing the last gen’s third-row seat and thirsty V8. Two trim levels are available: 1958 (the base level), and the top trim, which is just called Land Cruiser. That’s the one we tested. Some folks might doubt the wisdom of replacing a powerful V8 with a 2.4-liter turbo 4 and two electric motors (326 hp). But the new hybrid powertrain proved plenty powerful in our testing. Its fuel economy, 23 mpg combined, might not seem all that great, but it bests the previous Land Cruiser’s (14 mpg) by a lot. The Land Cruiser delivered a smooth, comfortable ride on pavement, and it also boasts legit off-road chops: a skid plate, full-time 4WD, a 2-speed transfer case, center and rear locking differentials, crawl control, and much more. The spacious cabin offers plenty of room for all passengers, although the back-seat cushions are uncomfortable. Up front, infotainment and HVAC controls are readily accessible and easy to use. Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0 set of advanced safety features is standard. Land Cruiser downsides include a noisy powertrain under load, a price tag that rises quickly with the addition of options, an awkwardly placed running board, and a high cargo load floor.