The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser First Edition marks the return of a legendary nameplate, blending rugged off-road capability with modern luxury. With a limited run of just 5,000 units for North America, this special edition pays homage to the Land Cruiser’s storied history while introducing new design elements and features. From its unique exterior styling to its upgraded interior, the Land Cruiser offers a mix of classic and contemporary touches. But does it live up to the expectations set by its predecessors? Let’s take a closer look at how this new model drives and whether it can truly embody the spirit of the Land Cruiser.

What is it?

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser First Edition is a limited-run model that celebrates the return of the Land Cruiser name. It has an upgraded interior, throwback round headlights, and extra off-roading gear like a roof rack and rock rails. It also gets two-tone paint, leather-trimmed seats and First Edition badges. My tester arrived in a subtle Trail Dust (body) and Grayscape (roof) color scheme with 18-inch black alloy wheels. Power comes from Toyota’s 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder i-Force Max hybrid system with 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive. It stickered for $76,825.

How does it drive?

The i-Force Turbo Max hybrid gives the Land Cruiser considerably more energy than the lumbering V8 in the last generation model, with half the cylinders.  There’s a decent amount of low-end torque and I found quick merges and stoplight launches to have more than enough support from the powertrain. That’s no surprise, as I liked the i-Force in the 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter that I tested last fall.

The new Land Cruiser is like night and day compared to the previous generation 200 Series, last seen as a 2021 model in the United. States. The new model is 4.4 inches narrower and slightly shorter, with a more agreeable suspension and more direct turning. It’s also less expensive and positioned as more of a true off-roader, harking back to its roots before the Land Cruiser morphed into a three-row SUV more competitive with a Jeep Grand Wagoneer than a Wrangler. Based on Toyota’s TNGA-F platform, the Land Cruiser picks up where the new 4Runner, which uses similar underpinnings, leaves off, though there’s a bit of overlap between the 4Runner’s upper trims and the Land Cruiser’s base models.

That said, I still felt some echoes of the 200 Series here. For starters, the new Land Cruiser is only 1.2 inches shorter than the last generation, and it drives long and large. The cabin is nicely appointed. Though not as old-money plush as the last model – which will help those 2008-2021 Cruisers hold their resale value forever – the new cabin has a better infotainment system and a more modern layout. The brakes are a little touchy, reminiscent of the old model, but return nowhere near as much suspension dive, and there’s much less body roll. It’s more composed at higher speeds (not top-heavy at all like the old one) and maintains poised through turns. There’s plenty of room in the back. You sign up for a higher load height with an off-roader like the Land Cruiser, and it’s actually very usable level with most of the cargo area within easy reach. 

I like the looks, but it’s a bit nebulous. The Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner are more distinctive, while the Land Cruiser is a little too close for comfort with the Lexus GX and reminds me quite a bit of the Land Rover Defender that rolled into my driveway the same day the Toyota departed. Regardless, it’s still a more aggressive play than the 200 Series, and I liked them both, for what it’s worth. I’d probably pick a Land Cruiser trim with the rectangular headlights (1980s and 90s vibes) vs. the even more old school circular lamps found on the First and 1958 editions.

Do I want it?

Yes. I have not tested the new 4Runner yet (and am quite excited to drive it), but the Land Cruiser is more refined and confident on-road than most of the segment, which makes me recommend it to families seeking space, off-road character, and a premium feel. You’ll be much more comfortable in this thing than a Bronco or Ford, though the bravado is considerably less. Still, it’s a solid execution that does the Land Cruiser name proud.