Toyota finally lifted the wraps off the new Land Cruiser J250, the latest generation of the legendary off-road SUV that has been in production since 1951. As we reported earlier, the new model was revealed on August 1, 2023, and is expected to go on sale in 2024.

The new Land Cruiser J250 has a retro-inspired design that pays homage to the classic FJ60 Land Cruiser, with a boxy shape, round or rectangular headlights, a simple grille, and squared-off taillights. It is available in eight exterior colors, including two new ones: Desert Sand and Olive Green. It also has a choice of 17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels.

A blue 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser parked off road.
Middle trim Land Cruisers feature rectangular headlight designs. Base and First Edition models feature round headlights.

Smaller, More Efficient, Still Capable

The new Land Cruiser J250 is based on the same TNGA-F platform as the Lexus GX and the larger Land Cruiser 300 Series, but it is smaller and more affordable than both of them. It measures 4,840 mm (190.6 inches) in length, 1,960 mm (77.2 inches) in width, and 1,850 mm (72.8 inches) in height, with a wheelbase of 2,850 mm (112.2 inches). It has a curb weight of 2,350 kg (5,181 lbs) and a towing capacity of 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs).

Under the hood, the new Land Cruiser J250 is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine that is paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The combined output is 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. It also has an eight-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case. The new model boasts improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions than its predecessor.

The new Land Cruiser J250 has enhanced off-road capabilities, with increased wheel articulation, a disconnecting front anti-roll bar, a multi-terrain monitor, and various driving modes. It also has an advanced suspension system that features adaptive variable dampers and an electronic kinetic dynamic stability control system that adjusts the stiffness of the anti-roll bars according to the driving conditions. The new model can tackle slopes up to 42 degrees and wade through water up to 700 mm (27.6 inches) deep.

Balancing Comfort and Utility

The new Land Cruiser J250 has a more spacious and luxurious interior, with optional leather seats, a full-length glass roof, a wraparound digital display, and a new infotainment system. It can accommodate up to seven passengers in three rows of seats, with ample headroom and legroom. It also has a generous cargo space of 1,120 liters (39.6 cubic feet) with the third row folded down.

The Land Cruiser interior features seats trimmed in optional brown leather and a 12.3-inch touch screen.
The new Land Cruiser aims to balance comfort with more utility and rugged design than in its Lexus GX cousin.

The new Land Cruiser J250 is equipped with a host of safety and convenience features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, traffic sign recognition, head-up display, wireless charging pad, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a JBL sound system.

The new Toyota Land Cruiser J250 is a modern and refined SUV that still retains its rugged and reliable heritage. It is designed to appeal to both loyal fans and new customers who are looking for a versatile and capable vehicle that can handle any terrain. The pricing and availability details have not been announced yet, but we expect to hear more from Toyota soon.

A blue 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser J250 follows two classic Land Cruisers down an unpaved desert road.
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is set to go on sale in North America in early 2024.

What do you think of the new Land Cruiser J250? Do you like its retro style and hybrid powertrain? Join the discussion at LandCruiser-forum.com.