Sunday Drive: 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser FE – An icon returns to its roots
It’s back! Yes, the iconic Toyota Land Cruiser that had been put out to stable among other iconic vehicles, after having a 70-year run, is back for the 2024 model year.
It did seem fitting that Toyota retire the name after 70 years. We would think that this decision came about not because of the abilities of the Land Cruiser or its following but more because of the fact that the price tag had put it out of reach for most folks at over $80,000.
So, it was no surprise that Land Cruiser enthusiasts and off-road fans alike were thrilled when Toyota announced the return of an icon to the U.S. market for 2024. The SUV has been reimagined by Toyota for the modern adventurer, while still retaining the ruggedness that made it a legend in the first place.
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser FE (First Edition) is a special nod to that history, as it blended classic design with cutting-edge technology. We were fortunate enough to spend a week with the new icon, after getting our first look and drive the week before at the Rocky Mountain Automotive Media 4xFall event in Golden, Colorado, and it did not disappoint.
Exterior design: Nostalgia with a modern touch
The very first thing that struck us about the 2024 Land Cruiser FE was, of course, its new design, which was an homage to its past while still having just the right amount of modernity for today’s market.
The boxy, utilitarian shape harkened back to earlier Land Cruisers, especially models from the 1980s and ’90s. However, Toyota has managed to infuse this retro design with modern elements that ensure it will appeal to current buyers.
The front fascia, with its bold grille and squared-off headlights, exuded confidence. The classic round LED headlights, along with the “Toyota” badging instead of the usual logo, gave us the nostalgic feel of those older models — a brilliant design move by Toyota. The squared wheel arches and robust stance gave way to the Land Cruiser’s off-road capability, something we were eager to put to the test.
Our test vehicle was dressed in the available First Edition trim, featuring exclusive two-tone paint, a roof rack and a few off-road-oriented extras that really set it apart from the standard models. Just driving around the streets of our hometown Springville, its new rugged charm drew the attention of more than a few passersby.
Interior: Comfortable and practical
The interior of the Land Cruiser surprised us with its blend of comfort and usability. Toyota has done an excellent job of balancing luxury with the rugged nature of an off-road vehicle. Soft-touch materials and high-quality leather seats gave the interior a premium feel, while the design was simple and functional, clearly made for those who prioritize utility on their adventures.
The seats were both heated and ventilated, and the driver’s seat had lumbar support, making it comfortable for both short and long trips. During our drives, whether on the highway or tackling rougher terrain, we found the seating position to be ideal, giving us a commanding view of the road (and trail) ahead.
The second row provided ample legroom, and the split-folding rear seats were easy to configure for extra cargo space. Toyota has also included plenty of small storage spaces throughout the cabin, adding to the Land Cruiser’s practicality.
Technology: A mix of old and new
Toyota has equipped the 2024 Land Cruiser with modern technology while keeping some analog features for a rugged, durable feel. The 12.3-inch touch screen infotainment system was responsive and easy to use, supporting both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. We especially appreciated the wireless connectivity, as it eliminated the need for cables.
The built-in navigation system worked well, even in more remote areas where cell service was spotty. The audio system, while not as luxurious as those found in high-end luxury SUVs, delivered clear and crisp sound, making it enjoyable to listen to music during our time in the SUV.
Another standout feature was the Multi-Terrain Monitor, which offered a 360-degree view of the vehicle and its surroundings. This proved invaluable during off-road adventures, allowing us to see obstacles we might otherwise have missed. Toyota’s off-road technology suite includes Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select, both of which make it easier to navigate difficult terrain without constantly adjusting throttle and braking inputs.
Performance: A workhorse on and off the road
The heart of the new Toyota Land Cruiser is its 2.4-liter turbocharged hybrid engine, which produces 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive, offered plenty of power for both on-road and off-road use. We were impressed by the smoothness of the hybrid powertrain and how it balanced power delivery with fuel efficiency.
On the highway, the Land Cruiser FE felt comfortable and capable. The engine was responsive, and there was plenty of power for merging onto the freeway or passing slower vehicles. Acceleration seemed instant with no turbo lag that we have found in some of the competitor models using the same sized motor.
When we took it off the pavement, the Land Cruiser really came into its own. We took it through dirt roads and steep inclines in the Wasatch Mountains, and the SUV felt confident and composed throughout.
Fuel economy: Decent for its size
Given its hybrid powertrain, we expected the 2024 Land Cruiser FE to offer decent fuel economy for a large off-road vehicle, and it did quite well. Toyota estimates the Land Cruiser will achieve around 20 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. Over the course of our week of driving, which included a mix of highway cruising, city driving and off-roading, we averaged about 22.3 mpg, which was very respectable for a vehicle of this size and capability.
Safety: Loaded with advanced features
Toyota has always been a leader in safety, and the 2024 Land Cruiser was no exception. The Land Cruiser came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which includes an awesome suite of driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking. We always love the adaptive cruise control system, and Toyota seems to do it best.
The blind-spot monitoring system and rear cross-traffic alert were also helpful, especially given the vehicle’s size. Parking such a large vehicle can sometimes be tricky, but the sensors and 360-degree camera made it much easier to maneuver in tight spots.
At the end of the week: A worthy return for an off-road legend
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser FE is a fitting tribute to the vehicle’s long legacy. It combines the rugged, off-road capabilities that made the Land Cruiser a household name with the modern technology and comfort today’s drivers expect. Whether you’re an adventurer looking for a capable vehicle to tackle Utah’s scenic backroads or simply someone who appreciates the Land Cruiser’s storied history, the 2024 model offers plenty to get excited about.
Base price: 74,950
Destination charge: $1,395
Price as driven: $76,825
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- Deanne with the all-new Toyota Land Cruiser FE at the old Sinclair Station in Elberta as we traveled for a tour of the Brigham Young University South Campus film set.
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- Out with the all-new Toyota Land Cruiser in Colorado at the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press 4xFall event high in the Rocky Mountains.
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- Inside the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser.
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- It was almost like taking the new Toyota Land Cruiser FE to Jerusalem as we toured the Brigham Young University South Campus film set on a Sunday in September.
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- Inside the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser.
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- Being inside the Brigham Young University South Campus film set was almost surreal, as we were surrounded by places we have seen in many films that have been made there in Elberta.
