Top Off-Road Features of the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser

The Toyota Land Cruiser has long been beloved by off-road enthusiasts who appreciate a comfortable interior, so when news broke that it would be discontinued after the 2021 model year, fans were upset and worried that they may not see a new Toyota Land Cruiser for sale any time soon.

Luckily, the nameplate’s hiatus didn’t last long, and it’s now back for the 2024 model year. Since the old generation had started to show its age with a stale look and unimpressive fuel economy figures, the 2024 model is an all-new design that may have a retro look but is full of modern tech, from the powertrain to the infotainment system.

In addition to being more affordable and more efficient, the Land Cruiser has also improved its off-road chops. All kinds of changes make this the perfect vehicle for hitting OHV trails and exploring the great outdoors. Today, we’re going to take a look at some of the features you’ll find on the 2024 model and how they can improve your experience in the backcountry.

Hybrid Powertrain Brings Plenty of Torque

The 2021 Land Cruiser was powered by a V8 engine that was certainly powerful but not too well-rounded. Although it provided a great 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque, these figures came at the expense of fuel economy; the EPA estimates that it got a mere 14 MPG city/highway combined and a range of 344 miles per tank.

The 2024 model is powered by a hybrid powertrain that’s very similar to one that has proven itself under the hood of the Toyota Tacoma. It pairs a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a pair of electric motors for an efficient hybrid setup that brings fuel economy up to 23 MPG. The range is also higher, at 412 miles per tank, so you can go farther between fill-ups, which can be especially convenient when you’re out in rural areas where gas stations are few and far between.

This setup does bring the power figure down to 326 hp, but since the new Land Cruiser’s body is smaller and about 7% more lightweight, you probably won’t notice much of a difference behind the wheel. But you’ll certainly notice that torque has been increased to 465 lb-ft if you’re tackling tough terrain. Torque makes a big difference when you’re driving up inclines or crawling over boulders, so this boost makes the Land Cruiser even more capable out in the unpaved wilderness.

Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive With Locking Differentials

It can be tough to get a grip on loose dirt and other uneven surfaces. Luckily, the Land Cruiser comes standard with full-time four-wheel drive, giving you the traction you need to stay in control wherever you go. A two-speed transfer case gives you options so you can adjust your torque settings to match the situation at hand.

The system also has both center and rear locking differentials, which work electronically so they can easily be engaged at the push of a button. These help you change the way that the engine’s power is distributed so you can maneuver through tough terrain without missing a beat.

Crawl Control Lets You Focus on the Trail Ahead

You’re probably familiar with cruise control, which keeps your vehicle at a set speed so your ankle doesn’t get fatigued on long road trips. This feature is helpful on the highway but typically not designed to work at lower speeds—but when you’re working your way through unpredictable terrain, having your attention pulled in too many directions can be stressful and dangerous.

Crawl Control lets you focus on steering when the going gets tough by automatically controlling the throttle and brakes to keep you moving steadily forward at one of five selectable speeds. For driving down steep slopes, there’s also Downhill Assist Control, which limits your speed when you’re navigating sharp inclines.

Multi-Terrain Select Increases Versatility

Every type of terrain is different, so the best way to optimize the Land Cruiser’s settings for a variety of off-road situations is to make them changeable. That’s why the Multi-Terrain Select feature is available. This tech lets you choose between different modes so you can get the level of wheel spin that’s just right for where you are. The system includes Auto mode for everyday driving along with Mud, Sand, Dirt, Rock, and Deep Snow modes for more specific situations that call for some extra help.

Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism

When you’re driving down a paved road, you want a stable frame that’s going to provide a comfortable ride, but that stability can lead to a bumpy ride if the ground below is uneven. The available Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism can be activated to provide better wheel articulation, so you can roll over rocky ground without feeling every bump along the way inside the cabin.

Skid Plates & Rock Rails Protect Vital Areas

When you’re out in nature, it can be easy to damage your vehicle and difficult to get that damage addressed. Luckily, the Land Cruiser is available with a wide range of features that protect it from the elements. All trims have a front skid plate that shields the engine, transmission, and transfer case from stray rocks and other underbody threats.

The top-tier First Edition trim also has sturdy rock rails that keep the underbody even better protected, especially during excursions like boulder crawling. Front and rear tow hooks are mounted to the frame across the lineup, so if you do get into trouble, a rescue team will be able to easily hitch your Land Cruiser up and tow it back to safety.

Multi-Terrain Monitor Gives You Extra Eyes

Off-road vehicles need to be high enough off the ground to let you drive over obstacles like bumps, rocks, and roots, but that high position can make it harder to see things at ground level, which can be vital when maneuvering in tricky areas. That’s why all trims of the Land Cruiser other than the base 1958 trim come standard with the Multi-Terrain Monitor.

This high-tech feature lets you take a look around, using cameras around the vehicle to give you a view of what’s going on in front, behind, or to the side of you via the large 12.3-inch touchscreen. This essentially gives you the digital equivalent of a spotter, letting you know if there’s a dangerous obstacle lurking out of sight.

These Features Can Improve Your Next Outdoor Adventure

While the features we’ve looked at today are some of the most important for tackling tough terrain, they’re just the highlights. The new Land Cruiser is filled not only with great off-road capability, but with supporting features that come in handy off the road and on.

The front seats, side mirrors, and steering wheel are heated across the trim lineup, so you can warm up quickly after a cold night. Dual-hue LED fog lights give you visibility at night in a wide variety of weather conditions, and an onboard power outlet lets you inflate camping mattresses, charge LED lanterns, and facilitate any other electric conveniences you want to bring along for the journey.

From its wheels to its roof, the 2024 Land Cruiser is filled with thoughtful features that are sure to show longtime fans of this SUV that the legend is back, better than ever, and ready to tackle anything you throw at it.