Drive Notes: 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 1958

Pros

• It might sound weird for the Land Cruiser to go hybrid -- your only LC powertrain option is a hybrid setup that mates a 2.4-liter turbo four to two electric motors. It works pretty well -- it's smooth and makes some old-school sounds. It also provides plenty of motivation for around-town driving.
• Interior controls are simple and straightforward to use. The shifter isn't weird or wonky. There's easy-to-use storage. Simplicity can be a good thing, and it very much is here.
• The steering feels well dialed in for a off-road-oriented SUV. It's nicely weighted and accurate -- a relative joy to manage.
• Despite the Land Cruiser's off-trail intentions, the on-road ride isn't too compromised. It is trucky at times, but I found it livable during my time with it. One caveat -- didn't really get much in the way of freeway time.
• Despite it being a base model, the 1958 came well equipped.

Cons

• The engine isn't exactly loud, but it's not quiet, either.
• Based on the computer's estimate of range, city fuel mileage doesn't seem great.
• The seats, especially in the rear, were a bit stiff.
• This was a pre-production vehicle, so Toyota's Entune infotainment system wasn't fully setup. That's not a con -- I could use Apple CarPlay. But the wireless CarPlay setup failed at least once.
• This rig is, uh, big.
• Pricing won't be cheap -- this base model starts at over $55K and with only a handful of options it pushed $60K. To be fair, the most expensive option was a $1,440 roof rack. That's one of those things that's easily skipped by buyers who don't need it.

Overall, I enjoyed the Land Cruiser more than I expected to, and I didn't even get a chance to take it off-road. I do blanche at the pricing, but I also understand these are popular vehicles and that obviously plays a factor.

Toyota has what I predict will be a hit on its hands.

[Images © 2024 Tim Healey/TTAC.com]

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