More than 70 years after the launch of the original Land Cruiser, selected members of the UK motoring press were recently invited to test-drive pre-production versions of the all-new, eagerly anticipated 2024 model in the appropriately challenging roads and rural byways of the Scottish Highlands. What did these professionals think of our latest icon’s improved all-terrain performance, new electric power steering set-up, and modern yet traditional design? What were their 2024 Land Cruiser reviews?
Below is a selection of excerpts from their first-drive reviews, which include a numerical rating where applicable. To read the full online reports, click on the emboldened links.
2024 Land Cruiser reviews:
“Cool new styling is accompanied by more refined road manners without harm to workhorse fundamentals. Few cars offer quite the same duality of ability to go to Waitrose or on a desert expedition. Being a Toyota, it can be expected to return from both, too. Realistically, few people in Europe need a Land Cruiser. But those who do are getting an excellent update on an already very fit-for-purpose car.”
“The Land Cruiser has long been a legend of toughness and reliability, and this all-new generation is no different. But what has changed are its levels of sophistication and tech, which only add a new dimension to its all-round capability. Yet this car’s greatest asset is still the legendary reliability that Toyota’s assured us has been at the very core of its development – and is tangible the moment you sit inside. The difference now is a sense of real desirability to go with it. For the job of getting you to and back from challenging or remote locations right across this wonderful planet, there are few cars better qualified for the job.”
“The previous Land Cruiser was always a well-loved but fundamentally compromised 4×4 that offered limited appeal to those outside of farming or rural circles, at least in the UK. But the new Land Cruiser’s cool new design and overhauled interior show it can be successfully modernised. The greatest improvement has to be the way it drives on the road. While our cars were prototypes, [they] felt more than showroom-ready, and signals a brilliant reincarnation of this icon.”
“Want a genuinely rugged off-roader that’s phenomenally capable, quietly desirable, will never let you down, is well kitted out yet manages to look cool? Here you go. The Land Cruiser 250 may have had the retro makeover, but it’s not flattering to deceive. As much as capability, there’s an honesty and integrity to it that is deeply appealing. It may not be the last word in sophistication, but the criticisms of its ride and refinement are churlish when they actually feel integral to its ability, plus there’s huge satisfaction to be had in driving a car that is so clear about what it’s for and how it should be used.”
2024 Land Cruiser reviews: video
Learn more: History of the Toyota Land Cruiser
