New Toyota Land Cruiser vs. Old Land Cruiser: How Are They Different?
Newer is supposed to mean better, but some off-road enthusiasts might prefer to keep it old-school.
As the saying goes, don’t mess with a good thing—but what if it makes the good thing better? That could be the case with the Toyota Land Cruiser. After the Land Cruiser 200 series ended its marathon run in 2021, a hiatus ensued before the new Land Cruiser 250 series arrived for 2024.
In every regard, the Land Cruiser 200 was dreadfully outdated by the time it departed, but its time-tested nature gave it a certain appeal. In comparison, the Land Cruiser 250 is clearly a thoroughly modernized and technically capable SUV. Does it retain the charm of its predecessor? Acquaint yourself with the key differences between the old Land Cruiser and new Land Cruiser to get an idea of which is better.
2024 Land Cruiser vs. Old Land Cruiser: Is the New Land Cruiser Smaller?
The new Land Cruiser and old Land Cruiser are very similar in size. In some measurements, they’re identical. The old Land Cruiser is slightly longer than the new version, but the new Land Cruiser is taller than its predecessor.
2024 Land Cruiser vs. Old Land Cruiser: Does It Have a Hybrid Engine?
Among the headline attributes of the new Land Cruiser is its hybrid powertrain. Every 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser comes equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged I-4 engine, paired with an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission. Bearing Toyota’s i-Force Max designation, this setup produces 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. In MotorTrend testing, 0–60-mph acceleration took 8.0 seconds. Fuel economy rates at 22/25 mpg city/highway.
Was the old Land Cruiser’s engine better? That was a 5.7-liter V-8 good for 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque, also connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took 6.8 seconds in MotorTrend testing. However, fuel economy came in at just 13/17 mpg.
2024 Land Cruiser vs. Old Land Cruiser: Is It Better Off-Road?
To deliver on its name, the new Land Cruiser comes equipped with plenty of off-road hardware and software. In addition to full-time 4WD with a two-speed transfer case, standard features include a locking rear differential, off-road cruise control, and hill descent control. Depending on configuration, other goodies such as a disconnecting front stabilizer bar, underbody skidplates, rock rails, roof baskets, terrain-specific driving modes, and a front-facing trail camera are optional or included.
Many of these features, such as a rear locker, off-road cruise control, and multi-terrain drive modes were included on the old Land Cruiser. However, that model also had a trail turn assist feature to help pivot the SUV around tight corners, absent on the new Land Cruiser. It also had the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), which is now exclusive to the new Lexus GX, a vehicle closely related to the new Land Cruiser.
2024 Land Cruiser vs. Old Land Cruiser: What Are the Angles?
Equipment is important for off-roading, but simple angles are a critical factor, too. A rig’s numbers for approach, departure, breakover, and ground clearance are a solid starting point for knowing how capable it’ll be over tough terrain. Compare these angles and measurements for the new Land Cruiser and old Land Cruiser.
2024 Land Cruiser vs. Old Land Cruiser: Is It a 3-Row SUV?
The old Land Cruiser could be had as a three-row SUV, but the new 2024 model is offered in a two-row, five-seat configuration only. If you want a new three-row Land Cruiser, the new Lexus GX is the next best thing. Those seats in the new Land Cruiser are more spacious than before, though.
2024 Land Cruiser vs. Old Land Cruiser: Which Has More Cargo Space?
Both versions of the Land Cruiser offer plenty of cargo space to load up gear for an overlanding adventure.
2024 Land Cruiser vs. Old Land Cruiser: Tech Features
Unsurprisingly, the new Land Cruiser is far higher tech than the model that came before it. Entry-level versions of the 2024 SUV come with an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen supplemented by a 7.0-inch gauge cluster display. In higher-end models, each of those displays measures 12.3 inches. Regardless, both have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Two USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad are in the front row, and two more USB-C ports can be added for the second row. Depending on configuration, an audio system comprising six, 10, or 14 speakers is equipped. A head-up display and digital rearview mirror are added as part of the Premium package.
Even in its final year on sale, the old Land Cruiser didn’t have great tech features. Its 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen lacked Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Up front there was a wireless charging pad and single USB-A port. A 14-speaker audio system was standard, however. The old Land Cruiser also had a feature not offered in the new one: a CD player.
2024 Land Cruiser vs. Old Land Cruiser: Safety and Driver Assist Features
Like nearly every new Toyota, the 2024 Land Cruiser comes equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assist and active safety features. Front automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and full-speed adaptive cruise control are all standard on the new Land Cruiser.
The old Land Cruiser had some of these features, as well; in its final model year it came with front automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beams. Adaptive cruise control was also standard, but it was an older system that didn’t function at speeds below 25 mph, unlike the all-speed system equipped in the 2024 Land Cruiser.
2024 Land Cruiser vs. Old Land Cruiser: What's the Price Difference?
The new 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser starts at about $57,500 for the 1958 model, $63,500 for the Land Cruiser specification, and $76,500 for the limited-run First Edition. In 2021, its final year on sale, the old Land Cruiser started at almost $87,000 and cost over $89,000 in Heritage Edition specification.
2024 Land Cruiser vs. Old Land Cruiser: Pros and Cons
Old Toyota Land Cruiser: Pros
- Time-tested reputation
- Solid rear axle
- V-8 engine
Old Toyota Land Cruiser: Cons
- Outdated tech features
- Trucklike road manners
- Lackluster fuel economy
New Toyota Land Cruiser: Pros
- Modern tech and safety assists
- More passenger space
- Good hybrid fuel economy
New Toyota Land Cruiser: Cons
- Hybrid powertrain complexity
- No third-row seat
- Less ground clearance
Alex's earliest memory is of a teal 1993 Ford Aspire, the car that sparked his automotive obsession. He's never driven that tiny hatchback—at six feet, 10 inches tall, he likely wouldn't fit—but has assessed hundreds of other vehicles, sharing his insights on MotorTrend as a writer and video host.
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