THE 2024 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 1958 IS A MORE AFFORDABLE HERITAGE RICH HYBRID SUV

EV Channels Review

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 1958 marks a significant return for the iconic nameplate, repositioning itself as a more accessible, heritage-focused hybrid SUV. The reviewer highlights the new 2.4L turbo-four hybrid powertrain (iForce Max) as a mixed bag: while it offers strong low-end torque and improved fuel efficiency (averaging 22 MPG in testing, a substantial gain over the previous V8), its 0-60 times are disappointing (around 7.8 seconds) and the engine note lacks the V8's refinement. The exterior styling successfully evokes classic Land Cruiser designs, particularly the round headlights and heritage grille on the 1958 trim. However, the interior of the base 1958 model is criticized for its extensive use of hard, cheap plastics, manual seat adjustments, and a smaller 8-inch infotainment screen compared to higher trims. Positives include comfortable cloth seats, a commanding driving position, and standard safety features. The ride quality is praised for its comfort, especially with the smaller wheels, though body lean is noticeable. While the 1958 trim offers a more affordable entry point ($55,900) compared to the outgoing model, the reviewer suggests that for a more premium experience, stepping up to the mid-level Land Cruiser trim or even the Lexus GX might be worthwhile due to the base model's material shortcomings.