I've never had a loaner where I was initially so conflicted on how I thought about it. Quite frankly, we all get pretty spoiled because the manufacturers want to push us to write about the top-of-the-line trim levels with all the fancy (and expensive!) bells and whistles. This often takes a vehicle very rapidly from a modest "Starting At" price to a very lofty "As Shown" reality. However, after a few days of driving it, the things that initially made me wince based on the $55,000 price point - no power liftgate, no power seats, fabric seats, etc. began to feel comfortable and nostalgic. This isn't a rolling around town strutting your stuff sort of SUV, this is a back to basics, ready for adventure vehicle that is just waiting for your next overlanding trip.
It's rare that I need to take a pause when writing a review like this, usually I have a gut feeling that either I love the car or I hate it or maybe even that it's just not for me but would be great for someone else. Here though I'm conflicted. While this is a back to basics trim level, at more than $50,000 it's far from a budget vehicle and the things that anyone who's grown to appreciate the Land Cruiser badge in the past 10 years, simply aren't here.
With that being said though ... the raw emotional attachment that I got to this vehicle has stuck with me, even a couple weeks after returning it to Toyota's press fleet. I even asked my PR rep if the cloth seats were available as an option on the higher trim level, sadly they aren't. As someone who loves off-roading in hot desert climates ... cloth seats are just more comfortable. Even on cold mornings, the warmer below my butt somehow seemed more cozy feeling than I'd experienced on the Land Cruiser 1958's big brother - Lexus GX that we reviewed previously.
Power and Efficiency
The Land Cruiser 1958 trim comes exclusively with Toyota's i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain, marking a significant departure from previous generations. This sophisticated system combines a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with an electric motor positioned in the bell housing, working in conjunction with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain delivers impressive performance metrics with 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, while achieving an EPA-estimated 23 MPG combined rating - the highest combined fuel economy of any Land Cruiser to date.
Key performance features include:
- Full-time four-wheel drive system
- Two-speed transfer case
- Standard center and rear-locking differentials
- 6,000-pound towing capacity
While we like the i-FORCE MAX engine, and it seems well matched to the vehicle, from a dollars and cents perspective, it's tough to justify the environmental benefits vs the cost of premium-only fuel requirements at more than a dollar more per gallon here in Ohio.
Styling
The 1958 trim level pays direct homage to the Land Cruiser's American debut year with several distinctive retro-inspired design elements. The most notable features are the round LED headlamps and the iconic "TOYOTA" heritage grille, which deliberately echo the original 1958 model's styling cues. The overall design philosophy maintains the traditional Land Cruiser boxy profile while incorporating modern elements.
Notable styling elements include:
- Round LED headlamps
- Heritage "TOYOTA" grille design
- Short overhangs for improved off-road capability
- Available in seven exterior colors including two-tone options with Grayscape roof
- Fabric-trimmed heated seats maintaining the utilitarian spirit
Some folks might not like the look but it grew on me. They did a really good job of putting together a look that, inside and out, feels masculine, rugged, and low maintenance... but still comfortable.
Towing and Cargo Space
The 2024 Land Cruiser offers impressive utility that stays true to its workhorse roots.
It features a robust 6,000-pound towing capacity, significantly outmuscling competitors like the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler, making it a capable choice for hauling trailers or outdoor equipment. The cargo area itself is huge and retains the hatch window for easy access but like other 3-row SUVs that have been modified to drop down to 2-rows, it retains that weird set of artifacts including cup holders and USB ports. That isn't entirely terrible, but for a car priced this high, I sorta expect that it would not feel like it was a stripped-down version of something greater.
Safety
The 1958 trim comes comprehensively equipped with Toyota's latest safety technology package, Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, representing a significant advancement in standard safety features. The system includes several sophisticated driver assistance technologies that have been enhanced over previous generations.
Standard safety features include:
- Pre-Collision System with enhanced Pedestrian Detection and motorcyclist recognition
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with four following distances
- Lane Tracing Assist
- Road Sign Assist
- Automatic High Beams
- Proactive Driving Assist
- Blind Spot Monitor (BSM)
- Emergency Driving Stop System
The safety system benefits from improved sensors and enhanced detection capabilities, particularly at intersections. The Lane Departure Alert system now features enhanced lane recognition with 3D object detection, such as guardrails, while the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control has been upgraded to detect multiple preceding vehicles and vehicles in adjacent lanes, providing smoother speed adjustments during lane changes.
Land Cruiser 1858 Final Verdict ... I Like It But ...
So, what more can I say here about the Land Cruiser 1958. I like this option for folks that want something a bit bigger than the 4Runner and it's a great option if you have a hunting cabin down a long dirt road or enjoy going out on the weekend overlanding with the guys. However, this generation of Land Cruise is really a different beast entirely compared to what Land Cruiser has been in the past. It's smaller, cheaper, and somewhat less capable (though this is probably a better mix of on and off-road experience for folks like me who aren't going to buy a dedicated off-road rig).
Toyota still makes the true Land Cruiser ... now exclusive to the Lexus brand though. The LX, though, hovers around $100,000 compared to this stripped-down Land Cruiser that comes in around $50,000.
Ultimately, it's about what your needs and budget will allow. That's something I can't tell you.
