{"id":33668,"date":"2024-11-14T12:57:16","date_gmt":"2024-11-14T16:57:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/?p=33668"},"modified":"2024-11-14T12:57:16","modified_gmt":"2024-11-14T16:57:16","slug":"payne-on-and-off-road-with-the-downsized-toyota-land-cruiser","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/2024\/11\/payne-on-and-off-road-with-the-downsized-toyota-land-cruiser","title":{"rendered":"Payne: On and off-road with the downsized Toyota Land Cruiser"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><em>Antrim<\/em>,\u00a0<em>Michigan<\/em>\u00a0\u2014 The dirt track of 10 Pines Ranch here is alive with American Motocross Racing District 14 racing during the summer\/fall months. Bike racers young and old show up to show off their physical skills and fitness over the one-mile track\u2019s diabolical mix of high-speed turns, jumps and moguls. Their steeds? A spicy international mix of Japanese and Austrian-made bikes.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The four-wheel world of off-road SUVs is getting spicier as well with the introduction of the all-new 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Land Cruiser? The hulking, three-row, Tundra-based SUV that Toyota Motor Corp. retired two years ago? Toyota has brought the badge back as a midsize, two-row SUV to take on American icons Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco in the wildly popular off-road class. It\u2019s a class that General Motors Co.\u2019s Chevy and GMC brands have ignored, and Toyota has filled the void with a trio of off-road warriors: Land Cruiser, 4Runner and Lexus GX.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2024\/11\/13\/PDTN\/76260249007-toyota-land-cruiser-fr-34-biker.jpg?width=990&amp;height=558&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" width=\"548\" height=\"309\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_mo_cap gnt_em_mo_cc__swd\"><em>The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser enjoys motocross competition at the 10 Pines Ranch in Antrim. The Land Cruiser downsizes from the previous gen 3-row SUV.<\/em><\/div>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_mo_crd gnt_em_mo_cc__swd\"><em>Henry Payne, The Detroit News<\/em><\/div>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">I spent a week with the Land Cruiser cruising all over Michigan from 10 Pines Ranch to four-lane highways to the off-road trails of The Mounds ORV Park in Flint. The robin-egg blue Toyota got a lot of attention.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">\u201cOoooh, I see you have the new Land Cruiser,\u201d said my friend Andrew in Charlevoix. \u201cHow do you like it?\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">\u201cIt\u2019s really smooth on-road for a truck-based SUV,\u201d I said. \u201cBut it seems pricey for a Toyota SUV at $70K.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">\u201cThat\u2019s cheap,\u201d laughed Andrew. \u201cMy old one cost 90 grand.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Oh.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2024\/11\/13\/PDTN\/76260241007-toyota-land-cruiser-moundsfr-34-sand.jpg?width=990&amp;height=558&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" width=\"497\" height=\"280\" \/><\/figure>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser plays at The Mounds ORV park with low-speed transfer case and disconnecting front roll bar.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\">\n<div class=\"gnt_em_mo_cap gnt_em_mo_cc__swd\"><em>The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser plays at The Mounds ORV park with low-speed transfer case and disconnecting front roll bar.<\/em><\/div>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_mo_crd gnt_em_mo_cc__swd\"><em>Henry Payne, The Detroit News<\/em><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Buyers are willing to pay a lot of coin for off-road macho, obviously \u2014 just take a look at the $62K Wrangler Rubicon 4xe and $80K Bronco Sasquatch I\u2019ve tested. The Land Cruiser certainly looked the part with its two-tone roof and fashionable Lego-block exterior that compares favorably to modern Land Rover Defenders and Merc G-Wagons.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The ol\u2019 Land Cruiser built its reputation as a high-end, off-road-focused full-size SUV that sat next to the three-row full-size Toyota Sequoia in the showroom. Toyota is positioning the new midsize Land Cruiser as a premium version of the Toyota 4Runner, which has been thrilling dirt-lovers for years.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Like the forthcoming remade 2025 4Runner (which I\u2019ll test soon), Land Cruiser is based on the midsize Tacoma pickup\u2019s ladder frame and shares off-road hardware like disconnecting front sway-bar and two-speed transfer case. Unlike the 4Runner \u2014 which options a base, rear-wheel-driver four-banger as well as a hybrid turbo-4 \u2014 Land Cruiser is only available with all-wheel drive and the hybrid powertrain.<\/p>\n<aside id=\"gnt_atomsnc\" class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_anc\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"loadAnc\" aria-label=\"Newsletter signup form\">\n<div class=\"label\" hidden=\"\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"message\">\n<div class=\"title\">Get the\u00a0<span class=\"highlight\">Michigan Politics<\/span>\u00a0newsletter in your inbox.<\/div>\n<p class=\"description\">Washington and Lansing, red and blue, we&#8217;ve got your government covered.<\/p>\n<div class=\"frequency\">Delivery: Daily<\/div>\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"input-container populated\"><input autocomplete=\"off\" name=\"email\" required=\"\" type=\"email\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"clickable\"><\/div>\n<p><label>Your Email<\/label><\/div>\n<div id=\"bar\">\n<div class=\"highlight\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"progress-primary\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"progress-secondary\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">So armed, it takes aim at high-end models in the segment (think Wrangler 4xe and Bronco Sasquatch) with a hybrid drivetrain and suitable on-road manners. In keeping with the industry trend of electronics narrowing the gap between mainstream and luxe brands, the Land Cruiser compared favorably to a $62K Range Rover Evoque I had in the driveway at the same time. Optioned with the $4,600 Premium Package, the Toyota was the Range Rover\u2019s match with head-up display, JBL sound system, wireless phone charger \u2014 even a refrigerator in the center console.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2024\/11\/13\/PDTN\/76260251007-toyota-land-cruiser-int.jpg?width=990&amp;height=558&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" width=\"499\" height=\"281\" \/><\/figure>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser's Lego-block interior is bracketed by cool, oval air vents.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\">\n<div class=\"gnt_em_mo_cap gnt_em_mo_cc__swd\"><em>The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser&#8217;s Lego-block interior is bracketed by cool, oval air vents.<\/em><\/div>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_mo_crd gnt_em_mo_cc__swd\"><em>Henry Payne, The Detroit News<\/em><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Indeed, the Land Cruiser\u2019s hybrid turbo-4 not only put up luxe-like numbers (326 horses and 465 pound-feet of torque) \u2014 but its stop-start engine shutoff at stoplights was barely noticeable compared to the Rover\u2019s rough system.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Land Cruiser wants your $70K off-roader to be a pleasant, all-season daily driver.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">There are no removable doors and roof here like those in Wrangler and Bronco. Instead, Land Cruiser floated up I-75 on its big 20-inch wheels like a regular SUV. Smooth, handsome, quiet. Well, almost quiet.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The Toyota is boxier than the 4Runner, with a tall greenhouse that reminds of the Merc G-Wagon. Entry and egress was a cinch for your giraffe-necked reviewer, but the Cruiser has the aerodynamics of a brick and A-pillar wind noise was constant. Still, it was easier on the ears than the Jeep\/Ford twins and their big, knobby all-terrain tires.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The Land Cruiser was outfitted with Dunlop Grandtrek rubber \u2014 an all-terrain tire but with a noticeably less-aggressive tread pattern.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2024\/11\/13\/PDTN\/76260256007-toyota-land-cruiser-gas.jpg?width=990&amp;height=558&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" width=\"502\" height=\"283\" \/><\/figure>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser sports a hybrid 4-cylinder, but gas mileage was weak at just 17 mpg.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\">\n<div class=\"gnt_em_mo_cap gnt_em_mo_cc__swd\"><em>The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser sports a hybrid 4-cylinder, but gas mileage was weak at just 17 mpg.<\/em><\/div>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_mo_crd gnt_em_mo_cc__swd\"><em>Henry Payne, The Detroit News<\/em><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Watching bikers fly over jumps in their Kawasakis, Suzukis and Hondas at 10 Pines, I got the urge to take my Japanese dirt-kicker off-road as well.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">At The Mounds ORV Park outside Flint the next day, the big Toyota proved that it belongs. Where the OG Wrangler is old-school analog when it comes to going off-road (even the transfer case shifter requires muscle to yank into Neutral), the Land Cruiser is all buttons and dials.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Still, Land Cruiser can\u2019t match the Bronc\u2019s high-tech digital system. Where the Toyota\u2019s off-road mode selector gives you options of Sand, Mud, Dirt, Deep Snow \u2014 it\u2019s up to you to choose which off-road tools to use. The Ford goes further, displaying graphics that match the landscape out your windshield \u2014 then engaging axle lockers, anti-roll bar disconnect, etc., depending on the mode you select. Now that\u2019s premium.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Don\u2019t like what Bronc recommended? Tool buttons on top of the dash can be engaged.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2024\/11\/13\/PDTN\/76260257007-toyota-land-cruiser-moundsrr-34-rock.jpg?width=990&amp;height=558&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" width=\"516\" height=\"291\" \/><\/figure>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser's 8.7 inches of ground clearance is modest for the class, but useful when navigating rock.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\">\n<div class=\"gnt_em_mo_cap gnt_em_mo_cc__swd\"><em>The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser&#8217;s 8.7 inches of ground clearance is modest for the class, but useful when navigating rock.<\/em><\/div>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_mo_crd gnt_em_mo_cc__swd\"><em>Henry Payne, The Detroit News<\/em><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Heading out into The Mounds sandbox, I stopped, shifted to Neutral, then pushed a button to disconnect the front sway-bar. With the front wheels moving independently of one other, I comfortably navigated uneven moguls. Cruiser and I had a blast.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">When I was over-aggressive, the rugged truck rails \u2014\u00a0<em>WHUMP!<\/em>\u00a0\u2014 or front skid plate \u2014\u00a0<em>WHUMP!<\/em>\u00a0\u2014 absorbed punishment. True to its comfort vibe, Land Cruiser has a less aggressive off-road setup (8.7 inches of ground clearance, 31-degree approach angle) than the Detroit twins, but it\u2019s enough for most off-roading.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">More problematic was the Toyota\u2019s mileage.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The ol\u2019 three-row Land Cruiser boasted a stonkin\u2019 V-8 engine, 24.6-gallon gas tank and 8,100-pound towing capacity. Cruiser 2.0 offers half as many cylinders, 17.9 gallons of fuel and 6,000 pounds of towing. Though the \u201924 model advertises itself as a 25 mpg-highway hybrid fuel-sipper, my mostly-highway travel returned just 17 mpg.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2024\/11\/13\/PDTN\/76260254007-toyota-land-cruiser-console.jpg?width=990&amp;height=558&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" width=\"495\" height=\"279\" \/><\/figure>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser console is busy with drive mode buttons, cupholders, and charging pad.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\">\n<div class=\"gnt_em_mo_cap gnt_em_mo_cc__swd\"><em>The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser console is busy with drive mode buttons, cupholders, and charging pad.<\/em><\/div>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_mo_crd gnt_em_mo_cc__swd\"><em>Henry Payne, The Detroit News<\/em><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">As a rule, I assume half that when towing, meaning the Land Cruiser may have to fill up every 150 miles with a motorbike trailer behind it. That\u2019s a lotta gas stops. No wonder most tow vehicles I saw in the 10 Pines paddock were full-size Ram, Chevy Silverado and Ford F-150 pickups. The latter has a 36-gallon tank and over 800 miles of range (400 when towing).<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">My Toyota road trip was passenger and cargo-friendly. The interior lacked the personality of the exterior, but digital displays and phone connectivity were state-of-the-art \u2014 if not as intuitive as the Ford and award-winning Jeep systems.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2024\/11\/13\/PDTN\/76260252007-toyota-land-cruiser-moundsroadfr-35.jpg?width=990&amp;height=558&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" width=\"518\" height=\"292\" \/><\/figure>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is comfortable on and off-road with 33-inch all-terrain tires and multiple drive modes.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\">\n<div class=\"gnt_em_mo_cap gnt_em_mo_cc__swd\"><em>The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is comfortable on and off-road with 33-inch all-terrain tires and multiple drive modes.<\/em><\/div>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_mo_crd gnt_em_mo_cc__swd\"><em>Henry Payne, The Detroit News<\/em><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Only the clever, aviation-style oval vents interrupted the Lego-block interior (round headlights are also an option). Heading home from The Mounds on I-75, I navigated rough construction-zone pavement. Ah, Michigan, where it&#8217;s often hard to tell the difference between on-road and off-road.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Good thing all-terrain tire, rugged SUVs are all the rage. Welcome back, Land Cruiser.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><em>Next week:<\/em>\u00a0<em>2024 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 Coupe<\/em><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\">2024 Toyota Land Cruiser<\/h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Vehicle type: Gas-powered, four-wheel-drive five-passenger SUV<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Price: $57,900, including $1,395 destination charge ($70,589 as tested)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Powerplant: Hybrid-electric drivetrain with 2.4-liter, turbocharged inline 4-cylinder<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Transmission: Eight-speed transmission<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Power: 326 horsepower, 465 pound-feet torque<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Performance: 0-60 mph, 7.7 sec. (Car and Driver, 2.0L); towing, 6,000 pounds<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Weight: 5,639 pounds<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Fuel economy: EPA est. 22 city\/25 highway\/23 combined<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Report card<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Highs: Head-turning looks; comfortable on and off-road<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Lows: Noisy at highway speed; thirsty hybrid<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Overall: 4 stars<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><em>Henry Payne is auto critic for The Detroit News. Find him at hpayne@detroitnews.com or @HenryEPayne<\/em>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Antrim,\u00a0Michigan\u00a0\u2014 The dirt track of 10 Pines Ranch here is alive with American Motocross Racing District 14 racing during the summer\/fall months. Bike racers young and old show up to show off their physical skills and fitness over the one-mile track\u2019s diabolical mix of high-speed turns, jumps and moguls. Their steeds? A spicy international mix [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,87],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33668"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=33668"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33668\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":33669,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33668\/revisions\/33669"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33668"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=33668"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=33668"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}