Toyota Land Cruiser: Price of Land Rover Defender competitor

author: FutureCar Staff    

Toyota has unveiled its new Land Cruiser for 2024, which features retro styling that matches or even surpasses the bold looks of the Land Rover Defender. The Land Cruiser has a rock-solid record for reliability over the past 72 years, unlike Land Rover, whose recent track record has been more questionable. Although the Land Cruiser is expected to be more dependable, it remains to be seen if it will be the more affordable option of the two.

The 2024 model of the Land Cruiser has been eagerly awaited, as it shows a completely restyled look that demonstrates Toyota's commitment to protecting its market share and competing with off-road rivals like the Defender and Ineos Grenadier. The Land Cruiser is highly popular in countries with challenging terrains like Africa, Australia, the Middle East, and remote parts of the US. Toyota aims to maintain the Land Cruiser's traditional strengths of quality, durability, and reliability to tackle the toughest conditions.

The new Land Cruiser will be available in the UK, with order books opening later this year. It has been 14 years since the last Land Cruiser model was released in the UK. The retro styling of the new model is a departure from the more traditional look of its predecessor. Toyota describes the Land Cruiser as a model that draws on its original qualities of strength and reliability that have been associated with the Land Cruiser name for more than 70 years.

Toyota's Land Cruiser is considered the 'go-to' 4x4 for difficult terrains and remote locations. Its unshakable reputation gives it an advantage over the Land Rover Defender, especially considering Land Rover's recent reliability issues. Additionally, the Land Cruiser is expected to be significantly cheaper than the Defender, making it an attractive option for buyers.

The starting price for the Land Cruiser is expected to be around £50,000, making it £13,500 cheaper than the entry-level Land Rover Defender 110. Pre-sale order books for the Land Cruiser will open later this year, and the first UK deliveries are expected in the first half of 2024. Initially, high-spec 'First Edition' cars will be available, featuring unique design elements such as round headlights and two-tone paint choices.

The Land Cruiser's design language goes back to its origins, with influences from earlier generations. The vehicle's chunky and tough looks include shorter overhangs and body parts that are easy to remove and replace in case of damage. Inside, buyers can choose between five or seven-seat configurations, making it popular for tour guide businesses and safari excursions. Toyota has also improved all-round visibility for shorter drivers.

Underneath its retro-inspired bodywork, the Land Cruiser features a new platform designed for optimal off-road performance while maintaining on-road composure. The new frame is 50% more rigid, resulting in improved responsiveness, handling, and ride comfort. The Land Cruiser also comes with new technology, including a 'Multi-Terrain Monitor' system that uses a high-resolution camera to display what is beneath the vehicle, and a 'Multi-Terrain Select' system that adapts performance to different off-road driving conditions.

In the UK, the Land Cruiser will initially be available with a 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. It will have a towing capacity of 3,500kg. A greener mild-hybrid powertrain will be introduced around 2025, combining the diesel engine with a 48-volt belt-integrated starter-generator.

The Land Cruiser has a long and storied history, dating back 72 years to the original Toyota BJ. It has earned a worldwide reputation for durability and has sold 11.3 million units across more than 170 countries and regions. The Land Cruiser's flexibility and reliability have made it a popular choice for off-road use and in challenging landscapes.

FutureCar Staff