Why the Land Cruiser Isn’t the Ultimate Off-Roader for Everyone
Is the Land Cruiser the ultimate off-road vehicle for everyone, or just some? On one hand, its hefty construction and outstanding image have earned it a large following.
This 4×4 is a remarkable vehicle, but we’ll explore why some off-roaders might find even better options to fit their unique adventures. Without breaking the bank, you will learn about its benefits and drawbacks and other specific vehicles that work best for your off-road excursions. Continue reading for the best choices that will fit your needs as an off-road enthusiast.
Hybrid worries about the Land Cruiser engine?
Since this is the first hybrid-only Cruiser Vehicle, people who want a new off-roader with a V-8 engine will have to look at the older 200 Series 4×4 or SUVs like the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392, the Land Rover Defender.
The new Toyota Cruiser doesn’t have a non-electric choice, but the 2024 Toyota Tacoma does. You can also look at the 2024 Lexus GX for that. Should people who like to go off-road be worried about these vehicle hybrid engines? Most likely not.
We are sure that the turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and its 48-hp electric motor will live up to the quality and dependability that Toyota is known for. The company has been making hybrid engines for more than 20 years. Other off-road vehicles, like the Range Rover and the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, have also shown how well hybrid engines work.
What’s the Ground Clearance?
The Off-road Toyota vehicles offers decent performance but could benefit from improved ground clearance, approach, and exit angles.
The 4Runner TRD Pro is just over 9 inches off the ground, while the Cruiser is only 8.3 inches below the ground and can just barely clear a normal sheet of office paper. The official 2024 Lexus GX ground clearance numbers have not been released yet, but we think they will be about the same as the hybrid Cruiser’s.
The approach and exit angles are important when the car needs to drive up or down a ledge without dragging its bumpers. The approach angle of the 200 Series is better than that of the 2024 LCs, but the exit angle is just a hair less. The 2024 Lexus GX can go down a slightly steeper ledge, but its approach angle will be slowed down by its big front end.
New Land Cruisers come with rear storage lockers as standard.
This is true: The 4×4 Cruiser will have a locked rear differential at every trim level. On the GX, the Over trail grade comes with a back locker. This is part of the off-road packages on the new 4Runner. The 200 Series Off-road Toyota vehicles didn’t have it; that car had a center-locking differential instead. If you intend to simultaneously engage the front and rear differentials while trying to drive your Toyota off-roader, the only option is to purchase aftermarket parts. Other options include buying an SUV like the Ford Bronco, which is more suitable for off-roading.
Does the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser require more robust skid plates?
Avoiding damage from trails is essential, and Toyota tried to solve this problem with the new. Under the radiator, engine, and gas tank are skid plates. There is also a small plate of defense under the transfer case. If you choose the First Edition, The sides of the SUV will have rock rails. The 4Runner TRD Pro and the 2024 Lexus GX have similar protection under the hood. However, the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco still come with more protection.
Low-Performance Tires
All-season road tires measuring 265/70R18 inches are standard on all 2024 Off-road Toyota vehicles, even the most off-road-focused models. That’s only a tenth of an inch less than the 265/70R17s on the newest 4Runner and even less than the 285/60R18s on the 200 Series off-road SUVs. With the same 265/70R18 tire size, the 2024 Lexus GX comes out on top. It also has all-terrain tires that are better for traveling off-road.
Some automakers like big tires from the start. For example, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon has 35-inch tires, and the Ford Bronco Raptor has 37-inch tires. Both of these vehicles are all-terrain. If off-road SUVs fans want more meat under their feet, they must look for aftermarket help.
| Vehicle Model | Standard Tire Size | Tire Type | Off-Road Readiness | Notes |
| 2024 Toyota Cruiser | 265/70R18 | All-Season Road Tires | Moderate | Needs aftermarket tires for serious off-roading. |
| Newest 4Runner | 265/70R17 | All-Terrain Tires | Good | Slightly smaller tires but built for off-road. |
| 200 Series | 285/60R18 | All-Terrain Tires | Good | Larger tires than the 2024 model. |
| Extra food and water | 265/70R18 | All-Terrain Tires | Better | More capable for off-road use. |
| 2024 Lexus GX | 35-inch Tires | All-Terrain Tires | Excellent | Designed for rugged off-road conditions. |
| Ford Bronco Raptor | 37-inch Tires | All-Terrain Tires | Outstanding | Comes with largest standard off-road tires. |
Does anyone use these features when they’re off-road?
Select Multiple Terrains? How to Stop Crawl? Downhill Help? We’ve found that using common sense is still the best way to drive on track. However, the 2024 Toyota Cruiser’s electronic features can help with some parts of off-roading. The 2024 Lexus GX Over trail and Over trail+, as well as some 4Runner models, will all have the same tech features. Ford put similar features in the Bronco.
Can I easily disconnect the front sway bar?
If you disconnect the front sway bar (an anti-roll bar), the front suspension will have more room to move. This will keep your tires on the road.
There is a button on the 2024 Toyota off-road Cruiser that lets the driver disconnect the front sway bar. On the other hand, the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System in the 2024 Lexus GX makes all the decisions. On the other hand, the Ford Bronco has a built-in switch that can disconnect the front sway bar.
What Should I Change Before Taking the 2024 Land Cruiser Off-Road?
When you go off-roading, they should make it easy to bring family and friends along for the ride on easy tracks and backroads. We suggest more extreme off-road tires and more protection for all roads other than the most worn-down forest roads. We can’t say how well the suspension works, but putting on bigger tires will probably mean changing the axles and springs. This will allow for longer-traveling parts with more damping ability.
The usual rear locking differential, the two front recovery points, and the front fascia that seem to make installing aftermarket armor a little less painful are all things we like. There also looks to be a lot of room in the front end to store a winch.
Why Off-Road Tires Matter
The 2024 off-road SUVs is ready for exciting off-road adventures, making it a great choice for fun outings with family and friends on scenic trails and rugged backroads. For more challenging terrains, upgrading to strong off-road tires and adding protective gear will make your trips even safer and more enjoyable.
Enhancing Suspension Performance
The 2024 4x4s suspension has a lot of promise. Adding bigger tires can get you smoother rides, but you may need to upgrade the wheels and springs first. By making these changes, you can handle rough terrain better and for longer periods.
Standard Features to Love
This off-road Vehicle has excellent features that make it perfect for people who like to go off-road. It is very helpful that it has a back-locking differential and two front recovery points. The front shape also makes it easy to add aftermarket armor, and there’s a lot of room for a winch, which is great for people who love to go on adventures.
Building the Ultimate Off-Road Machine
With the right upgrades, the 2024 4×4 Toyota vehicle could become the best off-road car. Because of its solid base and the changes you make to it, every trip is full of fun and opportunities.
FAQs of Land Cruiser
In The End
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is a dependable off-road vehicle with a strong legacy, offering hybrid efficiency, essential off-road features, and customization potential. While its factory setup may fall short for extreme terrains due to moderate ground clearance and all-season tires, aftermarket upgrades can unlock its full potential. With proven reliability and versatile performance, it remains a solid choice for adventure seekers ready to personalize their off-road experience
