Searching...
South Africans love a good Land Cruiser, and why wouldn’t we? After all, this legendary Toyota sub-brand has served our farmers, game rangers, and off-roaders for decades, cementing itself as the undisputed “Master of Africa”.
In 2024, Toyota unveiled its biggest refresh of the Land Cruiser lineup in years, featuring bold new styling, upgraded technology, and engines that were previously kept exclusive to other Toyota models. Unsurprisingly, the internet is abuzz with discussions around these changes. Let’s take a closer look at the 2024 Land Cruiser model lineup and what you can expect from each 4×4.
Photo: Toyota
The Land Cruiser 79 is the quintessential Cruiser, and although Toyota has given it a modern look, it’s still the same durable workhorse it’s always been. You can still choose between single cab and double cab options, but the 2024 model features some unprecedented improvements.
Outside, the Land Cruiser 79 now boasts LED foglamps that pair brilliantly with the classic round headlights, and the entire front grille has a new look. It also features black finishes on its wheels, bumpers, and grill, which Toyota says “reinforces the sense of solidity”.
Inside, you’ll find the familiar manual air conditioning controls, but with a new Bluetooth-equipped infotainment system and a one-touch electric window for the driver. Smokers, look away now: the Land Cruiser no longer sports an ashtray or cigarette lighter!
Most excitingly of all, the new 79 is now offered with the option of Toyota’s much-lauded 2.8 l GD-6 turbodiesel engine, which promises better fuel consumption than the classic inline six and V8 diesel options. The GD-6 is also available with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Photo: Toyota
Like the 79, the Land Cruiser 76 and are staples of African off-roading. Essentially, both are variants of the 79: the Land Cruiser 76 is a station wagon with a fully-enclosed passenger cabin and no load bay, while the Land Cruiser 78 has a “troop carrier” shape and benches that run lengthwise in the passenger cabin.
Both models have been given the same cosmetic treatment as the 79, but Toyota has also launched a VX trim level for the 76, which features a sturdy off-road front bumper with a bullbar, embroidered leather upholstery, an improved sound system, better sound insulation, a centre console fridge box, and a reverse camera. All variants feature a new infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
You can opt for either the GD-6 turbodiesel engine or the 4.5 l V8 diesel in the 76, but if you prefer the “Troopy” 78, you’ll have to settle for the 4.2 l straight six diesel.
Photo: Toyota
Perhaps the most exciting update to the Toyota Land Cruiser lineup in years, the new Land Cruiser Prado marks a massive change in styling and performance. This is truly an off-roader for the modern era, with a full suite of LED lights, a full-time all-wheel drive system, and an exterior design that pays homage to previous generations while adding contemporary refinements. After all, it’s been 15 years since the launch of its predecessor.
It also comes equipped with the GD-6 turbodiesel engine, but that’s the only choice you have. V6 purists might pine for more cylinders, but this peach of an engine does a stand-up job in the Fortuner, so it’ll be right at home in the seven-seater Prado. And, paired with a superb 4×4 system, you can go wherever you want in this off-roader. If you get stuck, simply activate the new Crawl Control system and watch as the Prado somehow manages to free itself from slippery situations!
The interior is fully kitted-out, as you’d expect, but with some significant upgrades. Most variants now feature wireless chargers, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a bigger boot than its predecessor. It also inherits heated and ventilated seats, dual-zone climate control, and safety features like adaptive cruise control and a reverse camera. There’s also a “First Edition” Prado with added perks, including round headlights, but it’s likely these have already sold out!
Photo: Toyota
The Land Cruiser 300 turns three this year, but by Land Cruiser standards, it’s still very much a new kid on the block. It’s the successor to the mighty Land Cruiser 200, which was the lineup’s flagship model for 24 years – and it’s taken off-road luxury to a whole new level.
Sure, its price dwarfs that of other Land Cruisers, but you’d be hard pressed to find a 4×4 that does a better job of marrying off-road prowess with plush luxury. After all, not every car comes with extra screens behind the headrests. The 300 is still a massive seven-seater that’s nearly 5 m long, but it’s been given a visual refresh that enables it to blend in among more city-oriented vehicles.
The interior boasts a long list of luxury trimmings, ranging from the aforementioned rear seat entertainment system to leather wherever you look. It still has its iconic fridge box in the centre console, but the rest of the driver’s cabin looks brand new. In the flagship GR-S model, you also get GR branding inside and outside, black GR-S wheels, and a front diff-lock.
In terms of engine options, you can go with the 3.3 l V6 diesel, or go all-out with the turbocharged 3.5 l V6 that spits out a whopping 305 kW of power. If you do go for brute force, keep in mind that you’ll be using around 30% more fuel!
Photo: Toyota
It’s not often that we get to enjoy this many brand-new Toyota Land Cruiser models at one time. We hope you’re as excited as we are to get behind the wheel of these remarkable off-roaders! In the meantime, while we slowly begin to phase newer models into our offerings, you can still choose from several Land Cruiser 4×4 options with Drive South Africa, including an incredible six-sleeper option in Namibia! Alternatively, check out our 4×4 rental pages.