Is the Toyota Land Cruiser Now the Best Overland Vehicle?

Every now and then, a new vehicle comes along that reignites your passion for adventure. The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, an icon in the overland community, did just that for me. From the moment I saw its preproduction model, I knew this was a vehicle I wanted to take deep into the backcountry. Sure, there's always a bit of skepticism with first-year models – they can have their quirks. But I decided to take the plunge and get my hands on this incredible truck. Today, I'll give you an in-depth tour, highlighting the features that set it apart from the competition, sharing a few of my critiques, talk about why I chose this and reveal my long-term plans for the Land Cruiser. But first, let's explore this trail a bit and see what this truck can do.

***********************************************

Check out our website if you’re looking for off-road or overland gear and equipment for your rig and off-the-grid adventures. We have everything you need, including recovery gear, tents, cooking and kitchen gear, sleeping bags, TrailRecon clothes and stickers, and a lot more.

If you’re interested in reading in-depth articles about the places we go, products we use, and our personal insights about overlanding, you’ll want to check out our blog.

***********************************************

Join for extended footage, behind the scenes, exclusive patch, some live content and invitations to exclusive events, and you’ll be helping support some of our upcoming adventures.

[TrailRecon]

Correction regarding the 120 lbs (60kg) rear storage capacity. The decal referenced the front storage board, not the battery platform. This section is being deleted from the video (YouTube processing time may take a bit). I own it when I misspeak, thanks to everyone that helped provide the clarification.

[pch-]

Love that you’re a car guy and not a Jeep guy. As someone who is in his 6th Wrangler and 4th Grand Cherokee I certainly love Jeeps as well but like you, I’m a car guy. We’re divided enough right now, let’s not go into Jeep vs Toyota, let’s just love them all.

[alisaei]

I like how you narrate your car reviews so calmly and relaxing!

[robbergstrom]

This has always been one of my favorite channels. Adding a Toyota to the stable just bumped it to the top. Looking forward to seeing your adventures in the LC.

[shawnradcliff]

I think you had the same excitement about the 392…oh…and the diesel, the 4xe, power wagon, and Bronco.

[olafmeier]

Let's see what you say down the road... I remember how you praised the Bronco 😊

[MichaelApodaca]

Great in depth review, Brad. I think we can all agree that the Land Cruiser is a great looking vehicle, but it's great to have someone experienced like yourself talk about the good and the bad (such as the rear cargo payload limit). As a Gladiator owner, I love seeing other off-road oriented SUV and trucks on the road. Bronco's, ZR2 Colorado's, Raptor Rangers/F150s, Grenadier's and now the Land Cruiser. There are truly a plethora of great offroad vehicles available on the market and I don't blame you one-bit for choosing this over another Jeep. Enjoy the new vehicle and I look forward to seeing the build!

[rthack]

This is the best Land Cruiser review I have seen to date. Well done!

[legomyyoda]

09 GX470 Here with KO2’s & TRD wheels here. Friend built me a sleeping platform & drawers for when the 2nd row is folded down. Best vehicle I’ve ever owned. Inexpensive repairs & No Payments. This leaves more money for equipment & adventures.

[krismiller]

Great to see so much detail about what they are all about! Excited to see what you’re gonna do.

[jakes]

That's my dream spec, but with the brown leather and a sunroof. Love the Underground color on the 20" wheels. Looks so clean

[DDMSteveB]

I love the square headlights over the round. This is the one I would pick too! Nice choice.

[sethpoeski]

My good buddy just picked up a GX550, and was torn between that and the Land Cruiser. Both are great choices! Can't wait to see this build!

[derikgg]

This is how you know when a YouTuber has made it. New cars, new gear new everything consistently. Good content tho!

[privatepilot]

There’s really nothing like a Toyota. I’ve got a 2013 FJ and she’s still like new even with the off road adventures I’ve taken her on. She tows a Casita travel trailer on occasion and has never, ever let me down. I expect my FJ to easily make her 20th birthday. Enjoy your new truck.

[christopherharris]

Awesome video as always Brad. Can’t wait to see what you’ve got in store for your new Land Cruiser.

[jakejoebob]

Proably the best LC 250 series review ive scene!! Nice to see someone go over one of these who actually does overlanding and wheeling. Quick note @ 22:00, the locking the center diff is the same as 4hi in other offroaders. The full time 4wd is more like All Wheel Drive until you lock the center, then it's a normal 4HI. From my expereince in my V8 4runner, it's a nice system. It has been in most LC's and some other Yota modles for a good 30 years. A great system for bad weather or heading up into the mountains in the winter, don't have to worry about shifting when you are on the road but if things get really bad and you need some more traction the center is always there. Only downside is fuel economy but if you are putting 35's it's all smiles per gallon anyways 😁

[rvancil]

Wow crazy, I had a 392 for the last couple years in large part because of your videos. I hadn’t been on YouTube much over the past few months and picked up my LC yesterday and just saw this video today! Lol, traded the 392 and did great on it, love the LC and how easy it is to drive and comfortable compared to the Jeep. Looking forward to seeing what you do with it!

[tylerolson]

Brad I was so hoping you’d quote Step Brothers by saying “there’s so much room for activities back here” 🤣

[Jim-sib]

After watching this video and your electric video. I am so happy I bought a 2024 4Runner off-road premium!!!