2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Fuel Efficiency Analysis
If you are eager to explore how efficient the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is, you’re in luck. With a gas-electric hybrid four-cylinder powertrain, it is fascinating to see how this new 4×4 vehicle stacks up against similarly purposed hybrid SUVs. Furthermore, we will analyze how it compares to the previous generation Land Cruiser, which was notably a thirsty V-8 model.
Understanding Hybrid Performance
When discussing hybrids, one typically expects far better fuel economy than traditional internal-combustion vehicles. The combination of an electric motor enhancing a gas engine, especially at lower speeds, has the potential to significantly reduce fuel consumption. This is particularly true for larger, less-aerodynamic SUVs.
Powertrain Overview
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser comes exclusively with a single hybrid engine: a 2.4-liter turbocharged and hybridized I-4. It produces 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque, outclassing the old 4.0-liter V-6 in the Toyota 4Runner, which offers only 270 hp and 278 lb-ft. Notably, this hybrid engine approaches the 381 hp of the previous V-8 Land Cruiser while surpassing its torque output.
Fuel Economy Figures
Fuel efficiency figures are impressive for the 2024 Land Cruiser. It achieves:
- 22 mpg in the city
- 25 mpg on the highway
- 23 mpg combined
These figures significantly outperform the old Land Cruiser’s 13 mpg city, 17 mpg highway, and 14 mpg combined. When compared to the 4Runner, which manages 16/19/17 mpg, the new Land Cruiser stands out.
Comparative Analysis
However, when you venture out of the Toyota lineup, the Land Cruiser’s efficiency appears more standard compared to a limited number of hybridized off-roaders. For instance:
- The two-row Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe offers a plug-in hybrid setup with a combined economy of 23 mpg and 56 mpge.
- The Jeep Wrangler, also featuring the 4xe plug-in hybrid, delivers 20 mpg combined, alongside a 49 mpge rating with 22 miles of electric range.
If you can compromise on size and off-road capabilities, the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid AWD boasts an impressive 42 mpg combined with its 2.0-liter electrified engine. Conversely, the larger Grand Highlander SUV, also with the 2.4-liter turbocharged I-4 hybrid, achieves 27 mpg combined.
Alternative Hybrid Options
For a more street-oriented choice, the 2024 Kia Sorento Hybrid offers three rows of seating and up to 34 mpg combined. Additionally, Mazda’s 2024 CX-90 PHEV delivers 323 hp with 25 mpg combined and an electric range of 26 miles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the hybrid capabilities of the Toyota Land Cruiser are commendable; however, they are not particularly efficient relative to other hybrids on the market. Nonetheless, this new model showcases a marked improvement over its predecessor in terms of fuel economy, despite its reduced physical footprint and engine size. It’s also more economical than other hardcore off-road competitors like the Land Rover Defender, Jeep Wrangler, and Ford Bronco.