2024 Land Cruiser Outshines 20-Year-Old Model Off-Road

New Land Cruiser Dominates Old Model in Off-Road Tests

The latest Toyota Land Cruiser proves that 20 years of engineering makes a huge difference, especially when the going gets tough. A brand-new 2024 Land Cruiser, costing around $70,000, significantly outperforms its ancestor, a 2004 model valued at about $12,000, in challenging off-road scenarios. While the older model still holds its own surprisingly well, the new Land Cruiser’s advanced technology provides superior control and capability.

Slip Test Showdown

The comparison kicked off with a series of slip tests designed to push the four-wheel-drive systems to their limits. In the rear-wheel slip test, the older 100 series Land Cruiser, relying on traction control, took a moment to engage the front wheels. However, with its center differential locked, it easily pulled itself free. The new 250 series, featuring a Torsen limited-slip center differential, initially struggled more than expected in its automatic mode, requiring the center differential lock to be engaged for similar results. This initial test showed that while modern tech is powerful, sometimes simpler mechanical locks are still king.

The diagonal slip test, simulating a common off-road or snowy situation where one front and one rear wheel lose traction, saw both vehicles perform well with their center differentials locked. The new Land Cruiser, however, responded quicker, showcasing the benefits of its advanced wheel speed sensors and computer systems. When the tests became more extreme, involving three-wheel slips, both vehicles were put into low range. The older 100 series, using its A-TRAC (Advanced Traction Control) system, managed to pull itself out, proving its 20-year-old tech was still effective. The new 250 series, however, made it look effortless, even in its automatic setting, and excelled further when placed in rock mode.

Extreme Terrain Challenges

The most demanding tests involved only one wheel having traction. The 100 series, with its center differential locked and in low range, eventually powered through after significant wheel spin, demonstrating the resilience of its older system. The 250 series, on the other hand, tackled this with astonishing ease. Using its Multi-Terrain Select system in rock mode, it barely seemed to register the difficulty, pulling away with minimal fuss. When the rear differential lock was engaged on the new model, it was an even more impressive display of control, making the challenge look simple.

Real-World Off-Road Course

Moving from simulated tests to a real off-road course, the differences became even more apparent. The 100 series, despite its impressive mileage of over 240,000 miles, showed remarkable composure. Its interior, remarkably free of rattles, highlighted Toyota’s build quality. The A-TRAC system worked diligently, managing wheel lift and maintaining forward momentum on the trenches course. The ride quality was noted as being slightly more comfortable, possibly due to worn shocks.

The 250 series Land Cruiser, while having a slightly firmer ride, offered significantly better visibility thanks to its large windows. When driven in the same basic configuration as the old model (low range, center differential locked), it performed similarly but with much less noise, indicating a smoother operation. However, the true potential of the new Land Cruiser was unleashed with its advanced features. Engaging Crawl Control and the rear differential lock, the vehicle navigated the course with unparalleled smoothness and control. Crawl Control, acting like off-road cruise control, managed speed and traction, allowing the driver to focus solely on steering and line selection. This advanced suite of technologies, including Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, makes the new Land Cruiser exceptionally capable.

Verdict: A Clear Evolution

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser represents a significant leap forward in off-road capability compared to its 20-year-old predecessor. While the older 100 series remains a competent off-roader, the new 250 series offers faster response times, superior wheel control, and a more refined driving experience thanks to its advanced electronic systems. The new Land Cruiser’s ability to adapt to various terrains through Multi-Terrain Select and its smooth operation with Crawl Control make it a formidable machine. For those seeking the ultimate in off-road prowess with modern amenities, the new Land Cruiser is a clear winner, justifying its higher price point through enhanced performance and technology.

Source: Cheap vs. Expensive: How Has the Toyota Land Cruiser 4×4 System Evolved in 20 Years? (YouTube)