23 MPG combined marks the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser as decidedly average in fuel consumption, though the rating needs to be considered in light of what the Land Cruiser is: a body-on-frame off-roader with genuine capability that prioritizes durability and ruggedness over outright efficiency. It’s not designed for hypermilers, it’s built for those who need to traverse challenging terrain and demand reliability above all else. Land Cruiser buyers accept the fuel economy because it’s the cost of admission for a vehicle that can go virtually anywhere.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2024 Land Cruiser equipped with the 2.4L 4-cylinder engine reveal a slight disparity between city and highway driving. The city rating comes in at 22 MPG, reflecting the stop-and-go nature of urban environments and the added strain on fuel consumption from idling and frequent acceleration. The highway figure fares slightly better at 25 MPG, a result of consistent speeds and reduced braking. These figures are indicative of what you can expect under standardized testing conditions, but real-world results will inevitably vary based on driving habits, load, and terrain.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is $2,500. This estimate is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Keep in mind that fuel prices fluctuate, and your individual driving habits will significantly impact your actual spending. For example, consistent off-road use or frequent towing will invariably lead to higher fuel costs than the EPA estimate suggests. The $2,500 figure provides a useful benchmark, but it’s essential to tailor your budgeting to your specific driving patterns.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides standardized fuel economy estimates, real-world experiences often diverge, especially with a vehicle like the Land Cruiser. Its taller ride height, boxy design, and off-road tires contribute to aerodynamic drag, impacting fuel efficiency at higher speeds. And the hybrid powertrain, incorporating an electric motor for added torque, will perform best when it can use the regenerative braking system. Stop-and-go city driving can actually improve fuel economy as the electric motor assists with acceleration. However, sustained high-speed cruising will likely see MPG figures closer to, or even slightly below, the EPA highway estimate. Expect to see a range, and adjust your expectations based on the conditions you encounter. You can browse all Toyota fuel economy data here.

How it compares

The 2024 Land Cruiser’s fuel economy places it in an interesting spot within the competitive landscape. A similarly focused off-roader, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with its 2.0L turbocharged engine, manages around 22 MPG combined. The Ford Bronco, also with a 2.3L turbo, achieves comparable numbers, hovering in the low 20s. These competitive figures show that off-road capability inherently comes with sacrifices in fuel economy. Moving into slightly less focused SUVs, the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrid, when driven primarily on gasoline, achieves approximately 23 MPG combined but boasts a shorter range and higher price. The comparison showcases the compromises inherent in choosing a vehicle with the Land Cruiser’s specific purpose and design. Consider LAND MPG across all years to see how this model compares to older versions.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Given the Land Cruiser’s inherent characteristics, maximizing fuel efficiency requires a proactive approach. Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The hybrid powertrain is designed to recapture energy during deceleration, so anticipate stops and allow the vehicle to coast whenever possible. Sudden bursts of speed drain the battery quickly and force the gasoline engine to work harder.

Maintain correct tire pressure. The Land Cruiser often comes equipped with all-terrain tires, which can have higher rolling resistance than standard road tires. Ensuring the tires are properly inflated minimizes this resistance and improves fuel economy. Check the tire pressure regularly, especially before long trips.

Reduce unnecessary weight. The Land Cruiser is already a heavy vehicle, so avoid carrying excessive cargo. Remove roof racks or cargo carriers when they are not in use, as these can significantly increase aerodynamic drag and reduce fuel efficiency, especially at highway speeds.

Plan your routes strategically. Avoid congested areas and prioritize routes with consistent speeds. Use the navigation system to identify the most efficient path and avoid unnecessary detours or delays. Remember that the Land Cruiser’s strengths lie in its off-road capability, not its agility in urban environments.

Consider using a lighter-weight tire when the OEM tires need replacing. If you rarely use this vehicle off-road, you may want to consider swapping the factory tires for ones with a less-aggressive tread pattern. This can dramatically reduce rolling resistance and improve gas mileage, but you’ll want to store the OEM wheels in case they’re needed later.