2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Towing Capacity and Performance Breakdown

Overview: A Hybrid Built for More Than Just Roads

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser returns as a hybrid SUV that blends legendary off-road DNA with modern powertrain technology. Under its hood lies a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to an electric motor, delivering a combined 326 horsepower and an impressive 465 lb-ft of torque. But beyond the spec sheet, the true question remains: how well does the new Land Cruiser tow?

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Factory Towing Setup: Engineered for Effortless Hauling

Toyota equips the Land Cruiser with everything a seasoned hauler would appreciate straight from the factory. Standard features include:

Factory-integrated trailer brake controller
Both 4-pin and 7-pin trailer wiring connections
A standard Class III receiver hitch

Additionally, Toyota’s towing software provides trailer-specific settings, ensuring better handling and safety during hauls. According to Toyota, sway control is advised for loads over 2,000 pounds, while weight-distribution hitches are recommended beyond 5,000 pounds.

Real-World Trailer Test

For consistency, MotorVero’s towing evaluations utilize a 22-foot travel trailer weighing approximately 4,700 pounds. Despite its moderate weight, its tall profile (10 feet high and 8 feet wide) introduces significant aerodynamic drag — comparable to towing a billboard at highway speeds.

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        Note: The trailer used features a tongue weight of 490 pounds, putting it near the upper limit of standard configurations. No weight-distribution hitch was used for this evaluation to reveal the Land Cruiser’s raw towing behavior.
      

Controller Quirk: Trailer Detection Required

One of the few drawbacks found in Toyota’s trailer brake integration is that the controller remains inactive until a trailer is manually selected via the infotainment display. This may confuse users expecting plug-and-play functionality. Even with wiring properly connected, braking functionality won’t engage until the trailer is “digitally acknowledged.”

The Route: A Challenge in Every Turn

MotorVero’s testing route simulates real-life conditions: steep gradients, highway cruising, and stop-and-go city scenarios. Starting at 4,550 feet and climbing to over 6,170 feet in just under 25 miles, the path includes:

Mountain roads with 6-10% grades
Four-lane highways with semi traffic
Frequent stoplights and curvy ascents

This variety ensures a comprehensive evaluation of how the Land Cruiser performs under pressure.

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Hybrid Performance Under Load

Despite its hybrid nature, the Land Cruiser held up exceptionally well. Acceleration on an uphill freeway on-ramp required full throttle, but once at speed, it maintained stability with minimal sway. Crosswinds from passing semi-trucks caused mild lateral motion but did not jeopardize control.

Mountain Climbing: Torque Dominance

The mountain climb was a highlight. The Land Cruiser needed surprisingly little throttle to maintain the 45 mph limit on a 6% incline. However, when floored, the top-end acceleration was modest. It shined most in mid-range torque, showcasing its 465 lb-ft capability with smooth uphill crawling.

Braking Stability: Smooth and Predictable

Once properly configured, the Land Cruiser's braking system offered strong, controlled deceleration. Even without manual brake input, the vehicle and trailer slowed predictably at traffic signals. This inspires confidence during sudden stops or congested city towing.

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Fuel Economy While Towing

During the short route, the trip computer reported a towing fuel efficiency of 11.4 mpg. This puts the hybrid SUV slightly above average compared to gas-powered rivals in similar tests, which typically range between 9–11 mpg. However, longer journeys could yield different results.

Ride Quality and Comfort

When not towing, the 2024 Land Cruiser feels plush yet slightly floaty. This raised initial doubts about towing stability, but under load, its suspension settled nicely. The SUV’s body-on-frame construction and adaptive suspension help absorb road irregularities without compromising control.

Key Towing Takeaways

The 2024 Land Cruiser offers solid towing up to 6,000 pounds.
Its hybrid torque delivery ensures smooth climbs and acceleration.
Trailer sway is minimal under standard conditions.
Toyota’s trailer brake integration is powerful but unintuitive at first.
Using a weight-distribution hitch with sway control is highly recommended for tall, heavy trailers.

Final Verdict: Hybrid Muscle Meets Practical Towing

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser proves it’s not just a heritage off-roader—it’s a capable modern towing machine. With its factory-installed tow aids, robust hybrid powertrain, and dependable handling, this SUV is ideal for families, overlanders, and those who need to tow trailers for weekend getaways or light commercial use.

While not the most powerful SUV on the market, it delivers where it counts—predictable torque, excellent control, and an efficient hybrid setup that doesn't compromise on utility.

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