To buy or not to buy...

[LaneC]

Hi everyone! I’m hoping to get some honest opinions- the good, the bad, and the ugly.
My husband and I have been eyeing the new Land Cruiser for a little while now, but we do have some concerns. This would be my main vehicle for hauling around our two young kids, so reliability and practicality are huge for me. Right now, I’m driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee that’s been giving me nonstop issues. Once a car starts getting unreliable, I’m out!
In my research on the LC, I’ve come across a few things that are concerning. First, I’ve seen multiple mentions of moisture coming in through the window seals, causing a mildew smell. How common is this? Water damage through the sunroof has been the biggest issue with my Cherokee, so anytime I see "moisture" mentioned, I tend to panic a little.
Second, I’ve seen some owners mention rattling noises, specifically at low speeds or when stopped. Is this just how the car runs and would be something we would have to deal with?
But our biggest concern is the hybrid engine and transmission issues, especially in this first year. I’ve read a few posts about major issues there. Hoping to hear that this was just a few out of the bunch and not as common as the internet may make it seem.
That said, I really love the overall aesthetic of the Land Cruiser and the simplicity of the design. I don’t need bells and whistles. I just need something dependable. A car I’m not taking to the shop every few months, especially in the first few years.

So… is the LC the way to go? Or am I just forcing it to work for us because I really want it?

 

[NoMe cruiser]

Get one that was built at the Tahara plant.

 

[Grandpawmoses]

I'm very happy with mine, LC premium. No rattles, no leaks, no engine or transmission problems either. Japanese engineering is far ahead of others. I'm not saying others haven't have problems but you only hear about the 0.01% that had issues, not the 99.99% who didn't.
I don't think it matters which plant they come out of either.

 

[Nuke]

Get one that was built at the Tahara plant.

I understand the Tahara plant has the better reputation, but is there any data to support the fact a LC from this facility would be of better quality?

 

[gdiep]

I’ve had mine for 1 month and have washed it once a week and it’s rained several times. I have no evidence of moisture getting in. I also don’t have any rattles. Mine has been good (knock on wood).

 

[Nor Cal Cruiser]

2024 FE with nearly 17,000 miles (street and off road) and zero issues. Super happy with my purchase.

 

[gxsandiego]

Get one. I think you will regret not getting one! These are great vehicles and Toyota has a great reputation for standing behind their vehicles. I've had several Toyota's and they only go in for service once a year. Rang Rovers for example go in an average of six times a year. Now that's a pain.

 

[APIOQM]

Get one that was built at the Tahara plant.

Get one that was built at the Hino plant.

 

[FarooqMCSE]

Hi everyone! I’m hoping to get some honest opinions- the good, the bad, and the ugly.
My husband and I have been eyeing the new Land Cruiser for a little while now, but we do have some concerns. This would be my main vehicle for hauling around our two young kids, so reliability and practicality are huge for me. Right now, I’m driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee that’s been giving me nonstop issues. Once a car starts getting unreliable, I’m out!
In my research on the LC, I’ve come across a few things that are concerning. First, I’ve seen multiple mentions of moisture coming in through the window seals, causing a mildew smell. How common is this? Water damage through the sunroof has been the biggest issue with my Cherokee, so anytime I see "moisture" mentioned, I tend to panic a little.
Second, I’ve seen some owners mention rattling noises, specifically at low speeds or when stopped. Is this just how the car runs and would be something we would have to deal with?
But our biggest concern is the hybrid engine and transmission issues, especially in this first year. I’ve read a few posts about major issues there. Hoping to hear that this was just a few out of the bunch and not as common as the internet may make it seem.
That said, I really love the overall aesthetic of the Land Cruiser and the simplicity of the design. I don’t need bells and whistles. I just need something dependable. A car I’m not taking to the shop every few months, especially in the first few years.

So… is the LC the way to go? Or am I just forcing it to work for us because I really want it?

Hi Lane C, good morning. I picked up my LC LC 2024 with premium package on July 12th/ 2024. I am in Southern California. I have 15k miles on it. I am unfamiliar with all the issues you mentioned. This is my 2nd Cruiser. I drive it everyday. I will not settle for anything else ever. Hybrid engine is a blessing because Toyota has produced more hybrids than all others combined. I am so thankful to God that I drive my dream SUV.

 

[TimHerald]

I give mine a thumbs up all around. Mine gets washed a lot and rinsed and dried at least every second day (we have tons of pollen etc ). No leak issues, rattles, or anything else so far. I have only had it a short time, but it’s my favorite vehicle I have ever owned so far. Toyota quality stands above, so for dependability, I don’t think you will find a better brand.

 

[GaryA]

Get one you won't be disappointed. You'll have a big smile on your face each time you get in it.

 

[Kiet2k]

I've had my 2024 LC LC with the Premium Package since Labor Day 2024. My only complaint is that it lacks a sunglass holder! Other than the noisy brakes—which can be easily fixed—I’ve had zero issues. No problems with moisture either, although it didn’t rain much this past winter. I’ve towed a 5,000 lb travel trailer into the desert with my kids, up a steep highway grade, and it had plenty of power to pass slower trucks. No issues with the transmission. On my everyday 40-mile commute, I average around 21 MPG. However, if you do a lot of local driving while chauffeuring kids, expect much lower mileage.
This forum tends to attract posts about "individual issues," so I wouldn’t say those are representative of most owners’ experiences. Mine apparently came from the Hamura plant.

Also, on my last visit to the dealer for service, I got a chance to sit in the new 2025 4Runner. I'm seeing a lot more new 4Runners than LCs on the streets, and they look great, but I am glad I picked up the LC instead of another 4Runner. Someone described it as a fully capable 4x4 dressed in a tuxedo. I totally agree.

 

[basicxj]

Hi everyone! I’m hoping to get some honest opinions- the good, the bad, and the ugly.
My husband and I have been eyeing the new Land Cruiser for a little while now, but we do have some concerns. This would be my main vehicle for hauling around our two young kids, so reliability and practicality are huge for me. Right now, I’m driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee that’s been giving me nonstop issues. Once a car starts getting unreliable, I’m out!
In my research on the LC, I’ve come across a few things that are concerning. First, I’ve seen multiple mentions of moisture coming in through the window seals, causing a mildew smell. How common is this? Water damage through the sunroof has been the biggest issue with my Cherokee, so anytime I see "moisture" mentioned, I tend to panic a little.
Second, I’ve seen some owners mention rattling noises, specifically at low speeds or when stopped. Is this just how the car runs and would be something we would have to deal with?
But our biggest concern is the hybrid engine and transmission issues, especially in this first year. I’ve read a few posts about major issues there. Hoping to hear that this was just a few out of the bunch and not as common as the internet may make it seem.
That said, I really love the overall aesthetic of the Land Cruiser and the simplicity of the design. I don’t need bells and whistles. I just need something dependable. A car I’m not taking to the shop every few months, especially in the first few years.

So… is the LC the way to go? Or am I just forcing it to work for us because I really want it?

What year and model is your Grand Cherokee? I came from a Wrangler as a previous daily driver. While I loved my Wrangler and it treated us pretty well over the nine years we drove it, our Land Cruiser rides better, has more power and many more safety features. It gets better mileage too. I am familiar with the Grand Cherokee- we have had one in the family since 2008, and while it wasn't horrible it did have some issues crop up. I have owned three Jeeps in the last 25 years, and in the current reality of Fiat's stewardship I wouldn't be looking for a new one.

The Land Cruiser is a very different vehicle than the Jeep GC. While they are both four wheel drive, there won't be a lot of overlap between the two vehicles. As far as a vehicle's potential to be reliable, that will depend a lot on how it is maintained. In terms of overall statistical reliability, I think the edge has to go to Toyota. The 2.4 Turbo engine has been in service since 2021 (Lexus), and when researching before buying our Land Cruiser I didn't really see much in terms of reliability concerns with this specific engine. The transmission issues with the Land Cruiser seem to be isolated and affecting 2024 models. Most of those issues seem to have arisen pretty early.

I would suggest trying a Land Cruiser on if you can find one at a dealer. Bring the family, sit in it, test drive it and see how it fits in terms of cargo room, passenger room. You'll find it sits higher on the road, which is a good thing in terms of sight lines in traffic. I am guessing that your "don't need bells & whistles" statement has you looking at the Land Cruiser 1958, so that might be a good model to locate and check out in-person. Cross shop the 1958 with the other two Land Cruiser models, and the 4Runner (available in multiple trim levels also).

 

[NoMe cruiser]

I understand the Tahara plant has the better reputation, but is there any data to support the fact a LC from this facility would be of better quality?

Just trying to crank the unfortunate sob’s who have a hino build.

 

[basicxj]

Just trying to crank the unfortunate sob’s who have a hino build.

Ours is a Hino build. I couldn't find anything alarming in the fit/finish category, and so far so good. I did creep the forum on the subject of Tahara vs. Hino prior to pulling the trigger and joining the forum and will "keep calm and carry on."

 

[EOD Guy]

Hi everyone! I’m hoping to get some honest opinions- the good, the bad, and the ugly.
My husband and I have been eyeing the new Land Cruiser for a little while now, but we do have some concerns. This would be my main vehicle for hauling around our two young kids, so reliability and practicality are huge for me. Right now, I’m driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee that’s been giving me nonstop issues. Once a car starts getting unreliable, I’m out!
In my research on the LC, I’ve come across a few things that are concerning. First, I’ve seen multiple mentions of moisture coming in through the window seals, causing a mildew smell. How common is this? Water damage through the sunroof has been the biggest issue with my Cherokee, so anytime I see "moisture" mentioned, I tend to panic a little.
Second, I’ve seen some owners mention rattling noises, specifically at low speeds or when stopped. Is this just how the car runs and would be something we would have to deal with?
But our biggest concern is the hybrid engine and transmission issues, especially in this first year. I’ve read a few posts about major issues there. Hoping to hear that this was just a few out of the bunch and not as common as the internet may make it seem.
That said, I really love the overall aesthetic of the Land Cruiser and the simplicity of the design. I don’t need bells and whistles. I just need something dependable. A car I’m not taking to the shop every few months, especially in the first few years.

So… is the LC the way to go? Or am I just forcing it to work for us because I really want it?

Welcome to the Jungle!

I would say the LC is just like any other vehicle. There are some owners that are having legitimate issues, some that will always have a perceived issue with something and those that are having very few issues. You can never predict for any new vehicle, what the build quality for that day was and if you got the "last one off the line on a Friday, after a three day bender" etc.........

I for one, have very few issues with mine and the only true issue........... I wish it had a bigger range between fuel stops, as my best is 19ish MPG, while others have reported MPG in the 24-25 range.

 

[cvx5832LC]

35k in a 2024 LC LC non premium. Love every bit of it, literally no complaints. Incredible build quality and impressed they figured that out by the first model year.

On the subject of moisture, I have an unlimited subscription to a touch less carwash and I go often. I dry it and there’s no evidence of water ingress anywhere.

 

[basicxj]

Welcome to the Jungle!

I would say the LC is just like any other vehicle. There are some owners that are having legitimate issues, some that will always have a perceived issue with something and those that are having very few issues. You can never predict for any new vehicle, what the build quality for that day was and if you got the "last one off the line on a Friday, after a three day bender" etc.........

I for one, have very few issues with mine and the only true issue........... I wish it had a bigger range between fuel stops, as my best is 19ish MPG, while others have reported MPG in the 24-25 range.

^^ agreed, and that is going to be true to a degree for anything with wheels.

I have only racked up 1131km (703 miles) during the break-in period. I have been driving it gently, avoiding cruise control and avoiding holding a constant RPM. With that said, the Land Cruiser has been averaging 12.4 L/100km mostly city driving (18.9 mpg) which is already better than my Jeep. The Rubicon would suck back over 17 L/100km around town (less than 14 mpg). Range on the Jeep on a full tank was around 345 km (214 miles) per tank, so the Land Cruiser's 490 km (304 mile) range is an improvement for me even with the smaller tank. A larger fuel tank would be nice, but not a deal breaker for me.

 

[justaprado]

the medi-transport dude on reddit is over 70k miles and no issues.

 

[Doggman1525]

10k and nothing really to complain about so far. I will agree that there is something about the design of the lower external window seals that holds water more than other vehicles I've owned. If I'm out in a storm or go through the car wash it can take several days before I can put down the windows without them coming up covered with streaks of moisture and that's in Colorado where it's so dry the cows give evaporated milk. That said there's no moisture found inside the vehicle and no mildew smell.