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    Talking Cars 454: Driving the Toyota Land Cruiser

    Plus, we explore how the CR Recommended initiative enhances value for car buyers

    Main theme: In this podcast episode, we give our first impressions of the all-new 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser. This iconic SUV, which has long been known for its off-road capability and bulletproof reliability, has been reformed into a smaller, less expensive, and more fuel-efficient model. But possibly the biggest change of all is the switch from a V8 engine to a turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid setup.

    We talk about what we like and dislike about the Land Cruiser’s new powertrain, while also assessing its ride comfort, on- and off-road handling, the usability of the controls, and evaluate the space inside this now-smaller model. We wrap up the segment with each panelist choosing the new rugged, off-road-capable SUV they’d pick from among the Land Cruiser, Ford Bronco, Jeep Grand Cherokee or Wrangler, or the Land Rover Defender

    Audience Questions
    • Lately, I’ve seen automakers advertising which of their cars come recommended by Consumer Reports. I thought CR had a no-advertising policy. Do these ads not fall under this policy? 

    • In a recent podcast episode about the Honda Prologue EV (episode 451), it was mentioned that it’s available with front-wheel drive. This got me wondering, are there any advantages to front-wheel drive EVs? As a driver, FWD has always been my least favorite configuration.

    Talking Cars 454 panel
    “Talking Cars” panelists (from left): Mike Monticello, Ryan Pszczolkowski, and Jen Stockburger.

    Photo: Consumer Reports Photo: Consumer Reports

    How to Listen

    “Talking Cars With Consumer Reports” episodes are available through Apple Podcasts (audio or video), audio on Spotify (log-in required), video on YouTube, and on CR’s video hub.

    Engage in the Talking Cars community.

    Recent Episodes

    Driving the Subaru Forester, episode 453
    Best Used Cars of the Year: 10 Top Picks, episode 452
    • Driving the Honda Prologue, episode 451
    • Driving the New Mini Countryman, episode 450
    • Driving the Toyota Tacoma, episode 449

    Have a Question?

    Send a text or video message to TalkingCars@iCloud.com. Please include your first name and where you’re from, and we might feature it in a future episode.

    Talking Cars

    Browse the complete podcast archive for past shows.


    Mike Monticello

    Mike Monticello is the manager of road tests and reviews for the autos team at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2016. Mike has been evaluating and writing about cars for nearly 25 years, having previously worked at Road & Track magazine and Edmunds.com. On the weekends, he usually switches from four wheels to two, riding one of his mountain bikes or motorcycles. Follow him on X: @MikeMonticello.