Toyota Land Cruiser Review

Looking for a large luxury SUV? There’s plenty of fine examples on the market. The Land Cruiser is a special SUV for discerning consumers who don’t care for the ostentation of a Range or the gaudiness of an Escalade. The type of consumer who buys a Submariner for its precision rather than its brand. Like that Rolex, the Land Cruiser is nearly indestructible and will last for several generations, unlike the aforementioned SUVs. The Land Cruiser is your best bet if you value quality, dependability, and reliability over curb appeal.

Few SUVs can match the Land Cruiser’s exceptional value. Despite costing as much as a condo, no other SUV is as worthy of your dollar as the Land Cruiser. It is built to last. Toyota designs every component with a 25-year life expectancy. It shows. Perform a search for used Land Cruisers. A ten-year-old model with 100,000 miles still costs $40k or more. In our hometown, there’s a 1999 Land Cruiser with over 200,000 miles for sale for $12,000, the price of a ten year newer Range Rover with half as many miles. You can’t even find many on the used market because most owners keep them. We can’t argue with that. If we were planning on buying an SUV to keep for the long haul, we’d choose the Land Cruiser.

The Land Cruiser receives Toyota’s 5.7 Liter Dual OverHead Cam 32-valve V8 that makes 381 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 401 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. Plenty of power to motivate this two and a half ton beast and tow all your toys as well. The integrated trailer brake and sway controller lessen that task.

An eight-speed automatic, replacing the six-speed in 2016, does an excellent job of delivering that power to all four wheels. The Torsen lockable differential ensures you’ll never get the Land Cruiser stuck. Speaking of, the Kinetic Damping Suspension System can electronically disconnect anti-sway bars to allow greater wheel articulation off-road. The Land Cruiser is probably the toughest production vehicle on earth.

It can handle abuse like no other. We realize many owners in the United States probably won’t take advantage of these traits and are more concerned with what it’s like on road. Well, it’s no Escalade but it will do zero to sixty in less than 7 seconds. The Achilles’ heel of this SUV is its fuel economy ratings.

At just 10 miles per gallon city and 20 miles per gallon highway, you’ll be close friends with your local gas attendant. The ride quality is superbly quiet and comfortable. However, the Land Cruiser’s high ground clearance and relatively soft suspension create noticeable body lean when pushing the big SUV around corners.

Still, considering its world-renowned off-road chops, the ride is well tamed for on-road use. The Land Cruiser can handle anything you or your family throw at it and keep on trucking. We think it’s an excellent choice.

Looking at the exterior of the Land Cruiser, you wouldn’t expect much. Upon climbing in, your head may explode. The soft touch, real stitched leather dash is a quantum leap from the typical hard plastic heavy, utilitarian approach to Toyota interior design.

The leather thrones are wide and supportive with excellent power-adjustable lumbar support. The seat bottoms could be a little longer to provide better thigh support for tall drivers. The floor is much higher than you’d expect in an SUV of this size, it makes for a pleasant “legs forward” driving position that’s more sedan than truck-like. The beltline provides a commanding view from the front, reminiscent of SUVs from the past. The dash design is simple and clean with logically laid out controls made of high-quality materials. The console is dominated by a bright 9-inch touchscreen that uses the familiar Entune platform. The standard JBL audio system it’s paired with is superb, enhanced by its integrated subwoofer. There’s a knob to control the 4WD system’s many modes and another to adjust the suspension as needed. Another handy feature is the center

The beltline provides a commanding view from the front, reminiscent of SUVs from the past. The dash design is simple and clean with logically laid out controls made of high-quality materials. The console is dominated by a bright 9-inch touchscreen that uses the familiar Entune platform. The standard JBL audio system it’s paired with is superb, enhanced by its integrated subwoofer. There’s a knob to control the 4WD system’s many modes and another to adjust the suspension as needed. Another handy feature is the center

Another handy feature is the center console-mounted wireless charging surface. The second-row seats are equally enjoyable, trimmed in luxurious leather. The outboard seats recline. A standard rear entertainment system boasts monstrous 11.6-inch displays, the largest we’ve seen in any SUV. The system features RCA inputs and HDMI inputs, allowing unique content to be played on either screen or both. Of course, two sets of wireless headphones are thrown in by Toyota gratis.

The third row is a less pleasant place to be and is best left to children. Two will be fine, three will fit snugly. The rear row folds to the side rather than flat, much to the chagrin of many reviewers. However, we appreciate that nod to Land Cruisers past. Sure, it restricts the cargo space, but there’s still 81.7 cubes available and 43 with the third row folded. Those numbers are lower than most large SUVs, but they can’t go where the Land Cruiser can. It’s still more than the Range Rover, and about the same as the long wheelbase Range. The Land Cruiser’s Cabin is an incredible place to pass the time and can entertain your entire family while you get where you need to go.

Ask around and many will say the Land Cruiser looks “boring,” “outdated,” or “plain.” Interesting adjectives for an SUV that costs as much as a Range Rover, which we can all agree is a stunning SUV. For many owners, the understated design is actually one of the SUV’s selling points. It’s the most anonymous $80,000 dollar SUV around. US consumers clearly prefer attention, wanted or unwanted, as evidenced by ten times more Range Rovers being sold. There’s still a discerning few who prefer the quality, dependability, and reliability of the Land Cruiser. These priorities are evidenced by the SUV’s design. The Toyota is, first and foremost, a truck and you’ll instantly notice the high ground clearance. The front fascia is dominated by an oversized chrome grille with a prominent Toyota badge. On either side, all LED projector beam headlights are trimmed with LED running lamps. Below, there’s a narrow intake with fog lights on either side. The side profile is clean and truck-like with a slight bulge around the wheel wells. At the rear, a solitary chrome strip is embossed with “LAND CRUISER” and is aligned with the turn signals, integrated into the tail lights. Above, there’s the requisite roof spoiler and roof racks. A full-size spare is mounted to the bottom, at the rear, and can be seen at certain angles. Standard mud flaps behind oversized

US consumers clearly prefer attention, wanted or unwanted, as evidenced by ten times more Range Rovers being sold. There’s still a discerning few who prefer the quality, dependability, and reliability of the Land Cruiser. These priorities are evidenced by the SUV’s design. The Toyota is, first and foremost, a truck and you’ll instantly notice the high ground clearance. The front fascia is dominated by an oversized chrome grille with a prominent Toyota badge. On either side, all LED projector beam headlights are trimmed with LED running lamps. Below, there’s a narrow intake with fog lights on either side. The side profile is clean and truck-like with a slight bulge around the wheel wells. At the rear, a solitary chrome strip is embossed with “LAND CRUISER” and is aligned with the turn signals, integrated into the tail lights. Above, there’s the requisite roof spoiler and roof racks. A full-size spare is mounted to the bottom, at the rear, and can be seen at certain angles. Standard mud flaps behind oversized

These priorities are evidenced by the SUV’s design. The Toyota is, first and foremost, a truck and you’ll instantly notice the high ground clearance. The front fascia is dominated by an oversized chrome grille with a prominent Toyota badge. On either side, all LED projector beam headlights are trimmed with LED running lamps. Below, there’s a narrow intake with fog lights on either side. The side profile is clean and truck-like with a slight bulge around the wheel wells. At the rear, a solitary chrome strip is embossed with “LAND CRUISER” and is aligned with the turn signals, integrated into the tail lights. Above, there’s the requisite roof spoiler and roof racks. A full-size spare is mounted to the bottom, at the rear, and can be seen at certain angles. Standard mud flaps behind oversized

The side profile is clean and truck-like with a slight bulge around the wheel wells. At the rear, a solitary chrome strip is embossed with “LAND CRUISER” and is aligned with the turn signals, integrated into the tail lights. Above, there’s the requisite roof spoiler and roof racks. A full-size spare is mounted to the bottom, at the rear, and can be seen at certain angles. Standard mud flaps behind oversized off-road tires let you know this isn’t your average family hauler.

The Toyota Land Cruiser hasn’t been crash tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Probably because it costs north of 80 grand and has sold fewer than 5,000 units a year for the last decade. The Land Cruiser is loosely based on the Toyota Tundra. It’s a shortened version of the frame, with a different, more robust body. The Land Cruiser has 2 additional airbags and many more robust components. The 2017 Tundra receives a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The Insurance Institute for highway safety gives “GOOD” crash-worthiness ratings in all but roof strength and the infamous “small overlap front” test. The latter received a “MODERATE” rating due to intrusions to the left lower leg area that would likely result in injury to the left leg in a similar crash. We think the Land Cruiser would perform better in this test, as its frame is stronger. The Toyota Safety Sense P system isn’t in the Tundra but is in the Land Cruiser and many other models that have been tested. It receives a “SUPERIOR” rating from the IIHS, the highest possible. The Australian New Car Assessment Program, Australia’s NHTSA equivalent, awards the Land Cruiser a 5-star overall rating. Furthermore, the Land Cruiser has one of the most advanced traction control systems on the planet. If an accident does occur, Toyota’s Safety Connect system kicks in and automatically notifies emergency services, ensuring a timely response that could save your life. It’s safe to say that this SUV is exceptionally safe!

Consumer Reports offers a 4 out of 5 predicted reliability rating for this SUV, without offering any detailed data. Presumably, because relatively few Land Cruisers are sold and owned in the US. JD Power offers the same 4 out of 5 predicted reliability rating.

There has been a total of one complaint filed with the NHTSA since the introduction of the J200 Land Cruiser in 2007 and just two recalls. One was for an incorrect label, the other was for poorly installed accessories, if so equipped. Neither should be worried about. Our research turned up some additional known issues. There may be a check engine light from a fault in the evaporative emission system. It’s most likely due to a failed charcoal canister or a worn out gas cap.

Like other Toyotas, the throttle bodies should be cleaned after exceeding 100,000 miles to poor engine performance and possible issues down the road. There aren’t any more issues reported beyond common niggles. Perhaps the most common, and the only problem a Technical Service Bulletin is issued for, is poor Bluetooth pairing with the Entune infotainment system. A problem not exclusive to the Land Cruiser but extends across the lineup. The J100 series Land Cruiser has several more known issues but the average mileage on vehicles with problems is close to 200,000 or long after most SUVs have been scrapped for parts.

For example, the industry average for serious powertrain, transmission, or engine issues is 127,799 miles. The Land Cruiser’s average is 177,801 miles with 5% or less of owners reporting problems. That’s bulletproof reliability! Hell, the Land Cruiser is so reliable, it’s a favorite of terrorist organizations and aid workers in Africa alike.

Perhaps it has to do with the Land Cruiser’s development in the Australian Outback, where it now owns 90% of market share. If you’re wondering what people drive through the toughest terrain on earth, it’s the Toyota Land Cruiser! That means it will do just fine on suburban streets and American highways. Chances are, it will be the most reliable SUV you’ll ever own! We’d leap at the chance to buy one.

If you’re looking for a luxury SUV that can do it all, you’ll want to check out the Range Rover as well. It is well-respected as the king of luxury SUVs. We’ll compare the base model to the Land Cruiser because a heavily optioned Range can easily reach double the price of the Land Cruiser.

The base Range Rover packs a 3.0 Liter supercharged V6 that makes 340 horsepower. It’s about a second slower to sixty at 7.7 seconds but makes up for it with much better fuel economy with a 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway rating from the EPA. Both SUVs weigh about the same. The Range Rover mates a paddle shiftable ZF 8 speed transmission to their power plant.

It’s more refined and downshifts quicker than Toyota’s, making passing power better in the Range Rover despite the difference in displacement. Like the Land Cruiser, the Range Rover is incredibly capable off-road as well. There’s highly adjustable suspension, transmission, and traction modes to tackle whatever mother nature throws your way. A locking differential is an expensive option in the Land Rover.

A key difference between the two is the Range Rover’s adaptive air suspension. It’s incredibly sophisticated, which makes it more pleasant to drive on and off road than the Land Cruiser. However, it’s also the SUV’s downfall. Land Rover suspension systems are notorious for failures and problems that cost astronomical sums to fix or replace. When it comes to reliability, there’s no question that the Land Cruiser is far superior. The interior of the Range Rover is much more luxurious than the Land Cruiser. However, it only seats five, while the Land Cruiser can seat up to eight.

If you’re looking for a luxury SUV to impress or entertain until you buy the next “latest and greatest,” the Range is for you. However, if you want a quality luxury SUV that can handle it all and last for years to come, the Land Cruiser beckons.

The Land Cruiser is a legend and needs no trim levels because it comes standard with LED low and high projector beam headlights, headlight cleaners, integrated land cruiser logo, LED daytime running lights, front bumper integrated LED fog lights, LED accent lighting with on and off feature, LED stop lights and light pipe tail lights with vortex generators, side body chrome moldings with Land Cruiser logo, power tilt and slide moonroof with sunshade and one touch open/close with jam protection, 18 inch 5-spoke alloy wheels with P285/60R18 116V tires, rain-sensing aerodynamic variable intermittent windshield wipers, intermittent rear wiper, windshield wiper de-icer, rear privacy glass, color-keyed rear spoiler, roof rack, aluminum running boards, front and rear frame-mounted tow hooks, front and rear heavy-duty mudguards, suspension skid plate, radiator skid plate, fuel tank skid plate, transfer case skid plate, and that’s just the exterior!

Inside, you get four zone automatic climate control with an air filter, dust and pollen filtration mode, push button controls, separate second row control panel, Entune Premium Audio with 14-speaker JBL speakers and integrated subwoofer, integrated navigation and app suite, 9 inch high resolution touch screen with split-screen capability, integrated backup camera, HD Radio, SiriusXM, USB port with iTunes tagging technology, Enhanced Multi-terrain Monitor with selectable views, rear seat DVD entertainment system with two individual 11.6 inch display screens, RCA input jacks, HDMI input, two sets of wireless headphones, Qi-compatible wireless smartphone and mobile device charging with full charge indicator light, 8-passenger seating with semi aniline perforated leather-trimmed seating surfaces in either Black or Terra, multi-stage heated and ventilated front seats with seatback pockets, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with three position memory function and power lumbar support, 40/20/40 split multi-stage heated second row seat with center armrest and reclining function, 50/50 split fold-down third-row seat with folding headrests and abrasion-resistant seat back material, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Leather-trimmed heated power tilt and telescopic steering wheel with wood grain-style accents, Siri Eyes Free, Bluetooth streaming audio and hands-free phone function, Optitron instrumentation with turquoise illuminated edges and white backlit gauges, TFT multi-information display, Smart Key System on all doors and liftgate with remote keyless entry system, remote illuminated entry, Push Button Start, power windows with one touch auto up/down with jam protection in all positions, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass and HomeLink universal transceiver, LED accent lighting illuminating from the upper door trim, overhead console with sunglasses storage and Safety Connect controls, Bi-level covered center console with cooler box, two center console area 12V power outlets, one rear cargo area 120V power outlet, twelve cup holders, dual extendable sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors and secondary visors, and rear LED illumination.

Standard safety and convenience features include Toyota Safety Sense P with pre-collision warning system, pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, auto high beams, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control; Star Safety System with vehicle stability control, Active Traction Control, Multi-terrain 4-wheel Anti-lock brake system, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, Smart Stop Technology; ten airbags including driver and front passenger seat mounted side airbags, second row outboard seat mounted side airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, and all-row sensing side curtain airbags with cutoff switch; driver and front passenger active headrests, driver and front passenger active seat belt pre-tensioning system with force limiters, Child-protector rear door locks and power window lockout control, head-impact protection structure with energy-absorbing soft upper interior trim, highly rigid body structure with side-impact door beams, tire pressure monitor system with direct pressure readout on individual tires; Safety Connect that includes emergency assistance, stolen vehicle locator, roadside assistance, and automatic collision notification; front and rear parking assist sonar, blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert, trailer sway control, hill start assist control, anti theft engine immobilizer, and ToyotaCare no cost maintenance plan with roadside assistance.

Mechanically, the Land Cruiser is powered by a 5.7 Liter Dual OverHead Cam 32-valve V8 with dual independent variable valve timing with intelligence that makes 381 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 401 lb-ft of torque @3,600 rpm. This engine is mated to an 8-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence, sequential shift mode, and uphill/downhill shift logic. The transmission transfers power to a full-time 4 Wheel Drive system with Active traction control and a Torsen limited-slip differential with locking feature. The unitized steel body on 10 member high-tensile steel ladder frame is kept upright by independent double wishbone front suspension with coil springs and stabilizer bar, and a 4-link rear suspension with coil springs, stabilizer bar, and semi-floating axle; both include the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System that electronically controls dampening. The Land Cruiser’s vector is controlled by speed-sensing variable gear ratio, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering. To stop the big SUV, there are power assisted 4-piston 13.97 inch front disc brakes and 13.58 inch 2-piston rear ventilated disc brakes. This fully loaded truck doesn’t come cheap at $84,775.