Toyota Land Cruiser

Toyota Land Cruiser

Unlike some of the vehicles that purport to have off-road ability yet fall short of the real thing, the venerable Toyota Land Cruiser is something of a legend for having unmatched off-road abilities and earning a solid reputation as one of the world’s toughest and most reliable 4x4 vehicles. This doesn’t mean though that it is limited on the road where it will cruise at speed with ease and it is these attributes that will appeal to buyers wishing to import from the UK to Kenya, New Zealand and elsewhere.

The Exterior

The first thing to note about the Land Cruiser is that it is big. Powered by a strong and torquey 2.8 litre diesel engine with an auto gearbox, this three or five door SUV is available with either five or seven seats. The design is considerate of off-road requirements built as it is for new and used models on a ladder chassis and not in monocoque form, like most rivals. For example, the bonnet (hood) is shaped to improve downward visibility at the centre and is sandwiched by the sides of the bumper to help protect the engine bay.

The corners of the lower part of the bumper have integral fog lights and kick upwards, while the centre section is shaped like a skid plate for easier manoeuvring off-road. The top section of the wings has been raised so that it’s easier for the driver to pinpoint the vehicle’s extremities. The front grille and headlights have been organised into single, powerful form and set higher for better off-road functionality. In profile, the bonnet, wing line and front and rear bumpers have been aligned on the same horizontal axis, delivering a solid dependable appearance.

Aerodynamic efficiency is aided by front and rear spoilers to channel airflow under the body and direct it cleanly away from the trailing edge of the roof. For such a large vehicle this results in a surprisingly low drag coefficient, aiding economy.

The Interior

Like a true off-roader the interior is about function, but that does not mean it is behind the times. The Land Cruiser’s instrument binnacle and dashboard are designed so that the controls for drivetrain, driving and comfort are separated into ergonomic function-specific zones, for ease of use in difficult conditions. It is fitted with a 9” full-colour multimedia screen, a flush-fitting air conditioning control panel and the drivetrain-related instrument cluster. A multi-function steering wheel augments these controls. Toyota ‘Touch 2’ technology adds features like Bluetooth, navigation and smartphone integration and a panoramic roof is optional.

The front seats are like favourite armchairs, the driver sitting high with a commanding view. Entry-level ‘Active’ models get manually adjustable steering and seating that includes height adjustment and lumbar support. Electrical adjustment takes over on higher specified versions. There’s plenty of space on offer, with good head and leg room in the front, while the wide cabin provides plenty of shoulder room. Plenty of storage is available all around and the boot (trunk), with a side-opening door and useful access via the rear window, is cavernous on five seat models. There is even room for luggage on seven-seat versions when the third row of seats is deployed. Big doors make it easy to get in and out, even at the back. This is a Toyota so fit and finish are great and give a sense of being bomb-proof.

Driving The Toyota Land Cruiser

This is the car of choice for rough terrain adventures and this ability is supported by a wide range of safety and off-road technology with different drive modes for different surfaces and, it goes without saying, one of the best permanent four-wheel-drive systems around.

The Toyota Land Cruiser is both tall and heavy and this is noticeable when cornering, but then again, fast changes of direction are not what this SUV is about. Take the whole family and drive it at a relaxed pace and the Land Cruiser will eat the miles, taking long trips in its stride. Drive on poor roads, or no roads at all, or in extreme weather and the Land Cruiser’s true attributes will be obvious.

Is It Reliable?

This is where the Toyota Land Cruiser really scores. This is one SUV with legendary reliability and longevity. We learn that there are examples out there that have achieved 500,000 miles and more. It might not be the last word when it comes to on-road handling but it is wide, roomy, comfortable, has towing ability and can go where most cars can’t. If this is a car of interest please review the MHH International website for details of current availability, all with detailed specifications.