Legends never die.
Hence, the rebirth of Toyota’s longest-running nameplate, and off-road icon, the Land Cruiser. The vehicle makes its triumphant return to the US market after a brief two-year hiatus.
Since its introduction in 1958, Land Cruiser has offered consumers a high-quality off-roader at a more accessible price point, capable of taking a wider range of people on backcountry adventures.
“The complete redesign of the all-new Land Cruiser amounts to an incredible evolution of the vehicle. We know this new iteration had big shoes to fill, and I am absolutely thrilled to report it has exceeded our high expectations.” said Mike Tripp, vice president of Toyota Marketing. “This vehicle retains its legendary capability, and now it offers a significantly lower starting price, tons of creature comforts and even more maneuverability on the trails. We are excited for the world to experience the next edition of Land Cruiser.”
My tester, the 4WD Wagon Hybrid trim, is powered by an I-FORCE MAX 2.4-liter, four-cylinder, turbocharged engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The combination generates 326 horsepower, 465 lb-ft of torque, and almost 25 miles per gallon fuel economy down the highway as measured by the EPA.
Land Cruiser comes with full-time four-wheel drive wither center- and rear-locking differentials.
This all-star boasts a head-turning new look, impressive technology, the latest off-road features, and the balanced blend of performance and efficiency. Not to mention unbreakable strength and premium luxury features.
Land Cruiser is Toyota’s original SUV – before that was even a thing. As such, it checks all the boxes. On top of that list is go-anywhere capability. One updated feature is a CRAWL Control function that acts as a low-speed, off-road cruise control with five selectable speeds. Another is Multi-Terrain Select, which is now functional in both 4WD High and 4WD Low, offering adjustable settings to help control wheel spin on a variety of terrains, such as mud, dirt and sand.
But since Land Cruiser will spend most if its time hauling up to seven passengers on road, don’t think for a second they won’t be spoiled to the hilt. My tester included leather-trimmed heated and ventilated power front seats with lumbar support and driver memory features, a 14-speaker JBL premium audio system, digital rearview mirror, head-up display, illuminated entry, power moonroof, center console cool box, wireless phone charging, and two additional USB-C ports in the cargo area.
During my week behind the wheel Land Cruiser also revealed the versatility to haul two different dressers. With the second and third-row seats folded flat, there was plenty of room to transport both, and a third to the dump.
Exterior attributes are sharp and notable. My tester came with a “Smoky Blue” coat of enamel contrast against a white roof. Other highlights included 20-inch alloy wheels, a Toyota heritage grille, running boards, ball mount for towing, and a power lift gate.
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is standard on all trims. The suite of active safety and convenience systems includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, automatic high beams and proactive driving assist.
Proactive driving assist is new to Toyota Safety Sense. When system operating conditions are met, using the vehicle’s camera and radar, this system is designed to provide gentle braking into curves or gentle braking and/or steering to help support driving tasks such as distance control between a preceding vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist. Proactive driving assist is not a substitute for the pre-collision system, and operates in different circumstances.
Base Price: $62,445
Price As Driven: $70,139
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
