Overview & Reviews

For more than six decades, the Toyota Land Cruiser has been synonymous with all-conquering, all-terrain prowess and rugged dependability. Early models from the 1950s, known as the BJ-type Land Cruisers, were similar in appearance to U.S. Army Jeeps. They were powered by a small four-cylinder engine and were strictly utilitarian. Slightly less spartan were the six-cylinder-powered FJ20s. But it was the 1960 introduction of the now-iconic FJ40 that secured the Land Cruiser name in history.

Since then, the Toyota Land Cruiser has grown in size, adopted a four-door body style and become much more focused on broad consumer appeal with an increasing number of luxury-oriented features. As such, it is a fairly expensive SUV at this point, new or used. But whatever recent model you look at, you'll find the Land Cruiser thankfully maintains its core off-road principles and unassailable reputation for dependability.

Current Toyota Land Cruiser
As ever, the Toyota Land Cruiser is a large SUV on a traditional body-on-frame design, though it's admirably difficult to discern this from the luxurious cabin. Motivation is provided by a 5.7-liter V8 that churns out 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic sends power to all four wheels via the Land Cruiser's full-time 4WD system with selectable low-range gearing.

Off-road capabilities are bolstered by a long list of specific equipment. "Crawl Control" enhances the drivetrain's capability by maintaining a fixed ultra-slow velocity for hard-core trail-busting. A Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) enables the front and rear antiroll bars to stiffen or relax automatically as conditions change; the theoretical payoff is both flatter cornering and superior wheel articulation for off-road applications. The only sour note here is that ground clearance and approach, departure and break-over angles have been reduced slightly from the last Land Cruiser.

You'd never guess the Land Cruiser had such superb off-road capabilities from within the stately cabin. Feature highlights for the all-inclusive no-options Land Cruiser include leather upholstery, wood trim, a four-zone climate control system, a navigation system, a 14-speaker audio system, three rows of seating for up to eight people and parking sensors all around. Even a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, center-console cooler box and Toyota's Entune smartphone integration system are included.

In our reviews, we've expressed admiration for the Land Cruiser's on-road performance and composure, as well as its sumptuous accommodations. Buyers should take note that the third-row seats are really only suitable for kids, though. The rare individuals who will explore the Land Cruiser's full off-road potential may also find themselves running out of ground clearance on more demanding expeditions. Even with these drawbacks in mind, however, the Toyota Land Cruiser is in a very special class of its own.

Used Toyota Land Cruiser Models
The current Toyota Land Cruiser represents the fifth generation, which was introduced for 2008. Compared to its predecessors, the wheelbase dimensions didn't change, but the big Toyota added 2.4 inches of length and an extra inch of width and height. More power, more luxury features and more space were all welcome for the new model. Changes along the way included the addition of Toyota's Safety Connect advanced telematics system and expanded audio connectivity in 2010. Note that Toyota did not sell a 2012 Land Cruiser, going straight to the 2013 model year, which brought about the current model's slightly updated styling and all-inclusive features list.

The fourth-generation Toyota Land Cruiser was produced from 1998-2007. Though underpowered compared with the current model, the previous Cruiser is still a desirable used vehicle for a shopper interested in a luxurious and dependable midsize or full-size SUV. With a traditional ladder frame structure and seating for eight passengers, this Land Cruiser was an excellent choice for off-road enthusiasts with growing families. It came in just one well-equipped trim level, though upscale options such as rear-seat DVD entertainment and a navigation system were available.

The fourth-generation Cruiser relied on a 4.7-liter V8 that was capable of up to 275 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque (235 hp and 320 lb-ft for pre-2006 versions). A five-speed automatic transmission was standard, as was 4WD with low-range gearing for enhanced off-road performance. As an option, Toyota offered an adjustable suspension system. This system was capable of adjusting the shock valving for better ride comfort and handling, and altering the vehicle's ride height for increased ground clearance when driving on rough terrain.

We liked this version of the Land Cruiser -- a lot. It earned high marks in reviews and was a repeated Edmunds.com Editors' Most Wanted^SM award winner. Noted positive attributes included its go-anywhere capability, comfortable ride quality, smooth if not scintillating V8 and luxurious interior. Those shopping for a used Toyota Land Cruiser of this generation should feel relatively free to look at all of its years, as Toyota hasn't made any major changes. Generally, the newer the Land Cruiser is, the more features it will have. Stability control came out in 2000, for instance, and a navigation system came in 2001. As noted, one downside to models previous to 2006 is that their V8s produced 40 fewer hp.

Used Land Cruisers from the '90s also provide an impressive mix of capabilities at more affordable prices. Most buyers shopping for a used four-door Land Cruiser are going to be interested in the third-generation model that was available for the 1990-'97 model years. Though this SUV wasn't as large, luxurious or powerful as the current model, it still represents a top pick for a shopper interested in a used SUV that's comfortable and off-road worthy. At its debut, the vehicle could seat five passengers in its two rows of seating. Under its hood was a 155-hp, 4.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine. It had 4WD but the driver had to manually lock the front hubs to activate it. The following year, Toyota replaced that setup with a full-time 4WD system. Other major upgrades for this model included a larger 212-hp engine in 1993 and enhanced safety equipment in 1995.

In Edmunds.com reviews of the third-generation Toyota Land Cruiser, praise was given for its impressive off-road ability, strong engine and durable nature. The main noted downsides were the SUV's uninspiring acceleration and its lofty price. Depreciation, of course, has mitigated this latter issue, although resale values remain impressively high.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 273.00

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  Good SUV; Slightly Disappointed - 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By margosig - September 15 - 2:00 am

  After researching 3-row SUVs, I decided on the Land Cruiser. Due to an odd winter, I actually engaged the 4WD all-wheel differential lock. The car tracked flawlessly in the snow and ice. The road presence approaches a car, but you are aware that its a truck frame you are riding on. The engine is smooth and quiet, yet seems slightly underpowered for this vehicles girth. Surprisingly, this car suffers from some rattles and squeaks. Thus far, the heat shields needed adjusting (rattled), the steering wheel turnbuckle needed lubricating (squeaked) and the underside still rattles at idle. I experience 13/17 MPG.

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  ship of the desert and king of the road - 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Alromaithi - August 22 - 2:00 am

  i bought this car in 2000 it is still in shape untill this day, i had many accidents and amazingly its not damaged ,its performence gets better and better whenever the miles increase,its sounds like a monster.In the desert its the most powerfull SUV its torque is amazing!

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  The Rolex of SUVs - 2001 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By MFT - August 17 - 3:33 pm

  The TLC is the standard by which all SUVs are judged. Reliability, comfort, safety and durability for the long haul are superior to any other vehicle Ive owned. The overall integrity of the TLC outweighs others in its class. We moved out of the minivan market into a large SUV to satisfy our family needs - performance & safety were tops on our list. After initial sticker shock, cost comparisons revealed the reasons behind the price tag. Driving confirms the value everytime we travel the Autobahn or Autostrada.

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  Simply the best! Range Rover crusher - 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By calapanero - August 9 - 4:43 am

  They dont make great vehicles anymore... this is a classic that will be handed on to the next generation. Handling is super and gets you anywhere. My grandfather had the very first one back in Asia and it is still running... Toyota please keep making great vehicles... All my cars are made by Toyota... Last bought was a Lexus gs another classic car in the making. Land cruiser owners enjoy and always think safety.

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  2006 LC - 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By LC - July 25 - 9:20 am

  Every time I get in a drive this truck, I love being in it. This truck is smooth! Acceleration. Braking. Turning. Quiet. More than I hoped for. The 275 hp engine responds well at any speed. 7.83 zero to 60. Very comfortable. Decent gas mileage. 17 to 19 MPG. Best when driven 55 to 60. At 65 to 75 it gets 17. Im 62+" 210. I can drive this for hours and not get sore. Just drove it through 15" of snow in our pastures in the beautiful Western Mountains of Maine, easy as a drive around the farm in summer. Impressive. I choose the 06 because of the 275 horse engine. Better acceleration than the 235 hp for earlier years.

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  Landcruiser - 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Duane C. - July 9 - 10:00 am

  Its expensive to buy new, but worth every penny. Rock solid even after 65K miles on it. No bad habits and rides like a luxury car. Amazingly reliable, all mine has gone through is one set of rear brake pads. Not the best on fuel mileage at 14 mpg average, but its a big box thats heavy so no surprise there.

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  I love my Land Cruiser - 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Turing - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Buy one, you too will love it. Worth every penny.

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  The ultimate truck - 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Memphis LC - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Hi Yall, This car has not been treated with kid gloves nor does it get a soccer moms touch and care. With over 30K miles in the past year, it has been driven. It has been in snow, ditches, sand, water and anything else that I could put it in without going too crazy. It has performed without a glitch or hesitation. The quality, comfort and performance of this truck is absolutely amazing. Although the horsepower is not the greatest, it can still tow a sailboat going 80! (I know, not recommended) You will not be dissappointed with a Land Cruiser.

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  Love these things! - 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Happy - June 24 - 3:53 am

  Did the research in 2002, bought a 1998 TLC with 54,000 miles on it from a dealer that picked it up off auction as a lease return. This is one fantastic vehicle. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts in this case. The engine is not powerful by todays standards, but quite adequate. The cabin space is not enormous, but very comfortable. It will go anywhere, out climb the Hummers, leave the jeeps in the gullies, etc. Handles snow and ice like a dream, even on 13% grades in the mountains. Locking differentials are a great option. Maintenance cost in minimal; I put a starter in at about 100,000 miles. Like it so much I bought a 2nd one in 2006. Keeping this one too, though.

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  Over priced Behemoth - 2007 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Hunter - June 13 - 7:26 pm

  Poor value. All other $60K SUV offering have left this one in thier dust. "Luxury Not" when comparing vehicles: rubber and plasic abound in this vehicle interior, missing many interior features available on other SUVs, has significant body roll and "floats" on highway. Unless you are planning an off road vacation to the Baja spend your money elsewhere. Reliabile YES and put together well, but after that do not expect a lot.