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 21 through 30 of 273.00

• 

  Depends on What You Need - 2007 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By 2nd Timer - September 21 - 1:43 am

  2nd LC. Traded 99 with 250K trouble free miles. Only repair was overpriced starter replacement. Previous LC saw blizzards and ice storms; routinely driven for hours in 115 degree desert. Not afraid to drive on forest roads where no other vehicles seen for hours at a time. Good vehicle for hauling lots of stuff. Great for seeing country from freeway and remote locations - not so great for being seen in trendy fashion. A bit overpriced - due in part to air suspension and navigation system. Bought 2007 because concerned new model will be more upscale. Ride is smooth and quiet for this type of vehicle. Had 2 4-Runners - LC has same reliability, more room.

• 

  The Best SUV Made - 2014 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By darwindropple - September 8 - 7:10 pm

  I love cars and over the past ten years or so I have owned two GMs, one Ram, and four Toyotas. While not all have been SUVs, there is no question that in terms of quality, construction and reliability, nothing compares to a Land Cruiser. However, as the LC200 dismal sales indicate, many people do not agree. 1) Why pay so much money for a Toyota with bland styling? There is no good answer to this question! If the badge and the styling are the top priorities you are better off with a Mercedes or Land Rover.

• 

  Havent Driven It Much - 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Frank - June 21 - 7:00 am

  I have always wanted a Land Cruiser but never really had the need for a big SUV. I drove into a Toyota dealership with a friend, saw the only Cruiser they had on the lot and had to have it right then and there. It was beautiful and fully loaded. Now that I had a place in the mountains, I actually needed this thing. We use it to drive in the mountains and to and from our home in Florida.

• 

  Why change something that works! - 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Crusier Guy - May 6 - 7:50 pm

  Im a SUV lover. Ive owned trucks, cars, and other SUVs and this is by far the best SUV Ive ever owned. Its amazing how solid it is built. It rides nice, has great handling in the snow, my only problem is its so nice I dont want to get it dirty! Ive had it for some months now and I wouldnt change! The safety features are great as well. On some of the down sides, Gas mileage is bad considering the lack of horsepower and torque. The nav system is great and it doesnt require a DVD. One frustrating thing, you can hardly do anything on the nav system while driving the vehicle, the restrictions are too strict and should be loosened up so you can use it w/out stopping the car.

• 

  cruiser - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By realestatelady - April 29 - 9:43 am

  The cruiser is a great truck !! IT carries 7 people.

• 

  pointless suv - 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Comdian - April 2 - 10:00 am

  with a week, I used this suv and got sick of playing inside this because it works ploddingly in gear down and noisily. I got a bad feeling in turning left or right from highway

• 

  Practical, Reliable Truck - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By bob - March 26 - 11:13 am

  Weve had this car for over 6 years now and it still looks and drives like new. We looked at other SUVs in 2000 but nothing compared to this one, and still nothing compares to this. The only problem we had with this is with the cd player and the brakes. Solid truck.

• 

  Fun Run - 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By bob - September 12 - 11:33 am

  Long trip, short trip; the Land Cruiser makes just a trip to the store a "Fun Run". We had a Town and Country and look all over for a vehicle that had that ride and comfort with the SUV safety. Most were just built up trucks. Cadilac had a great exterior, but was a chevy truck inside with just more padding. The LC is functional, fun, and the inside is built for the vehicle and the drivers and passengers favor. The problem is the wife took it and I have to drive the T&C to work...

• 

  Excellent Cruiser - 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Michigan Cruiser - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought one of the first new V8 LCs in Michigan, courtesy of wierd US CAFE law that wouldnt allow me to buy a GM full size SUV that year. The build quality is great, and the engine smoothness (DOHC V8) is the best Ive ever experienced. It is much smoother than a SOHC Mercedes V8 of the same vintage. Great AWD. Only quibbles: not- bright headlights, replace engine heat shields every 40K miles, 15mpg, standard Dunlops are mediocre (replace with Michelin Cross Terrains.) Would definitely recommend another.

• 

  As Good As It Gets - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By CTP855 - February 1 - 2:00 am

  My Landcruiser has been a pleasent experience through the first year and a half of ownership. The V-8 delivers plenty of power and smooth acceleration. The ride is firm but very controlled and stable. Handling is good for such a heavy vehicle, and the interior is roomy and comfortable. The fit, finish, and quality are impecable. Gas mileage is not real good, but most SUVs arent. I tend to keep vehicles a long time, so hopefully this will turn out to be a reliable long term investment.