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Walkaround
It takes a keen eye to distinguish the new Land Cruiser from its predecessor. The shape is the same squarish two-box design, and Toyota hasn't seen any need to soften its edges. That's understandable, since Land Cruiser owners have been an exceptionally satisfied lot. But there's a lot of change under the skin. An independent front suspension system has replaced the old solid axle and that's a plus in the ride and handling department. The chassis has been extensively reinforced; nine crossmembers are used in the ladder-type frame, compared to six for the previous edition. One glance at this mobile trestle makes it clear that the Land Cruiser is designed to take a lot more punishment than most owners will ever dish out. The design of the front suspension shows that this vehicle can tread in very lumpy territory and the tender elements of that suspension are tucked above a massive skidplate. Ground clearance continues to be tops in class, and the suspension offers a bit more travel, which improves all-around ride quality, as well as performance in rocky or stump-strewn terrain. It takes a little while to appreciate the chassis improvements, but you'll only need a couple of blocks to appreciate the difference in power. Loosely based on the Lexus GS/LS 400 4.0-liter V8, the new engine generates 230 horsepower, compared to 212 for the old straight 6; but its real advantage is torque--the low-end thrust that gets you moving when the light turns green, or when you're hauling something heavy. And heavy is a word that describes the Land Cruiser, even when it's empty. The chassis improvements and bigger engine add up to a minimum curb weight of 4834 pounds. But with 320 pound-feet of torque--45 more than the 6-cylinder--the V8 lends a lot more urgency to forward progress. The time it takes to accelerate from 0-60 mph has been reduced to just under 10 seconds--an improvement of 2 seconds over the previous model. This torque also increases the towing capacity to 6500 pounds; that's a hefty trailer, though the new Dodge Durango, Ford Expedition, and the GMC and Chevrolet Suburbans can pull even bigger loads.
Interior Features
Although its wheelbase is unchanged, the new Land Cruiser is 3.7 inches longer overall and almost a half-inch wider than its predecessor. That adds up to more room within. This is most apparent in the second row of seats, where legroom has been expanded by almost an inch. Full-size domestic competitors offer more leg and knee room in the second row, but we think most buyers will find the Land Cruiser's modest expansion enough to make the second seats habitable by adults. The third-row seat--optional (for about $1500) in the Land Cruiser, standard in the LX 470--continues to be quite cramped, though it is suitable for children. In addition to more room, the Land Cruiser looks more up to date inside, thanks to a contemporary dashboard design that closely resembles the one used in Toyota's smaller 4Runner. Control layout is typically Toyota--logically placed, well marked, and easy to use--and there's plenty of stowage for small stuff, including a glovebox capable of swallowing something bigger than a pair of gloves. The seats, leather-clad in the Land Cruiser we tested, are firm, supportive, and nicely adjustable, and of course you get that commanding view of the road that sport-utility owners love so much. The only downside to the foregoing is the hood, which doesn't fall away much from the windshield to the front of the vehicle. Shorter drivers may find themselves doing a little neck-stretching to keep track of obstacles close to the front bumper. Being able to see the fenders is a benefit when picking your way along a narrow mountain trail, however. Getting up to that commanding view entails a little more of a climb than it does in an Expedition or Chevy Tahoe. That's the price of real go-anywhere ground clearance--9.8 inches minimum--and we think the tradeoff is worth the small inconvenience. As you'd expect of a vehicle in this price range, the Land Cruiser comes very well equipped--air conditioning, excellent audio, power everything--and interior materials are first-rate. The only major options are leather, a power moonroof, and a premium audio system. Our test vehicle had them all. And as you'd expect of a Toyota, the Land Cruiser's assembly quality is beyond reproach.
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