The 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser is distinguished by a rare mix of effortless highway performance, everyday comfort, and authentic, industrial-strength four-wheel-drive capability. It's built for those willing to pay for a very broad range of operating capabilities, more costly to buy, but you get what you pay for. Significantly improved economy, safety and luxury are all part of the package.
John Stewart filed this report to NewCarTestDrive.com after driving the Land Cruiser in Montana.
(Source: New Cars Test Drive)
Model Line Overview
Model Lineup:
Toyota Land Cruiser ($63,200)
Engines:
5.7-liter V8
Transmissions:
6-speed automatic
Saftey Equipment (standard):
dual-stage advanced airbags, seat-mounted side-impact airbags and front knee airbags for driver and front passenger; second row seat-mounted side airbags; three-row roll-sensing side curtain airbags with roll-sensing cutoff switch; tire-pressure monitor; multi-terrain ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist; electronic stability control (VSC) with cutoff switch; Active Traction Control (A-TRAC)
Saftey Equipment (optional):
pre-collision system
Basic Warranty:
3 years/36,000 miles
Assembled In:
Tahara, Japan; Aichi, Japan
Specifications As Tested
Model Tested (MSRP):
Toyota Land Cruiser ($63,200)
Standard Equipment:
leather upholstery; CFC-free automatic climate control and independent automatic rear climate control system; four-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio, telephone and voice recognition controls; power tilt and telescopic steering wheel with memory; power door locks and windows, including power rear quarter windows; Smart Key keyless entry; HomeLink; variable intermittent front and rear wipers and washers; cruise control, 12 cup holders; combination meter with Optitron electroluminescent instrumentation; JBL AM/FM/6CD/MP3 (605 watts), with auxiliary mini-jack, FM diversity, in-glass antenna and 14 speakers; anti-theft system with engine immobilizer; tilt/slide power glass moonroof with sunshade and one-touch open/close operation with jam protection; auto-dimming rear view mirror with compass; multi-information display; rear window defogger; digital outside temperature display; Intuitive Park Assist (back-up sonar)
Options As Tested (MSRP):
DVD navigation system
Destination Charge:
four-wheel drive
Gas Guzzler Tax:
Price As Tested (MSRP):
0
Layout:
four-wheel drive
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
381 @ 5600
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
401 @ 3600
Transmission:
6-speed automatic
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
13/18
Wheelbase:
112.2
Length/width/height:
194.9/77.6/74.0
Track, f/r:
64.6/64.4
Turning circle:
38.7
Seating capacity:
8
Head/hip/leg room, f:
38.3/59.8/42.3
Head/hip/leg room, m:
38.9/58.5/36.0
Head/hip/leg room, r:
35.8/56.6/28.4
Cargo volume:
81.7
Payload:
Towing capacity:
8500
Suspension, f:
independent w/coilover springs and stabilizer bar
Suspension, r:
four-link w/solid axle, coil springs, stabilizer bar
Ground clearance:
8.9
Curb weight:
5690
Tires:
P285/60R18
Brakes, f/r:
disc/disc with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist
Fuel capacity:
24.6
2008 Toyota Land Cruiser consumer reviews:
overall rating
value
comfort
reliability
This is my first Toyota and we really do love it. I wish it got a little better gas milage but we needed the extra room. We really enjoy all the bells and whistles. We travel alot and it just makes it that much more enjoyable. Have enjoyed driving from the time we drove off the lot. Highway performance is especially good. All around a Perfect Vehicle.
posted by Donnchadh on Oct 30 2008
overall rating
value
comfort
reliability
We traded a 2005 Pathfinder with a 4.0L engine. This has more power, drives and handles better and is more comfortable. Even the third row is bigger than the Pathfinder. Overall fit and finish is excellent. We were concerned about going from a full frame truck to the uni-body but after driving it for a month, we made the right choice.
posted by Abey Lodd on Sep 20 2008
overall rating
value
comfort
reliability
This is my first Toyota and I wanted an SUV with more reliabilty and better gas mileage than my 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee. This vehicle is perfect in size and the 3rd row seat is great for short trips with more than 5 adults. I like the styling and features as well. Recommended for all.
posted by Larry on Sep 19 2008
overall rating
value
comfort
reliability
It is a great car for the price, practical, quiet, looks great in and out. The ergonomic is great, buttons and controls are w/n easy reach where they should be. I highly recommend it for young families in need of a practical yet comfortable SUV.
posted by Omarion on May 27 2008
overall rating
value
comfort
reliability
Just got the new Land Cruiser - wonderful car. I originally felt that the Land Cruiser looked too much like a van and did not even want to test drive it, but after a week of looking around I agreed to try it. Needless to say it was a fabulous test drive and I could not be happier. I have had it for a week now and my husband and I both love it.
posted by Sophie on May 16 2008
overall rating
value
comfort
reliability
The ride is smooth, quiet, and comfortable. The engine/transmission is powerful and well matched. Initial quality appears high, though I have owned the vehicle for only two weeks - time will tell. The layout of the dashboard and instrumentation is very attractive. Love it!!
posted by B. Patrick on Apr 29 2008
overall rating
value
comfort
reliability
This is my third Toyota. I started with the ever reliable Corolla that I had for 12 years and 120,000 miles until I passed it on to my niece. Then in 2001, I was one of the first to buy the newly introduced Land Cruiser. It was an instant love affair. I decided to upgrade to the 2008 even though the new design hasn't grown on me as quickly. I am not totally in love with my new Land Cruiser but I am hoping it's just the transition.
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