The 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser is only offered in one 'fully loaded' model, leaving little room for options. All Land Cruisers include a 381-horsepower, 5.7L V8 engine, along with an 8-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4-wheel drive.
Towing and off-roading are primary missions of the Land Cruiser--as well as suburban family duty--and it shows in its powertrain; the engine produces 90 percent of its peak torque below 2,200 rpm, while there's a special water-cooled oil cooler for heavy towing tasks. The Land Cruiser can tow up to 8,500 pounds when properly equipped. The engine is also designed to run fine on regular gasoline, with the fifth and sixth transmission ratios are deep overdrive ratios aimed at maximizing highway fuel economy.
With body-on-frame construction combined with a 3-stage crash structure, the Land Cruiser combines the stout durability of a truck as well as modern occupant protection. The high-mount double-wishbone suspension of the Land Cruiser, with a hollow stabilizer bar and coil springs, is configured for tough off-roading while optimizing control on the road. In back, the multi-link suspension setup with a lateral link helps cornering over choppy surfaces. Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), allows more wheel articulation during off-roading yet helps keep cornering flat on the road.
Meanwhile, the Land Cruiser's dual-range transfer case, with a Torsen limited-slip locking center differential, lets the Land Cruiser distribute 60 percent of engine power to the rear wheels during ordinary driving, yet is able to send more power to whichever wheels could use it the best. Crawl Control and an Off-Road Turn Assist and Downhill Assist Control (DAC) help maintain stability and steadiness over precarious off-road surfaces. Variable-ratio power steering helps maneuverability off-road. A so-called Multi-terrain Select system lets the driver dial in enough wheel slip to suit the type of terrain-- pavement, snow, sand or mud for instance.
Considering the Land Cruiser's off-road capability, it's surprisingly nimble on-road. While the Land Cruiser's size can make parking a challenge, it more than makes up for it with its ease on the freeway with good high-speed passing ability and stability.
Interior comfort is superb. The Cruiser's two bucket seats up front are generously sized, while the 3-across seat in the second road is adult-sized. At the far back, there's more room for up to three--although access is tighter. The second row adjusts fore and aft to optimize space.
The Land Cruiser comes with keyless entry, push-button start, a power moonroof, cruise control, a universal garage-door opener, steering-wheel audio controls, power front seats, a navigation system, a DVD rear entertainment system, a cooled storage box and heated front and rear seats. A JBL premium sound system is also standard and comes equipped with Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and audio streaming, HD Radio, Sirius satellite radio, USB/iPod connectivity and 13 speakers with a subwoofer. Options are limited to a few dealer-installed accessories, such as remote start.
The Land Cruiser comes with Entune standard, a system that uses the navigation system's 8-inch touch screen to provide an entertainment and information systems interface. Entune will also interact with certain smartphone apps. The Land Cruiser includes a 3-year subscription to the service.
Strong Acceleration And Towing Performance
Handles Well For A Large Vehicle
Trail Ability
Off-road Driving Aids
Safety Features
Interior Comfort
The Toyota Land Cruiser sees no significant updates for 2017.
The premium SUV class includes the Porsche Cayenne, the Cadillac Escalade and the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. While they are admirable company, the Toyota Land Cruiser brings decades of off-road credibility and an everyman nameplate for similar money. The Land Cruiser also offers more cargo space and more ground clearance than its competitors.
