It seems like there's always been a Toyota Land Cruiser. This unstoppable off-roader has been with us since before the SUV breed was even defined, and if the market for 4x4s ever goes away it will probably be one of the last to leave.
You'd be forgiven for not knowing there's an all-new Land Cruiser on the block for 2008. Never a common sight on suburban roads, the Land Cruiser has consistently offered a measure of luxury and all-terrain capability that's hard to match, and the latest incarnation keeps the fire alive with a new, larger engine, better off-road performance and an all-new deisgn.
The fifth-generation Land Cruiser is definitely the most modern-looking. The traditionally upright looks are replaced with a more rakish look, as if the previous version were successfully cross-bred with the new RAV4 compact sport-ute. The Land Cruiser looks smaller than it is, thanks in part to standard 18" wheels that fill the arches. The beltline is higher as well, and combined with the longish hood the Land Cruiser looks more like a station wagon than an SUV.
There's a Lexus-like pushbutton start. In fact, the 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser is so well-appointed that it's hard to imagine a Lexus version of it--though the upcoming Lexus LX570 is exactly that. Even without the Lexus badge, the Land Cruiser features comfortable leather seating for up to eight, keyless entry, a six-disc in-dash CD changer, moonroof, heated seats and a pushbutton start. I'm not so sure about fake wood trim in a $70,000 truck however, no matter how well-done it is. The instrument panel uses cool blue "Optitron" lighting. Four-zone climate control and an embarrassment of cupholders help to keep three rows of passengers comfortable in the Land Cruiser. The console has an available cool-box that will chill an entire six-pack--of something non-alcoholic, of course. The usual luxury suspects like a rear-seat DVD player and Bluetooth connectivity are also on the options roster.
With the new design comes new power; the Land Cruiser is now powered by the same 5.7 liter V8 that lives under the hood of the mighty Tundra. This dual overhead-cam engine cranks out 381 horsepower. Variable valve timing and electronic throttle control ensure that this power is delivered smoothly and as efficiently as can be expected from a lump of aluminum this size. The 2008 Land Cruiser has no trouble getting itself up to speed, a refreshing departure (no pun intended) from Land Cruisers past. Towing capacity is up to 8500 lb. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard, as is four-wheel drive. A new, compact transfer case is hooked up to a Torsen locking center differential for what the off-road guys call "beef."
You wouldn't believe it to ride in it, but the Land Cruiser has a solid rear axle and an old-school, full-length separate frame. The Land Cruiser is luxurious, but at heart it's about toughness rather than economy, hence the stronger design. The new frame uses lightweight, high-strength steel to keep the Land Cruiser from being too porky on the road. A high-articulation double wishbone front suspension and a four-link mounting for the rear axle offer a ride smooth enough for a Lexus but flexible enough to deal with evil terrain. The Land Cruiser is packed to the gills with driving aids as well. Vehicle stability control, off-road anti-lock brakes, active traction control and a Land Rover-like Hill Start control system are along to make the ride equally compliant on pavement or turf. Off-road handling is enhanced by a very quick and precise steering box, and by the massive disc brakes at all four corners. To knock it out of the park, the new CRAWL control system is also available. When the truck's in low range, CRAWL control takes over management of engine speed and output, brakes and the Downhill Assist Control to hold the Land Cruiser to a set speed of one, two or three and a half miles per hour. CRAWL control works going up or down hills, and in forward or reverse.
Toyota also debuts its Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) on the 2008 Land Cruiser. KDSS uses hydraulic control cylinders to vary the suspension's stiffness and susceptibility to body roll, creating a convenient, best-of-both-worlds balance between on-road tautness and off-road articulation.
Pricing starts at $63,200, which means that you could almost purchase a twenty-year old Land Cruiser with the increase over last year's starting price. The 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser is spendy, as it has been for several years, but it's also always been worth the price tag for buyers needing a vehicle that can tackle vicious off-road tasks as well as more civilized suburban erranding. The bottom line is still somewhat high, but the new Land Cruiser still fulfils high expectations handily.
Specifications:
Base price: $63,200
Engine: 5.7 liter DOHC 32-valve V8
Drivetrain: six-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel drive
Horsepower: 381 @ 5600
Torque: 401 @ 3600
Est. mileage: 13/18
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