Toyota’s Land Cruiser is one of the best off-roaders being offered in today’s market. Land Rover’s Defender is the only other off-roader that can actually offer some serious competition to the Land Cruiser.
Both the Land Cruiser and the Defender have continually managed to advance and stay modern as technology and market demands have required. Due to the continuos changes and enhancements the cars both bear little resemblance to their original beginnings. The Land Cruiser has softened in appearance in more recent years. Despite its exterior design the car is still a force to be reckoned with off the road. The car’s off-road abilities are largely unmatched. The vehicle is ideal for anyone who seriously uses the car’s off-roading capabilities, but will please equally on the road thanks to its modern design. The car is mechanically sound and has excellent off-roading talents, and of course what was left to improve, but comfort. Toyota has upgraded the interior so that on-road travel is much more comfortable. The car’s enhanced comfort along with its untouched off-roading style the Land Cruiser offers buyers the total package.
Practicality
The Land Cruiser will be inexpensive car with a low asking price; low insurance rate; and, with the diesel option; good fuel economy. Assisting with the cost effectiveness of the car, is a high resale value. The cabin is large and spacious. The land Cruiser makes good use of the space available, though the rear most seats will only accommodate children comfortably. The boot is spacious, but not as large as some might expect out of a vehicle of this size. The car’s instrumentation is of high quality and is easy to read, but the placement is not the best as the driver must search for the gauges. Searching for the guages increases driver fatigue and will make long jouneys seem even longer. The cabin, although spacious and comfortable, is not the most elegant. Is it not unique or greater than any other vehicle. The front passengers will have more than enough head and legroom. The middle row will have sufficeint space, but the last will fare far worse. The cabin is easy to access. The front passengers can easily climb into the cabin. Rear passengers, especially the last row occupants will need to be either small children, or very limber. Parking the Land Cruiser is easy dispite its lager diminsions thanks to the light steering and smooth acceleration. Rearward visibility is a bit resticted however.
Life Style
The car boasts good road manners and provides a more than adequate on road experience. . All the usual 4×4 habits and quirks are present with the Land Cruiser. The car does provide good visibility and suppresses cabin noise very well. The Cruiser is at its best when on rough terrain. The presence of plenty of electronic assistance including hill start assist control, downhill assist control and height-adjustable suspension (on top models) makes the Cruiser even more appealing. This is not likely to be the first choice of many families. The cabin is not spacious enough to accommodate a growing family. The vehicle is also too large to navigate through crowded school yards and shopping centers. There are definitely better family vehicles out there. This is not a likely first car. There are many obvious reasoons why new drivers should look elsewhere for a more suitable vehicle. Owning a Land Cruiser will gain you the respect of other 4X4 enthusiasts. The Cruiser is definitely the upper crust of this sector. Though not a premium off-roader, the Land Cruiser is definitely an elite off-roader in terms of capability.
Security and Safety
Toyota provides a good security package with shielded door locks and double locking to reinforce the key machanism. There is alson an alarm and imobilizer. Ultrasonic sensors are fitted which can tell if a window has been brocken. The car’s unique VIN number is stamped into the bodyshell and on selected key components. ABS, EBD and Brake Assist are standard on all models, which have a dramatic effect on the number of accidents avoided. If a crash does occur the Land Cruiser has a specially reinforced bodyshell with car-like crumple zones, a welcome innovation compared to the over-reliance on the strength of a ladder .other saftey measures include three-point seatbelts for all seats, ISOFIX mounting points for the outer seats in the second rank and driver, passenger, side torso and side curtain shield airbags. High-spec models come with an anti-rollover Vehicle Stability Control system.
The Finishing Touches
Standard issue is a six-speaker radio CD/tuner with antennae cleverly placed in the rear quarter glass. Top of the range LC5 models gain a radio/cassette player with six-disc CD autochanger, nine speakers and a 400W amplifier.Toyota’s satellite navigation system is one of the best with clear instructions and fast reaction times.
Summary
The Land Cruiser sports a neat and clean look. The car’s modern looks fit right in whether cruising city streets or country lanes. The Land Cruiser will have no problem commanding the respect that it rightfully deserves.
