CRUISER’S A BRUISER
Toyota’s iconic SUV has built its enviable reputation over decades of faithful service, on- and off-road capabilities, and luxurious appointments
Toyota’s longestrunning model is, what, the Corolla? Guess again. Although dating to 1966, it’s a mere teenager compared to the Land Cruiser.
The big, luxurious SUV’s origins date to 1951, when Toyota unveiled the BJ, a simple but oh-so-stout, Jeeplike vehicle initially designed for use by post-war Japanese military and police agencies.
The name Land Cruiser was first applied in 1955, and has been on numerous succeeding generations ever since.
Over the years the Cruiser has morphed into a luxurious, top-flight sport utility vehicle, one of the costliest offerings in the vast Toyota lineup. But one thing that has remained a constant is its off-road ability.
Its full-time four-wheel-drive system offers high- or low-range options, selected via a dial on the console. Power to the axles with the most traction is apportioned through a Torsen limited-slip center differential. The driver can also pick from a menu of five drivetrain settings to match any terrain.
On pavement, the big SUV quietly glides along much like a full-size luxury sedan. Lumps ‘n’ bumps are soaked up by the suspension, delivering scant disturbance to passengers inside the solidly built metal cocoon.
Responsibility for much of that solidity rests with not only with the steel body and heavy-duty chassis, but also with the topquality hardware. Luxurious materials grace the cabin; soft leather swathes the comfortable seating, and Toyota loads on virtually every convenience, infotainment and safety feature imaginable.
At a near-6,000 pound curb weight, the Cruiser ably makes due with the smooth power the twin-cam V-8 delivers, abetted by an eight-speed automatic transmission. It’s not quick, but perfectly adequate.
The bill comes due at frequent fill-ups: 13 mpg in town and 18 mpg on the highway attest to the SUV’s heft.
Overall, the Land Cruiser has a certain old-school charm — road-hugging weight, vaultlike build quality, luxurious cabin fitments.
Not to say it isn’t perfectly acceptable today, given its year-over-year updates in safety, infotainment and even the occasional styling revision. It’s iconic for a reason: It’s tough, reliable and capable.
Just what an SUV should be.