Toyota’s original Land Cruiser reached its 50th Anniversary in 2000 and went on to a global total of 10m units in 2019. It is Toyota’s longest-running vehicle line.
The European Land Cruiser (J15) is known elsewhere as the Prado. In Spanish and some related languages it means meadow-land — from the Latin pratum.
The larger (J20) Land Cruiser is a much-evolved successor to the original. Briefly on sale in the UK and Ireland (1998-2000) as the ‘Land Cruiser Amazon’, it was a hugely accomplished 4x4 with an awesome 4.5-litre, V8-cylinder Diesel engine.
That, larger still Sequoia and Hilux pick-up-based 4 Runner/Hilux Surf don’t come here. Main markets are North America, Russia and Middle East with a whole range of big V6/V8 petrol engines – having oil wells in the neighbourhood clearly useful.
The European Land Cruiser (J15) is known elsewhere as the Prado. In Spanish and some related languages it means meadow-land — from the Latin pratum.
The larger (J20) Land Cruiser is a much-evolved successor to the original. Briefly on sale in the UK and Ireland (1998-2000) as the ‘Land Cruiser Amazon’, it was a hugely accomplished 4x4 with an awesome 4.5-litre, V8-cylinder Diesel engine.
That, larger still Sequoia and Hilux pick-up-based 4 Runner/Hilux Surf don’t come here. Main markets are North America, Russia and Middle East with a whole range of big V6/V8 petrol engines – having oil wells in the neighbourhood clearly useful.
The Land Cruiser as we know it was first introduced in 1984 as a “light duty” variant of the original 70 Series. Current (4th Generation – J15) model was introduced in 2013 and revised in 2020 for the 2021 model year. When a revised Hilux arrived at the end of last year with a new 2.8-litre Diesel engine, the Land Cruiser followed suit.
Construction is classic 4x4: body-on-frame (separate chassis); high/low ratio gearing via transfer box; front independent suspension but rear beam axle and semi-elliptic (leaf) springs. Centre and rear differential locks are fitted depending on model grade.
The new engine brings an extra 27bhp to take output to 201bhp. Torque too is up by 50Nm to a maximum 500Nm available from 1,600rpm. Engine stop-start and lower emissions has resulted in £325 off the first year Road Tax rate (passenger variants).
Commercial versions are either Utility or Active; passenger variants Active or Invincible. Commercials come in either three-door short wheelbase guise or five-door LWB. Top two passenger LWBs offer a 5+2 (seven-seat) cabin.
Regrettably, only the Utility CVs have a manual gearbox. Autobox performance has improved but progress is leisurely and being hustled through corners is not its forte. The auto’s manual mode however does allow good point-to-point speed in traffic.
Light, pin-sharp responses are exactly what’s not needed off-road of course and the Land Cruiser’s reputation here together with its reliability and durability is well known. Top of the range Invincible brings ‘Multi-Terrain Select’, Torsen limited slip centre differential together with a rear diff lock. ‘Crawl Control’ and ‘Adaptive Variable Suspension’ (electronically air-modulated at the rear) extends its off-road armoury.
Active models gain smartphone connectivity (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) via an 8” touchscreen but not the in-built SatNav of the ‘Invincible’. Air conditioning, roof rails and heated power door mirrors are some further features.
Invincible adds ‘Toyota Safety Sense’ with a Pre-Collision System able to detect pedestrians and (in daylight) cyclists. Cabin spec includes auto climate control, heated, ventilated electric front seats, electric steering column adjustment a multi-view monitor and premium audio system.
Price Range: Commercial £35,925 - £41,225; Passenger £42,345 - £57,490
Competition: SsangYong Rexton; Mitsubishi Shogun Sport (if any left in stock); Jeep Wrangler 4-door; Land Rover Discovery &/or New Defender 110.
Facts & Figures: LC Invincible; 2.8/4-cyl Turbo Diesel; 109 mph; 0-62mph 10.5-secs; 29.73mpg (WLTP)Official Combined; 30.1mpg on test; CO2 250g/km; Road Tax (£1,910 – 1st Yr included in purchase price) £155 thereafter; Ins Grp 38-39; Max Braked Trailer 3,000Kg; Wading Depth 900mm/35”; Warranty 5yrs/100,000 miles.
Conclusions: Legendary 4x4 for serious work in demanding conditions but its price takes it up against some capable 4x4s which are more “adept” on-road. The Toyota’s appeal lies in its authenticity. Rexton closest in spirit and cheaper.
By Huw Thomas
Construction is classic 4x4: body-on-frame (separate chassis); high/low ratio gearing via transfer box; front independent suspension but rear beam axle and semi-elliptic (leaf) springs. Centre and rear differential locks are fitted depending on model grade.
The new engine brings an extra 27bhp to take output to 201bhp. Torque too is up by 50Nm to a maximum 500Nm available from 1,600rpm. Engine stop-start and lower emissions has resulted in £325 off the first year Road Tax rate (passenger variants).
Commercial versions are either Utility or Active; passenger variants Active or Invincible. Commercials come in either three-door short wheelbase guise or five-door LWB. Top two passenger LWBs offer a 5+2 (seven-seat) cabin.
Regrettably, only the Utility CVs have a manual gearbox. Autobox performance has improved but progress is leisurely and being hustled through corners is not its forte. The auto’s manual mode however does allow good point-to-point speed in traffic.
Light, pin-sharp responses are exactly what’s not needed off-road of course and the Land Cruiser’s reputation here together with its reliability and durability is well known. Top of the range Invincible brings ‘Multi-Terrain Select’, Torsen limited slip centre differential together with a rear diff lock. ‘Crawl Control’ and ‘Adaptive Variable Suspension’ (electronically air-modulated at the rear) extends its off-road armoury.
Active models gain smartphone connectivity (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) via an 8” touchscreen but not the in-built SatNav of the ‘Invincible’. Air conditioning, roof rails and heated power door mirrors are some further features.
Invincible adds ‘Toyota Safety Sense’ with a Pre-Collision System able to detect pedestrians and (in daylight) cyclists. Cabin spec includes auto climate control, heated, ventilated electric front seats, electric steering column adjustment a multi-view monitor and premium audio system.
Price Range: Commercial £35,925 - £41,225; Passenger £42,345 - £57,490
Competition: SsangYong Rexton; Mitsubishi Shogun Sport (if any left in stock); Jeep Wrangler 4-door; Land Rover Discovery &/or New Defender 110.
Facts & Figures: LC Invincible; 2.8/4-cyl Turbo Diesel; 109 mph; 0-62mph 10.5-secs; 29.73mpg (WLTP)Official Combined; 30.1mpg on test; CO2 250g/km; Road Tax (£1,910 – 1st Yr included in purchase price) £155 thereafter; Ins Grp 38-39; Max Braked Trailer 3,000Kg; Wading Depth 900mm/35”; Warranty 5yrs/100,000 miles.
Conclusions: Legendary 4x4 for serious work in demanding conditions but its price takes it up against some capable 4x4s which are more “adept” on-road. The Toyota’s appeal lies in its authenticity. Rexton closest in spirit and cheaper.
By Huw Thomas
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