Wraps come off the latest incarnation of this big 4×4.
It's bigger and cleverer than before.
Toyota has unveiled the latest version of its big ‘n’ hunky off-roader, the Land Cruiser. In the six decades that it has been around, this formidable vehicle has built a deserved reputation for toughness and reliability.
It is designed to have go-anywhere ability matched only by a Land Rover, but also to handle the school-run in comfort. The newcomer has a series of handling and driver assistance systems to make it even more capable off-road.
As is commonly the way with new designs, this 4×4 is a touch bigger than the one it replaces. It’s now a full seven-seater (though the cheapest model comes with five seats as standard) and is powered by a revised version of Toyota’s 3.0-litre D4D diesel that pushes out 171bhp.
There’s now more space inside, while the final row of seats fold flat at the touch on a button on all but the entry model. The side-hinged tailgate now gains a rear window that opens to allow quick access to the boot.
Unlike rivals, however, the Land Cruiser retains the body-on-frame construction that gives it toughness. It has full-time four-wheel drive, but has a four mode selector to set it up for varying off-road conditions. It also has crawl control, which controls the engine and brakes to maintain a slow, safe speed while off-roading or wading, enabling the driver to concentrate on steering.
All models with have alloy wheels, climate control and a smart entry and start system as standard. There are three trims: LC3, 4 and 5. Move up to LC4 and you get triple-zone climate control, bigger alloys, powered folding third-row seats and leather seats. The LC5 adds adaptive suspension, crawl control, a sunroof and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system.
Prices are from £29,975. Dealers have their order books open now and deliveries will begin next month.
