Speed Demon: Toyota Land Cruiser – A Behemoth on Wheels

4.2 / 5
Toyota Land Cruiser Driving, Engines & Performance
Comfort
8.5
Performance
7.0
Value
6.5
Reliabiliy
9.0
Author
Oliver Jenkins
October 19th, 2023
Ah, the Toyota Land Cruiser. The name alone conjures images of rugged terrain, uncharted paths, and the kind of reliability that could make a Swiss watch blush. But let's be real here – we're not just talking about any old off-roader. We're talking about a beast that has been tamed for the road, a leviathan that promises to deliver not just on the dirt tracks but also on the tarmac. So, how does this mammoth perform when you put the pedal to the metal? Buckle up, folks, because we're about to find out.

On the We Review Cars track, the Land Cruiser felt like a fish out of water at first. But then, something magical happened. I floored the accelerator, and the V8 roared to life. The 8-speed automatic transmission shifted seamlessly, and before I knew it, I was hurtling down the straight at speeds that would make a cheetah jealous. The Land Cruiser may not be a sports car, but it sure knows how to hustle.

Handling, you ask? Well, let's just say it's not going to win any agility contests. The steering is a bit on the heavy side, and there's a fair amount of body roll when you throw it into a corner. But hey, this isn't a nimble little roadster – it's a full-sized SUV. And for what it is, the Land Cruiser handles admirably. The suspension is tuned to soak up bumps and potholes like a sponge, making for a ride that's as smooth as butter.

Braking performance is solid, thanks to the large disc brakes on all four corners. They bring this behemoth to a stop with confidence, even when you're pushing it hard. And trust me, I pushed it hard. The tires, a set of all-terrain rubber, provided ample grip on both the tarmac and the dirt sections of our track. It's clear that Toyota has engineered this SUV to be a jack-of-all-trades, and it shows.

Now, let's talk about fuel economy. Or should I say, the lack thereof. The Land Cruiser is a thirsty beast, guzzling down gasoline at a rate of 13 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway. If you're looking for a fuel-efficient ride, this isn't it. But then again, you don't buy a Land Cruiser for its fuel economy – you buy it for its go-anywhere capability and bulletproof reliability.

Speaking of reliability, the Land Cruiser is like a tank in more ways than one. Toyota's reputation for building dependable vehicles is well-earned, and the Land Cruiser is no exception. This SUV is built to last, with a robust chassis and drivetrain that can take a beating and keep on ticking. It's the kind of vehicle that you can rely on, whether you're navigating the urban jungle or exploring the great outdoors.

So, what's the verdict? The Toyota Land Cruiser is a beast of an SUV that delivers on its promise of performance and reliability. It's not the most agile or fuel-efficient vehicle out there, but it more than makes up for it with its sheer power and ruggedness. If you're in the market for a full-sized SUV that can do it all, the Land Cruiser should be at the top of your list.

Specifications

SpecificationValue
Engine5.7-liter V8
Horsepower381
Torque401 lb-ft
Transmission8-speed automatic
Fuel typeGasoline
Mpg city13
Mpg highway17
Drive type4WD
Towing capacity8100 lbs
Seating capacity8