Large luxury four-wheel drive cars are in abundance these days. But the Toyota Land Cruiser’s lineage extends back several decades and, along with a small group of others, it pioneered the ability to carry five to seven adults, plus mountains of luggage, and go just about anywhere. The same principle is still proudly woven into the DNA of the latest Land Cruiser that was unveiled by Toyota at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show. We love so many things about it, but here are a few highlights.
1. Its inimitable road presence is now even greater
Having long been one of the most universally respected 4x4s on the market, the 2018 Land Cruiser facelift looks incredible; the overall silhouette appears slightly sportier with a new dose of dynamism and modernity injected. The new grille’s wide vertical bars finished in chrome work effectively, flanked by LED daytime running lights and remodelled bumpers that discretely remind everyone that the Land Cruiser means business.
The 2018 model has been slightly lengthened, its redesigned rear light clusters with LED brake lights look suitably contemporary, and some attractive new paint colours have been introduced. Okay, it may not be the aesthetically slickest 4x4 available, but the Land Cruiser has a great reputation among drivers who love and need an XL-size SUV that walks the walk. It’s still up there with the best.
2. The huge interior is now that bit plusher
With pricing that places it alongside several German and British rivals, the 2018 Land Cruiser sees a number of improvements made to its cabin. The 8-inch Toyota Touch 2 infotainment screen is fitted as standard including the Go multimedia system. Its wing mirrors now automatically tilt downwards while reversing - a good move considering the size of the vehicle. Cold mornings are made easier with an electric heated windscreen and heated washer nozzle, while rear passengers’ posteriors will be kept warm with heated seats. In hot weather, occupants in the front will appreciate seat ventilation.
The dashboard has been redesigned with buttons and controls in more logical places, and forward visibility has been improved, which will be perfect for off-roading. Interior lighting colours can be customised, new trims are available and the whole thing has been constructed with an extra sprinkling of sophistication firmly in mind.
3. It has two fuel tanks and is now more efficient
Many lesser SUVs have a single fuel tank but the 2018 Toyota Land Cruiser goes one better, its signature two-tank setup providing a total capacity of 150 litres. Opt for diesel and the theoretical driving range peaks at 1,165 miles, making it the perfect companion for all sorts of adventures. The UK won’t get a petrol version, but the 2.8-litre D-4D has more than enough punch, producing torque of 370Nm and maxing out at 450Nm, which will help it crawl over as many rocks as required. Okay, it’s a performance SUV in the true sense, but fuel economy has been boosted - the engine now achieving up to 38.2mpg, which is around 15% better than the previous iteration.
4. Toyota hasn’t toned it down – it still walks the walk
The 2018 Land Cruiser’s cabin has been designed with improved ergonomics in mind, which makes it even easier to spot the serious 4x4 buttons and controls that are missing from many similar SUVs. Crawl, 2nd gear start, locking differential and suspension height buttons are all present on the centre fascia, while the pillars and doors are equipped with large handles for when the going gets bumpy. Off the beaten track, the Toyota is peerless and the 2018 model sticks to the body-on-frame approach, making it unique among its peers. Resistant to twisting and with extremely robust suspension, the Land Cruiser makes light work of the most challenging terrains.
5. The new Land Cruiser is even safer
When chosen in a high trim level and with an automatic gearbox, drivers of the 2018 model will feel safe knowing they’re cared for by a raft of the latest safety systems. Toyota Safety Sense active technologies help prevent accidents occurring or reduce the effects if an unavoidable collision does happen. Pedestrian detection, a blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert will instil added confidence when driving the Land Cruiser in urban areas, while lane departure warning, automatic high beam and adaptive cruise control will make life easier for drivers on rural roads and motorways alike. For customers venturing off road, the vehicle’s tyre pressure monitoring system has been enhanced, enabling them to drive this spacious SUV over rough ground confidently.
In numbers…
|
|
Landcruiser |
|
|
|
Min |
Max |
|
Power(HP) |
177 |
177 |
|
Fuel(comb MPG) |
38.2 |
39.2 |
|
Emissions(CO2, g/km) |
190 |
194 |
|
Top Speed(mph) |
109 |
109 |
|
0 – 60mph in….(seconds) |
12.1 |
12.7 |
|
Price |
£37,230 |
£58,580 |
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a global icon, so the new model for 2018 retains its sophisticated styling, while the interior has been upgraded to be more closely aligned with alternative SUVs. Its sizeable fuel tanks offer something unique, while it’s safer than ever for families. Continuous improvements mean this Toyota still deserves as much respect as ever.
Get planning your test drive as soon as the 2018 Land Cruiser lands, with Inchcape Toyota.