New Toyota Land Cruiser full review: Does it live up to the legend?

Loved the world over for its combination of stoic reliability and all-terrain traction, Toyota’s Land Cruiser is a truly iconic 4x4. But has the latest model got the upper hand over Land Rover’s Defender? Vicki finds out.

For over 70 years Toyota’s Land Cruiser has been the default choice for those who live in the most inhospitable corners of the globe. In fact, its dependability is so renowned, Vicki calls it the “cockroach of the automotive world”. And we’ve no doubt the new fifth-generation model will be just as well screwed together.

However, times have changed since the original (BJ) Land Cruiser became the first 4x4 to reach station 6 on Mount Fuji. Nowadays, the off-road market is teeming with choices which blend supreme build quality, genuine all-terrain ability, and even respectable road manners. Has this reimagined star got what it takes to shine bright in such a saturated segment?

On the face of it (quite literally), the answer’s yes. Much like other reborn icons like the modern Mini, Porsche’s 911 and, of course, Land Rover’s Defender, the new Land Cruiser is instantly recognisable. The car’s upright, boxy silhouette clearly echoes the original machine. Vicki’s launch spec car also features additional, subtle retro accents. At the front there’s round headlights, while the whole body is painted in ‘Sand’ brown, and smaller 18” wheels sit at each corner.
 

Inside, things are a little less flashy. Sticking true to the original’s function-over-form philosophy, Vicki’s argues that the cabin feels “no-nonsense” rather than “sumptuous” like some rivals. But it’s still a pleasant place to spend time. The DriverReviews host compliments the comfortable seats, ergonomic dash layout, and the soft padding on the doors and centre console designed to cushion any impacts when off roading.

Speaking of which, how does the new Land Cruiser fare when you point that chunky nose at some mud and ruts? Well, all the traditional features are present and correct — full-time four-wheel-drive, a low-range gearbox, diff locks, a body-on-frame design, knobbly Yokohama A/T G015 tyres, and so on… But there’s a host of more modern inclusions, too: electric power steering, crawl control, idle control, and an advanced eight-speed automatic gearbox, to name a few.

Together, this fusion of old and new off-road technology helps the hefty Toyota to haul itself out of the stickiest situations without troubling the driver. As she crests steep slopes and trudges through sodden muddy ground, Vicki fails to even scratch the surface of the Land Cruiser’s cross-country ability.

But is it any good as a car? Watch Vicki’s full review to find out if the fifth-gen Land Cruiser is as talented on road, as off it.
 

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