Toyota Landcruiser (02 - 09) Tested 2004-09-01

Rating Quick Summary Average. Toyota still sets the pace when it comes to serious off-road ability with the virtually bullet-proof Land Cruiser. Five years after its launch, nothing has changed.

Full Road Test

Toyota's Land Cruiser is a legend. Virtually indestructible and with a never-say-die approach to demanding off-road terrain, this model has stuck to its roots in an age when many other 4x4s have gone soft.

That's not to say the 'Cruiser shies away from black surfaces. First launched in 2003, the current model has proven itself as a comfortable and luxurious ride with respectable on-road manners in addition to its revered off-road abilities.

The Land Cruiser lies at the heart of Toyota's fortune. With more than four million Land Cruisers sold worldwide, it was the first passenger vehicle exported by the Japanese manufacturer and the one that put Toyota on the map.

Much like Land Rover's Series I, the Land Cruiser started its life as a military vehicle, and made headlines when it was driven up Mount Fuji to Checkpoint 6 in 1951 - a feat never accomplished before. Since then, the Land Cruiser has built on its tank-like foundation to create an all-round 4x4 that has kept up with the times without sacrificing its origin.

Two bodystyles are currently available (short- and long-wheel base), which are complimented by three spec levels (LC3, LC4 and Invincible). Engine choice, however, is limited to a single 3.0-litre common rail diesel powertrain - the same robust D-4D engine that powers the Toyota Hilux.

This D-4D engine was revised in 2005 to meet Euro IV emissions, and boasts an increase of 10bhp (171bhp now) and 70Nm more torque (410Nm now) compared to the original 2003 version. A massive 90% of this torque is available at just 1500rpm - particularly handy when negotiating serious off-road terrain.

A bevy of technology and gadgetry supports this torquey engine to make easy work of off-road challenges. This is one of the most technically advanced vehicles to be launched by Toyota and offers reams of acronyms that will get you through the hard times when negotiating a steep incline or decline, keep you on track when you wade through mud, water, snow or sleet, and make sure you stop when you want to.

But, let's be honest, few 4x4's ever leave the comfortably tarred city lanes, and the closest most drivers will come to demanding driving is straddling a pavement. Manufacturers realise this, which is why the majority of current SUVs are created first and foremost to be passenger-carrying road vehicles, with some 4x4 abilities tossed in almost as an afterthought.

In contrast, then, you have the Land Cruiser. Where most modern SUVs are constructed as car-like single-bodied monocoques, Toyota bucked this trend and stuck to the tried-and-tested body-on-ladder-frame approach. This is a real-deal 4x4 we're talking about, and given the opportunity, the Land Cruiser will eagerly prove the point. But there is a trade-off.

Weighing in at two tonnes, the Land Cruiser is a bulky beast and feels it, too. Negotiating city streets, it is cumbersome and in tight corners it wallows too much. Rear visibility is also restricted. In its defence, the Land Cruiser sports a commanding seating position, with light steering and a respectable 11.4m turning circle (for the five-door version) that comes greatly to its aid in parking lots.

Performance is, as can be expected, also anything but sporty. Acceleration from 0 to 62mph can be best described as a laborious 11.5-second haul. But, once the Land Cruiser reaches cruising speed, it is quite happy to remain there without strain, complaint or constant gearchanges. Turbo-lag has been kept to a minimum and the powerful torque, available virtually off the mark, makes this model a great option for towing boats or other heavy trailers.

The Land Cruiser might not be the most technologically advanced vehicle on the road but it feels stable and solid and goes about its business in a stoically subdued manner. If it is sporty performance you're after, then rather opt for BMW's X3 or X5, or for sharp on-road manners consider the Land Rover Freelander. But when it comes to thoroughbred off-road capability you'll struggle to trump the Land Cruiser, even if it is somewhat dated.

Breakdown Styling The Land Cruiser boasts rugged styling that clearly states it prefers bush-whacking to pavement-straddling. That said, the Land Cruiser is no monolith and its styling is fashionable enough to blend perfectly into the parking lot of any modern shopping centre. Smooth curves, rounded headlights and a bold grille further add to its stylish demeanour. Handling Off the well-trodden path is where the Land Cruiser excels. Its off-road abilities are legendary and are supported by a myriad of technical gadgetry in the latest model to make sure you get where you want to no matter what lies in-between. But the Land Cruiser is no dinky toy and in city streets it feels decidedly truck-like and wallowy in the corners. Comfort Equipment levels are high, but balanced by a sense of purpose and practicality in the interior's styling. Air conditioning comes standard, cruise control, CD player with six speakers. Top-of-the-range Invincible trim adds privacy glass, voice activated sat nav, downhill assist control, hill-start assist control and electrically adjustable, heated front seats. Quality + reliability Toyota's foundation has been cast on quality and the Land Cruiser is no exception. This 4x4 feels bullet proof and over the 50 years that it has been manufactured the Land Cruiser has established itself as the yardstick by which competitors measure themselves. Performance In 2005, Toyota revised the D-4D engine to comply with Euro IV emissions standards. The result is a marginally decreased CO2 emissions and slightly improved power output to 171bhp. The Land Cruiser's engine is somewhat lethargic at first and it takes a good couple of seconds to reach cruising speed, but once there the Land Cruiser can jog along the motorway for hours without any protest. Roominess Despite its large exterior dimensions, the Land Cruiser is not as spacious inside as you might expect. The MPV-like layout has space for eight, though the rearmost seats are really only suitable for children. Both the two rear rows can fold up to create a massive cargo area. Upfront it is all luxury though with plenty of leg- and elbowroom and loads of storage nooks. Running costs Don't consider the Land Cruiser if fuel economy is a major concern. Even the 3.0 D-4D only musters 30.7mpg. With CO2 emissions of 243g/km, which place it in the highest VED Band G, your wallet will also need extra padding. Value for money Both the base Shogun and Discovery models are less expensive than the Land Cruiser LC3, but at the top-end the HSE TDV6 takes the prize (£45,000) followed by the Land Cruiser Invincible (£37,950) and Shogun Diamond (£34,699). The entry-level Land Cruiser has a decent specification level but for serious off-road technologies you'll be limited to LC4 or Invincible trim. Stereo / Sat nav In entry-level LC3 trim you get an integrated CD/radio with six speakers, and in LC4 trim turn-by-turn sat nav is added. In the Invincible trim level you get full-colour voice activated sat nav system and electronic traffic avoidance plus six disc CD changer with nine speakers.

Need to know Replacement Date: 2010 We like: 1. Top-notch off-road abilities 2. Commanding driving position 3. High level of luxury We don't like: 1. Wallowing handling 2. Lack of sporty feeling 3. Restricted rear view Best and worst: Most fun: 3.0 D-4D Most sensible: 3.0 D-4D Worst: 3.0 D-4D