Did the world need another SUV? No. What about Toyota? No more, but the Japanese brand values its icons. And the Land Cruiser is one of them. Give it up? The blood of aficionados would only have gone one round. Although they know very well that the Land Cruiser myth was built during the first years of its career… That is to say, more than 60 years ago already.
The Land Cruiser rises from its ashes. Born in the 1950s, this utility vehicle was one of the very first Japanese vehicles to make a career outside the Archipelago. Canada made the discovery in 1964. In this context, it is not surprising that many memories come to mind when we contemplate the latest iteration of the Land Cruiser. Today, this legendary model that appeared in 1954 is resurrected, but not in the form of a reinterpretation inspired by the original style, as was the case with the FJ Cruiser (2007-2014). The new Land Cruiser avoids the historical reconstruction this time. Rather, it is the aspects of durability, robustness and versatility long associated with the Land Cruiser that take over.
The Land Cruiser was designed to look toward the future by being exclusively powered by hybrid mechanics. Unlike the FJ Cruiser, the candy colors and nostalgic winks have disappeared here.
Despite the additional protection bolted to its underbody, the Land Cruiser offers limited ground clearance for a vehicle whose reputation has often been considered the equal of Jeep and Land Rover. Nothing to complain about the quality and responsiveness of its four-wheel drive system. Furthermore, we can judge the towing capacity to be rather timid, which is set at 2722 kilograms (6000 pounds).
Silent once it reaches cruising speed and flexible, the 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid has no trouble moving this utility vehicle from its static position. Its consumption level is even quite respectable (10.1 L/100 km), particularly considering the weight of the machine.
Designed on a ladder chassis, similar to that of the brand’s large trucks, it does not create a feeling of excessive weight. But this platform is not free from vibrations, especially when the tires have to deal with broken ground. Its soft suspensions in relaxation and quite hard in compression do not make it a lively and incisive utility vehicle. Its steering is relatively precise, but the turning circle is not always compatible with urban use. Heavy, but not clumsy, this 4 x 4 clearly transmits its reactions.
Among the variations listed in its catalog is the “1958”, the most financially accessible and necessarily the most stripped-down too. Well seen, since a good part of buyers no longer want to follow the technological and price escalation of manufacturers. Moreover, this bourgeois drift has alienated many consumers with average incomes and confused all those who remain attached to the “terroir” side of traditional 4 x 4s. Their owners don’t use them to cross deserts, but they have a certain fondness for off-road folklore. This is undoubtedly why “1958” appears to be the most interesting variation in the catalog.
On board, there are cloth seats that don’t breathe well in hot weather. The infotainment screen (8 inches compared to 12.3 inches for the other versions) doesn’t distort the dashboard and, fortunately, hasn’t swallowed all the controls in its path. A strict five-seater (no third bench), the Land Cruiser offers spacious rear seats and a fairly greedy trunk. The only disappointment comes from this cabin, which we had hoped would be more romantic. The plastic veneers seem rather cheap on board a vehicle whose starting price is close to $70,000. Not exactly affordable, this Toyota is nonetheless a down-to-earth 4×4 that, ultimately, gives value for money compared to rivals that are listed at better prices. In appearance, at least.
