Compared to the upcoming 4Runner, the Land Cruiser is built on the same wheelbase, is marginally longer and slightly narrower. With dimensions so close to the 4Runner, it would have seemed logical that one of the vehicles would be discontinued. However, the Land Cruiser ended up being so expensive that there is no overlap between the models.

Power stems from a hybrid version of Toyota’s new 2.4L turbo four which combines with the hybrid system to create 326 horsepower and a stump-pulling 465 lb.-ft. of torque. Power reaches all wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The serious off-road nature of the Land Cruiser is underlined by its two-speed transfer case and a locking rear differential. Towing capacity is stated to be 2721 kilograms.
The Toyota Safety System 3.0 (TSS 3.0), with forward collision warning, including pedestrians, cyclists and motorcycles, automated emergency braking, lane departure warning with active steering assist, blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors and radar cruise control, is standard.

Styling is very truck-like but very clean and elegant in a robust way. The side profile is square and bears prominent wheel arch bulges and a small glazed area.

The interior of the Land Cruiser follows Toyota truck design conventions. The driver faces a TFT gauge package with uninspired graphics. The climate controls are all toggle based and are easy to manipulate. The infotainment functions are run via a touchscreen that works well enough. The driver’s seat is comfortable but space between the door and the console is quite restricted for a largish vehicle. Rear seat legroom is less than expected. Cargo space is long and deep but narrow.

Driven briefly, the Landcruiser feels like the body-on-frame vehicle it is. Steering is slightly loose but very accurate and ride and handling are quite trucklike. Similar to other body-on-frame Toyotas, the Land Cruiser feels immensely robust but drives with a surprising precision.
The 326 horsepower, hybrid 2,4 L turbo four, is not a paragon of refinement but it is strong, eager and is perfectly matched to its eight-speed automatic transmission.

When first shown, observers thought that there might be a conflict between the Land Cruiser and the 4Runner but the Land Cruiser ended up being so expensive that the two vehicles don’t overlap.

The least expensive trim, the 1958, features heated front seats, blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors and a locking rear differential. The Land Cruiser model adds a TFT gauge package, a sunroof, power-adjustable steering wheel, a power tailgate, power driver’s seat, wireless cellphone charging and anti-roll bars that can be disconnected from the driver’s seat. The Premium package of the Land Cruiser trim features leather seating, a head up display system, a front cross traffic monitor and a power passenger seat.

Toyota durability is generally industry leading but the early versions of the 2.4L turbo powering this car has had issues with production debris left in the engine upon assembly.