Reviews - Toyota

Overall Rating

Short of buying a Humvee, Land Cruiser represents 4x4 overkill writ large. It's fine if you tow heavy loads or conquer continents, but size, thirst and cost make it inappropriate for most buyers.

• Acclaimed heavyweight, impressive in size, endurance and ability
• Surprisingly swift considering its size
• Very spacious cabin with eight comfortable seats

• A handful to drive and park in city streets
• Even the diesel version is thirsty
• It probably won't fit in your garage

Land Cruiser has a heritage almost as long as Land Rover; it's a stalwart in countries where the going gets really tough. But it's 16 feet long, does little more than 20mpg (that's the diesel; don't ask about the petrol V8), and costs more than nimbler and more prestigious luxury 4x4s. What you get for your money, apart from two and a half tonnes of almost indestructible and reliable car, is presence, go-anywhere ability, lots of equipment and room for up to seven. It works well as troop transporter; in real life, it's more of a compromise. Handling is safe but ponderous, especially in town. Despite the commanding driving position, it's a pain to park; as well as being huge, it has rear blind-spots. Ride isn't at all bad, without the body roll that you might expect. Engines are an unstressed 4.2-litre turbodiesel with over 200bhp or the thirsty 4.7 V8. They accelerate well but drink fuel.

NCAP: Not tested

Best Models: 4.2 TD

Worst Models: 4.7 V8

Replacement: 2006

• Mitsubishi Shogun (2000-)
• Land Rover Range Rover (1994-02)
• Nissan Patrol