I’m positive some of you out there are trying to remember what the Land Cruiser looks like and what make produced it. Where I live, you don’t see many of these SUV’s, most likely because large vehicles like the Land Cruiser are usually not very pleasant on fuel efficiency.
The previous generation of Toyota’s Land Cruiser began its production in 1998, and ended just earlier this year, coming out with a new design. In this review, we will take a look all the changes Toyota has made to the Land Cruiser.
Comparison: 2007 Land Cruiser / 2008 Land Cruiser
General Specifications:
Engine: 4.7L 265 horsepower V8 / 5.7 L 381 horsepower V8
Transmission: 5 Speed Automatic / 6 Speed Automatic
Fuel Economy: 17 mpg, 13 mpg (highway, city) / 18 mpg, 13 mpg (highway, city)
Engine
The 2007 model was equipped with a 4.7L 265 horsepower V8, an engine that is not too shabby, but the disappointment was in the fact that it was a V8. A V8 engine producing only 265 horses seems a little below par if you ask me. The 2008 Land Cruiser is now equipped with a 5.7 L 381 horsepower V8. Now you wonder, a V8 all the same, but with a roughly 110 horsepower deficit. How is possible? The reason is the new 3UR-FE engine, which uses electronic fuel injection, Toyota Direct Ignition, and 4 valves per cylinder. The electronic fuel injection is what makes the difference in the power increase.
Transmission
With the 2007 Land Cruiser, a standard 5 speed Automatic was all Toyota had to offer. The 2008 model’s transmission is now a 6 speed Automatic featuring a controlled automatic overdrive with intelligence (ECT-i) system, and sequential shifting. The automatic overdrive system allows the car to be automatically put in overdrive at higher speeds, so a little less fuel is consumed.
Fuel Economy
This specification is probably one of the most concerned, due to high fuel prices. We all wish that our devices for transportation will not take too much out of the income we earn. The previous model of the Land Cruiser has fuel economy ratings at 17 miles per gallon on the highway, and 13 in the city. Adjustments made are not significant, improving the highway rating to 18 miles per gallon thanks to the automatic overdrive system. The city rating does not change. Critics can say all they want about how much fuel this car still consumes in the city, but remember, the amount of increase in horsepower is absolutely something that comes into consideration when dwelling on this topic.
Engine Features
Active Traction Control (ATC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, and Crawl Control are all standard features on the 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser.
Interior
Features in the interior of the 2007 model include: a JBL RDS audio system with cassette, AM/FM radio and 6 disc-autochanger, delayed fade courtesy lights, cruise control, and other boring standard every-car-has-it features.
The 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser comes standard with: a Power-tilt and telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio and multi-function display controls, leather-wrapped shift lever with painted insert, tilt and slide power glass moonroof with one-touch open/close, overhead console with HomeLink universal transceiver, Smart Key System with push button ignition start, JBL audio system with AM/FM and 6 disc-autochanger with 14 speakers, 10-way and 8 way driver and front passenger power-adjustable heated leather-trimmed seats, and much more.
Options that are available for the 2008 Land Cruiser include a steering wheel with all standard functions with the addition of wood-grain style inserts, voice activated navigation, and Bluetooth controls. To match the wood-grain style inserts on the steering wheel, an optional leather-wrapped wood-grain style shift lever is available as well. It doesn’t stop there, we’re forgetting about the DVD and navigation system. Wait, it’s more than just a DVD navigation system! The whooping Voice-activated DVD Navigation System with Backup Camera is a must, as an option, while we can’t forget about the Bluetooth wireless technology, and integrated audio and climate controls, along with the standard 14 speaker audio system. Another literally cool feature is a center console cooler box, which replaces the center console storage area.
Exterior
The exterior of the Toyota puts on a new look and redefines itself as a Land Cruiser. With a new, more visually appealing look, the Land Cruiser features: integrated fog-lamps, 18 inch 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with P285/60R18 tires, dual color power foldable heated outside mirrors with memory function, and Full-time AWD / 4WD with a limited slip differential. The new exterior design of the car gives it look that stands out a little more, but also maintains its ruggedness.
Drivability
Personally, I have not had the chance of being in a 2008 Land Cruiser as of yet, but I have been in a older model of the vehicle. Despite the differences in the interior, I can say that the car’s suspension setup is stable and the interior is amazingly spacious. I also did not have the chance to go off road, but with the kind of suspension the SUV is equipped with, there should not be any problem at all.
Toyota’s improvements made to the Land Cruiser are yet to be tested, as they hope sales will go up for their largest SUV. The 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser has definitely proven the point that it is a versatile vehicle which can be luxurious and rugged at the same time.
Pricing
To view vehicle pricing, visit www.toyota.com.
