2019 Toyota Land Cruiser Review
The name Land Cruiser is an almost compulsory mention in the off-roading world; having been around for more than sixty years, the Land Cruiser has stood the test of time in the harshest of environments. Featuring as a luxury large SUV against rivals such as the Lexus LX 570, with which it shares underpinnings, and the Mercedes-Benz GLS class, the Land Cruiser dominates in terms of physical strength, brute power, and off-road capability, while losing ground to competitors when it comes to sophisticated interiors and refined luxury. The Land Cruiser's $85,165 price tag is on par with main rivals and brings with it a 5.7-liter V8 outputting 381 horsepower. But the Land Cruiser's allure lies in its go-anywhere attitude, with the body-on-frame SUV boasting some of the highest reliability and value retention ratings across the market.
What's the Price of the 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser?
With an MSRP of $85,165, excluding destination charges to the tune of $1,295, the Land Cruiser is more expensive than the entry-level Mercedes GLS by a good $15,000, however, the GLS can easily cost up to $125,000 or more. In startling contrast, the Lexus LX 570 costs just a bit more than the Land Cruiser, while offering only a cushier cabin for the price. On the whole, there is nothing exceptional or outrageous about the pricing of the 2019 Land Cruiser considering the specification and capability it offers.
2019 Land Cruiser Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 194.9 in | 112.2 in | 74.0 in | 78.0 in | 64.9 in | 64.7 in |
2019 Land Cruiser Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
A large, ponderous vehicle such as this requires a lot happening beneath the surface to make handling a pleasant experience. Toyota has managed this fairly well: a kinetic dynamic suspension system, comprising large anti-roll bars that disconnect at lower speeds, as well as a superior full-time four-wheel drive configuration make for excellent road grip (on asphalt as well as gravel), and surprisingly adept steering in and out of corners. Make no mistake - the Land Cruiser feels huge, and it is, but there's minimal body roll through bends for its heft and a sense of confidence and competence in general handling. However, there's always a slight sense of the body shuffling atop the frame, typical of body-on-frame built SUVs, and a sensation you won't encounter in a Mercedes-Benz GLS.
The suspension also brilliantly absorbs road surface imperfections, which results in a smooth, soft ride inside. The steering system is amply weighted but not overly so, which is both helpful for tight spaces and provides a precise, direct feel for the open road. The Land Cruiser also boasts a feature whereby brakes are individually tightened to reduce the turning radius, which makes navigating sharp bends at low speeds much easier for a vehicle with such a wide girth. Braking takes some getting used to - this is not to say the brakes aren't efficient or potent - they just require a bit of a push to actually bring the mammoth SUV to a full stop.
Off-road is where the Land Cruiser comes into its own, though, with permanent four-wheel-drive, a low range transfer case, and substantial approach and departure angles and ample ground clearance. While the long wheelbase may reduce the breakover angle compared to a shorter wheelbase Jeep Wrangler, there's still an immense amount of rock-crawling capability, paired with levels of luxury in stark contrast to the terrain you'll be able to conquer.
2019 Land Cruiser Interior
2019 Land Cruiser Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 2 Years / Unlimited Miles | 2 Years / 25,000 Miles |
Verdict: Is the 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser A Good SUV?
Although the Land Cruiser presents itself with an almost retro-kind of glory - celebrating an illustrious heritage of capability - the answer to the question still remains a resounding yes, a good car it is indeed. Although it may be a fuel-hungry SUV with a less luxurious cabin than its Lexus counterpart, the positives simply outweigh the negatives when it comes to this old-school off-roading legend, and with only a few hiccups, it still provides ample power, a sublime ride and a comfortable cabin - both on, and off, the asphalt. IntelliChoice awarded the Land Cruiser two awards for Maintenance Costs and Retained Value in the Luxury Utility segment for 2019. Although the Lexus offers a more refined interior, and the Mercedes a more spacious third row (and better fuel economy), neither are any match for the off-roading capacity and fabled durability which the Land Cruiser has to offer. You buy the Land Cruiser knowing that you'll likely expire long before it does, and in full knowledge of the fact that there are compromises made for the sake of capability. If you're in search of adventure off the beaten path in comfort and style, the nostalgia of the Land Cruiser's go-anywhere heritage is hard to beat.
What Toyota Land Cruiser Model Should I Buy?
As there is only one model available, the buyer's only questions should be, what color should you choose, and do you want the additional DVD entertainment system in the back? While the answer to the first question is relatively simple (go ahead with the Blizzard Pearl), there's not much need for an additional $2,200 spent on DVD entertainment; most youngsters these days have tablets or phones to keep them occupied, and a universal tablet holder is an available accessory for an additional $99 - keep the cash in hand, you may need it for fuel costs!
2019 Toyota Land Cruiser Comparisons
2019 Toyota Land Cruiser vs Lexus LX
Sharing a platform and powertrain makes the Land Cruiser and the Lexus LX not so distant relatives, and as such, the comparison is significant: similarities are numerous - fuel consumption, engine output, and driving experience are almost identical. However, the Lexus offers a more opulent cabin, better interior finishes, and a few more convenience features than what the Land Cruiser has available. On the other hand, the pure muscle and brawn built into the Land Cruiser, together with its ability to take on cratered terrain and still maintain its composure, stands out. The tiebreaker depends on the buyer and what it is they want from their SUV. For luxury and elegance, go with the Lexus. For off-roading prowess, only the Land Cruiser will satisfy.
2019 Toyota Land Cruiser vs Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class SUV
The Mercedes GLS range offers three models with vastly different price tags - starting at $71,145 for the entry-level model, with a mid-range variant at $96,745 and a fully-loaded trim exceeding the $127,000 mark. The entry spec derivative is a good comparison as it offers a more spacious cabin which is also very refined, with a more concise and easier-to-handle driving style. The status of the German brand also adds a certain pizazz to this SUV, which seems almost too genteel to think of on rougher terrain; taking it off-road seems almost sacrilegious. The Land Cruiser is a much better option if the buyer is adventurous and prone to hitting off-road trails. The Mercedes remains the better city-centric vehicle and sophisticated family carrier, even at the entry point to the range.