The 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser gets a new eight-speed automatic transmission for better acceleration. New safety features include a front collision avoidance system with pedestrian detection, plus blind spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems make it stands out, writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO
With the ability to trace its roots back to 1957 and a legion of loyal fans around the world, the 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser is one of the most well-known Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) on the road. But if one is not planning to utilise its legendary off-road abilities to their fullest, however, Toyota’s iconic rig loses some of its appeal.
While the big V8 engine boasts 381 horsepower, it returns a sobering 15 mpg combined. Inside, the Land Cruiser disappoints with a cramped third-row seat that doesn’t fold into the floor to maximise cargo space. There is also the Land Cruiser’s luxury-grade price. It is largely justified considering how much equipment comes standard, but it does put this big three-row SUV in a different league.
A prime option would be the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. It combines a lower MSRP, diverse powertrain options, a more spacious third-row seat and a luxurious image, albeit without the Toyota’s all-terrain chops. The 2016 GMC Yukon Denali and 2016 Cadillac Escalade also have greater high-end appeal. Finally, if it’s the ability to keep going after the pavement stops one is after, consider the 2016 Land Rover LR4, which delivers a similar combination of off-road capability and luxury trappings.
Ultimately, the Land Cruiser excels at going where most other SUVs would rightly fear to tread, and it could make for a capable vehicle for towing as well. But it might not be the best choice for buyers who face nothing more challenging than the occasional parking lot speed bump.
Body styles
The 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser is an eight-passenger SUV available in a single, fully loaded trim level.
Standard features include 18-inch wheels, automatic LED headlights and running lights, foglights, auto-dimming and power-folding heated mirrors, automatic wipers, deep-tinted rear privacy glass, a sunroof, a roof rack, a rear spoiler, running boards, LED taillights and keyless entry and ignition.
Interior features include four-zone automatic climate control with separate second-row controls and third-row vents, perforated leather upholstery, heated and ventilated power front seats (10-way driver, eight-way passenger), driver seat memory settings, heated 40/20/40-split second-row seats (sliding and reclining), 50/50-split third-row seats that fold up to either side of the cargo area, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with leather and wood trim, and a centre console cooler box.
Standard technology features include adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, and a “multi-terrain monitor” off-road camera system with selectable front, side or rear views. Also included are a navigation system with a large nine-inch touchscreen interface and voice controls, Qi wireless phone charging, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a dual-screen rear-seat DVD entertainment system and Toyota’s Entune suite of smartphone app-based services. The 14-speaker JBL sound system includes a CD player, satellite radio, HD radio and an iPod/USB audio interface.
Powertrains
The Land Cruiser is powered by a 5.7-liter V8 that cranks out an impressive 381 hp and 401 pound-feet of torque. A new eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive are standard. EPA-estimated fuel economy remains 15 mpg combined (13 city/18 highway), however, the same as last year.
The Land Cruiser features a locking centre differential, the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (which electronically adjusts the stabiliser bars for improved on-road handling or maximum off-road capability), Multi-Terrain Select (which tailors the stability and traction control settings to specific surfaces), a five-speed crawl control (essentially a low-speed off-road cruise control), hill-start assist and Off-Road Turn Assist (which applies brakes to the inside wheels in a corner to improve turning response).
Maximum towing capacity for the Land Cruiser is a beefy 8,100 pounds.
Safety
Standard safety features on the Toyota Land Cruiser include antilock brakes, stability and traction control, trailer-sway control, hill-start assist, front and rear parking sensors, front knee airbags, front- and second-row side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. A rearview camera is also standard. New this year are blind spot monitoring, rear cross-path warning, lane departure warning and a forward collision system that has the ability to detect both other vehicles and pedestrians and provide emergency braking at low speeds.
Every Land Cruiser is equipped with Toyota’s Safety Connect system, which includes automatic collision notification, on-demand roadside assistance and a stolen vehicle locator.
Interior design and special features
Inside, the 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser offers an upscale passenger cabin decked out in high-quality materials. Even so, the overall effect feels less high-end than some of its luxury brand competitors.
Up front, seats offer good comfort and support and the power-adjustable driver seat and steering wheel make it easy to find an ideal driving position. Second-row passengers enjoy heated seats that slide fore and aft and recline for greater comfort. As with many traditional SUVs, the third-row seats’ combination of a low bottom cushion and limited legroom make them unsuitable for anyone over the age of 12.
With that third-row seat in use, cargo capacity is just 16 cubic feet. Fold both halves of that 50/50-split seat up against the sides of the cargo compartment (a design that unfortunately eats up space) and one end up with a still modest 43 cubic feet. Lay the second-row seats flat as well and one ends up with just under 82 cubic feet, a number that falls short of many competitors.
When it comes to technology, the Land Cruiser is surprisingly user-friendly. Bright, clear gauges and simplified controls make performing basic functions a snap. The updated Entune app-based infotainment system features a new, larger 9-inch centre-mounted touchscreen with Siri Eyes Free technology that allows users to access their iPhone’s features with the touch of a steering-wheel-mounted button. The new dual-screen video entertainment system is a plus, as is the multiview camera system that’s useful both on and off-road. Finally, the new Qi wireless charging system allows owners of compatible cell phones to top off their batteries without futzing with charging cables.
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