Toyota Land Cruiser review
If you need a car that feels like it could survive the apocalypse and still have time for the school run, the Toyota Land Cruiser is in a class of its own.
Author: Charlie Harvey
28th Jan 2026 – 9 mins read
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a true legend in the motoring world. Its history stretches all the way back to 1951, and it has built a rock-solid, global reputation for being tough, reliable, and practically unstoppable when the road ends. While many modern SUVs just look the part, the Land Cruiser is the real deal—a rugged, no-nonsense 4x4 at its core. The current generation has been around for a while, but Toyota has kept it fresh with updates, including more powerful and efficient engines and modern tech like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You don't buy a Land Cruiser because it's the sportiest or most luxurious SUV, you buy it because you know it will never, ever let you down.
Pros
- Bulletproof reputation for reliability and build quality
- Incredibly capable off-road
- Spacious and durable interior
Cons
- Expensive to run, with high fuel consumption
- Ride can feel a bit agricultural on normal roads
- High-spec models are very pricey
Interior
Dashboard & tech
Step inside the Land Cruiser and you know this is a car built with a purpose. It's less about fancy design flair and more about function and durability. The layout is clear and logical, with chunky buttons and controls that are easy to use, even if you’re wearing gloves. It feels like every part of it has been built to last for decades.
Recent updates have brought the tech up to speed. Most models now feature an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can easily connect your smartphone for navigation and music. It might not have the ultra-modern, slick displays of some premium rivals, but it’s straightforward, effective, and feels right at home in this rugged machine.
Comfort
If you're expecting the plush, car-like ride of a luxury SUV, the Land Cruiser might feel a bit old-school. Its suspension is built to handle mountains, not just speed bumps, so the ride is firm and you can feel a bit of bounce on uneven tarmac. The steering is heavy and it leans in corners, reminding you that this is a serious off-roader.
That said, it’s a comfortable long-distance cruiser. You sit high up with a commanding view of the road, and there's a real sense of security and safety from behind the wheel.
Quality
This is where the Land Cruiser truly excels. The build quality is exceptional. While it might not be filled with soft-touch leathers and polished wood like some rivals, every switch, handle, and surface feels incredibly solid. This is a cabin designed to withstand a lifetime of hard use, and you get the sense that it will still look and feel just as solid in ten years' time.
Practicality & boot space
Interior space
The Land Cruiser is a huge vehicle, and that translates to a spacious interior. It's available in both three-door and five-door versions, but the five-door is the one to go for if you need practicality. It’s available with five or seven seats, and while there’s loads of room for passengers in the first two rows, the third row is best reserved for children.
It's a fantastic car for a large family, offering plenty of elbow room and a durable interior that can handle whatever kids throw at it.
Boot space
With all seven seats in place, the boot is quite small, offering just 120 litres of space. However, if you treat it as a five-seater and fold the rearmost seats away, you’re left with a huge 640-litre cargo area. That’s more than enough for holiday luggage, camping gear, or a couple of large dogs.
Versatility
The Land Cruiser is the ultimate versatile vehicle. It's a comfortable family wagon one minute and a serious off-road adventurer the next. Its immense towing capacity also makes it a popular choice for anyone needing to pull a large trailer, caravan, or horsebox. It’s a true workhorse that can also do the daily family duties.
Driving
Driving experience
Let’s be clear: you don’t buy a Land Cruiser for a sporty driving experience. On the road, it feels every bit the large, heavy 4x4 that it is. The steering is slow, there’s a fair amount of body roll in the corners, and it feels more like a commercial vehicle than a modern SUV.
But that’s missing the point. The driving experience is all about feeling secure, confident, and unstoppable. When you leave the tarmac and head off-road, the Land Cruiser comes alive. It can tackle mud, rocks, and steep inclines with an ease that is simply astonishing, making other SUVs look a bit silly.
Performance
For a long time, the Land Cruiser has been powered by a single, robust diesel engine. The latest models use an updated 2.8-litre diesel unit that produces a healthy 201bhp and plenty of pulling power (torque). It’s not designed to be fast, but it gets this big car up to speed without any fuss and feels strong and dependable. It’s paired with a smooth six-speed automatic gearbox and, of course, permanent four-wheel drive.
Running costs
Fuel economy & CO2 emissions
This is the Land Cruiser’s weak spot. It’s a big, heavy car with a large engine, so it’s naturally thirsty. You can expect to see fuel economy of around 30mpg if you’re lucky. High CO2 emissions also mean it sits in one of the highest road tax bands, so it’s not a cheap car to run. It's the price you pay for such immense capability.
Value for money
A new Land Cruiser is not cheap, especially in top-spec Invincible trim. However, it holds its value incredibly well. Because of its reputation for reliability, used models are always in high demand. So while the initial cost might be high, you’ll likely get a good portion of that money back when you decide to sell it.
Reliability & Warranty
Toyota’s reputation for reliability is legendary, and the Land Cruiser is the poster child for it. These cars are known to run for hundreds of thousands of miles with just basic maintenance. It’s one of the most dependable vehicles you can buy. Newer models also benefit from Toyota’s excellent warranty, which can last for up to 10 years or 100,000 miles if you get it serviced at a main dealer.
Safety
Safety features
Toyota has continually updated the Land Cruiser's safety kit. Recent models come with the ‘Toyota Safety Sense’ package, which includes features like a Pre-Collision System (automatic emergency braking), Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Keep Assist. It’s a tough, robust vehicle that will keep your family safe.
Trims & Engines
Trim levels
The range has been simplified in recent years, with just a couple of trim levels to choose from.
- Active: This is the entry-point, but it’s well-equipped. You get 17-inch alloy wheels, the 8-inch touchscreen with smartphone connectivity, a reversing camera, cruise control, and keyless entry. It’s available as a three-door or five-door.
- Invincible: The top-of-the-range model is a huge jump in price but comes loaded with luxury and off-road tech. It adds 19-inch wheels, a premium JBL sound system, heated and ventilated leather seats, satellite navigation, and advanced off-road assistance systems to make it even more capable in the rough stuff.
Engines
The engine choice is simple: there’s one. It’s a powerful and reliable 2.8-litre diesel engine that provides all the performance and pulling power you could ever need in a car like this. It comes with an automatic gearbox and four-wheel-drive as standard.