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Toyota Land Cruiser 3.0 D-4D 5-door road test report

3.0 D-4D 5-door

In recent times 4x4s have become high-rise family estate cars with varying degrees of off-road capability. Toyota’s Land Cruiser is different. Originally launched over 50 years ago, it’s a robust, purpose-built, old-school off-roader that has evolved to also meet the less strenuous demands of day-to-day family life. But is it a bit too rugged for the school run?

Road Test Reports Says 3 star rating
A front-facing image of the Toyota Land Cruiser 3.0 D-4D 5-door

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TOM SAYS

Performance Performance - 3 stars

If it’s pure speed you seek, then the Land Cruiser is not for you. The model I tested has a 3-litre, 4cyl diesel that makes 171bhp. Coupled with barn-door aerodynamics and weighty mechanicals this translates to 0-62mph in 11.5 secs with a top speed of 109mph, which will impress no-one. However, this unbreakable diesel also makes 302lb/ft of torque at low revs (from 1,600rpm), so aided by a raft of sophisticated electronic controls and a dual-range 6-speed transmission the trusty LC can climb and descend mountains, ford rivers, cross deserts and potter happily around town or along the motorway at sensible speeds.

Ride & Handling Ride & Handling - 2 stars

Hurried driving on-road elicits squealing tyres and a fair amount of body-roll, while ride comfort isn’t terrific either, but the LC can at least take the worst of road surfaces and laugh at them. Compared with more road-orientated big 4x4s, the Land Cruiser’s steering feels ponderous, mainly because its high-profile tyre sidewalls aren’t as rigid as the lower, more sportier tyres found on, say, BMW’s X5. But then the LC isn’t and never has been about performance on the street. With a traditional body-on-frame chassis (not a one-piece monocoque body/chassis) the LC is designed for heavy-duty towing and serious off-roading. and in those duties it excels.

Build Quality & Reliability Build Quality & Reliability - 5 stars

Built like a brick latrine would be one way of describing it. Toyota has one of the best, if not the best reputation in this department, as any number of customer satisfaction surveys have shown. On top of that the Land Cruiser has to be tough as old boots to do the job it’s designed for, and Toyota has been building the Land Cruiser for generations (since 1951) so it certainly knows by now how to make ‘em so they last.

Safety & Security Safety & Security - 4 stars

The Land Cruiser may be old fashioned in some ways, but Toyota certainly hasn’t let it slip out of date. Front, front side and roof-mounted curtain airbags are all standard, as well as ABS (with EBD and BA) plus Active Traction Control and Vehicle Stability Control. For safety off-road there’s permanent 4WD, Hill-start Assist Control, Downhill Assist Control (auto transmission only), a centre Torsen limited slip diff, a hi/low range gearbox, rear and centre diff locks, active height suspension-damping force control and Toyota’s Electronically Modulated Suspension. Security features include remote central locking with double lock facility, a transponder engine immobiliser, an alarm and more besides.

Space & Practicality Space & Practicality - 4 stars

In the front there’s all the room and comfort you could reasonably want. The fittings and finish aren’t ‘designer luxurious’ – there’s no rich walnut, soft hide or trendy interior décor, but everything’s durable and practical. The same applies to the rear except that rear seat legroom is not over generous. In the rear load area there are two forward facing child seats that fold down from the side and occupy space even when folded up. Loadspace is quoted at 620 litres, although this wont include the extra available when the middle-row seats are folded flat. If you’re really pushed you can always fit a giant roof rack or tow a large trailer…

Ownership & Value Ownership & Value - 3 stars

No big 4x4 is cheap to buy or run, and the Land Cruiser’s no exception. However, demand for good secondhand LCs is usually strong so, even if you’ve bought new, depreciation shouldn’t be too stinging. CO2 emissions of 243g/km is nothing to boast about, but a combined figure of 31mpg isn’t too shabby, considering its shape and size. Service intervals are at 10k miles (minor) and 20k miles (full), and unless you’re very unlucky they should be the only time you visit the dealer. For demanding off-roading or heavy-duty work like towing, the workhorse Land Cruiser is second to none, but for the school/supermarket run alone it’s a total overkill.

Submitted: 07/11/2008 13:41:44

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