El T It is one of the longest-running and well-known models in the motor world. A true 4×4 that has existed since 1951, and whose origin, like that of many SUVs, can be found in the military world. The first generation of the Land Cruiser was born as a model destined for the Japanese military force, although it was not until 1954 when its already recognized name was assigned, becoming a civilian commercial model.
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Test Offroad with the updated Toyota Land Cruiser and Toyota HiluxDuring the first years the Land Cruiser focuses its marketing exclusively on Japan. At the end of the 50s, he began his journey abroad, Australia being the first country to receive it.. In later years, the generations and the territories explored by the Land Cruiser follow one another, including of course Europe. Today there are five generations that have reached the market.
The last of them was introduced to the market at the end of 2017, already as a 2018 model. As has become customary in recent editions, two bodies are proposed, one short with three doors and the other long with five. Throughout its more than six decades of existence, the Toyota Land Cruiser has become one of the great icons of the motor world, accumulating more than six and a half million units sold worldwide.
Technical characteristics of the Toyota Land Cruiser
Despite being a modern model, under the powerful body of the Land Cruiser hides an old-school chassis. It is an architecture of beams and crossbars which is incomparable to withstand the extreme treatment that is presupposed to a vehicle of these characteristics. This platform is exclusive to the model, so no other model of Toyota uses it, not even the Toyota Hilux.
By having two different bodies, we have two different dimensions. The Short Land Cruiser reaches 4,39 meters long, 1,85 meters wide and 1,83 meters high for a battle of 2,45 meters. It has a capacity for five passengers and 381 liters of minimum trunk volume. It has excellent off-road dimensions: 31 degrees of entry angle, 26 degrees of departure angle and 22 degrees of breakover angle. It is necessary to add a free height of 20,5 centimeters and a wading height of 70 centimeters.
In turn, the Long Land Cruiser It has five doors, a maximum capacity for seven passengers as an option, and a minimum boot volume of 621 litres, 553 liters for the version with two additional seats. Its dimensions are: 4,84 meters long, 1,85 meters wide and 1,84 meters high for a battle of 2,79 meters. Its off-road dimensions are exactly the same except for a departure angle of 25 degrees.
Mechanical range and gearboxes of the Toyota Land Cruiser
It could be said that the Toyota Land Cruiser is a model from another time. Although emissions regulations in Europe are increasingly strict, we are talking about a global vehicle. Its off-road capabilities require very demanding performance and that under no circumstances are associated with current Toyota hybridization systems.
Regardless of the bodywork selected, the Land Cruiser is always equipped with the same powertrain. A scheme characterized by a permanent all-wheel drive with differential lock, variable-height suspension and reduction gear. It uses a turbocharged in-line four-cylinder diesel engine with a displacement of 2.755 cubic centimeters. develop 204 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque between 1.400 and 3.400 revolutions.
Coupled to the engine we can mount a six-speed manual gearbox u, optionally, a six-speed torque converter-type automatic transmission. Despite being a state-of-the-art engine, its configuration condemns it to present very high consumption figures, between 9,1 and 9,3 liters per 100 kilometers travelled. It is certified with the DGT label C.
Equipment of the Toyota Land Cruiser
From doors inside the Toyota Land Cruiser has been gaining qualities and comforts over the years. Despite being intended for hard use and not at all comfortable, features good materials and fits with an excellent durable feel. It is easy to see old models circulating without problems. The interior space is also optimal, although the two additional seats in the trunk are somewhat narrow for adult passengers.
As usual in the Japanese house, the range of equipment is structured in different steps: GX, VX, VXL and LIMITED, the latter intended exclusively for the five-door long body. At each level the Land Cruiser increases qualities, equipment and also alters its design, going from a more rustic or industrial style to a more refined one for a more common and familiar use.
The problem with its concept and its experience lies in the lack of state-of-the-art equipment. Despite this, it is worth highlighting some elements such as: leather upholstery, keyless entry and start, sunroof, three-zone climate control, electric and heated front seats, parking camera, multimedia system with 8-inch screen, connectivity for mobile devices and a wide range of driving and safety assistants.
The Toyota Land Cruiser on video
The Toyota Land Cruiser of Km 0 and second hand
When looking for true off-road models, few alternatives are better than a Land Cruiser. His international fame, and his great abilities, have served him to gain desirability. However, high prices for new units force many buyers to look to secondary sales channels. Such is its popularity that it has one of the lowest depreciation rates in its category, thus keeping prices high.
In addition to the year of manufacture and generation, other factors affect the sale price such as condition, mileage and bodywork, being the most decisive. In the used and second-hand market we see how prices start from 6.000 euros for 90 series models (1998-2007). In the Km 0 channel there are also possible alternatives. State-of-the-art models with starting prices close to 40.000 euros in the best of cases.
Rivals of the Toyota Land Cruiser
There are not many models on the market that are capable of matching the capabilities of the Toyota Land Cruiser.. Although there are models that present a similar line, as is the case of the Toyota Highlander, they do not fall into the category of true 4 × 4. The closest rivals of the Japanese are: Jeep Wrangler, Mercedes G Class, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Land Rover Discovery, Mitsubishi montero, Ssangyong rexton y Volkswagen Touareg. Among them, the Toyota stands out for its fame and its high durability.
Highlight
- off-road capabilities
- Mechanical strength
- Interior space
To improve
- Equipment
- On-road refinement
- Access to the third row of seats
Toyota Land Cruiser Prices
If we take into account everything said so far, the Land Cruiser should not be thought of as a particularly cheap model, although not as expensive as one might imagine. The starting price of the Toyota Land Cruiser is 56.400 euros, without offers or promotions. That value corresponds to a short body unit with GX finish and manual gearbox. The most expensive model of all is the five-door automatic Land Cruiser with LIMITED finish, its starting price is 84.200 euros, without offers or promotions.
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