Used 2007 Toyota Land Cruiser

The Land Cruiser is Toyota’s largest and longest-selling SUV. The current version can trace its roots back to 1992, which makes it a highly-proven design. Big, rugged and with room for eight, the Land Cruiser is a full-purpose SUV with the tested ability to tackle tough off-road situations. Despite its solid-gold reputation and strong resale value, some buyers may find that newer SUVs from Ford, Nissan and Chevrolet offer smoother rides, superior passenger and cargo space and quieter interiors. And those who require their SUVs to tow more than 6,500 pounds may prefer something with more muscle than the Land Cruiser’s 265-horsepower V8 engine.

The Land Cruiser’s road manners are decidedly truck-like. The steering feel is heavy and the ride, though dampened a great deal, is still stiff. The Land Cruiser’s high center of gravity also makes it less desirable to toss into turns, and the 18-inch tires do make a fair amount of noise. When the time comes to go off-road, however, you’ll find that the Land Cruiser has very few limits.
Whether it is unplowed roads or unpaved trails, the Land Cruiser’s adept four-wheel-drive layout can muscle through most obstacles without even breaking a sweat. The secret is a collection of hardware that includes a full-time four-wheel-drive system, a locking center differential, an advanced traction control system, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and an all-new five-speed automatic transmission.

The Land Cruiser’s front- and second-row seats provide more than enough comfort and legroom and the addition of the optional rear-seat DVD entertainment system will forever change the selection of the front passenger’s seat as the most desirable place for the kids to sit. If you opt for the navigation system, you can also watch movies on the in-dash seven-inch screen, but only while the transmission is in Park. Among its safety features, the Land Cruiser offers front side-impact airbags and front and rear head-curtain airbags.

Though aging, the Land Cruiser still looks like a proper SUV. Tall side glass and thin A-pillars make for excellent forward visibility, a bonus when negotiating tight spots both on and off-road. The rear-door opening is somewhat encroached upon by the rear wheel, making entry and exit a bit of a squeeze.

Double-Duty Navigation Screen
The optional navigation screen also serves as a monitor for the rear backup camera and can even play DVDs when the transmission is in Park.

Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive
Full-time four-wheel drive with locking center differential is an off-road enthusiast’s dream come true.

The Land Cruiser’s standard equipment includes a 265-horsepower V8 engine, full-time four-wheel drive, a five-speed automatic transmission, two-speed transfer case, locking center differential, anti-theft system, front and rear automatic air conditioning, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), traction control, Vehicle Stability Control, fog lights, dual heated power mirrors, power glass moonroof, JBL sound system with AM/FM/Cassette and six-disc in-dash CD changer, heated leather seats with 10-way power driver’s and eight-way power passenger’s seat, cruise control, skid plate protection, leather-wrapped power tilt/telescoping steering wheel with touch controls, three 12-volt power outlets, 18-inch alloy wheels and a rear wiper/washer.

Options include Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) with Adjustable Height Control (AHC), DVD navigation, rear back-up camera, rear-seat DVD entertainment, front side-impact and head-curtain airbags and a number of appearance and interior upgrade packages.

Toyota employs advanced variable valve timing (VVT) as well as electronic throttle control to boost the 4.7-liter V8’s output to a healthy 265 horsepower, and the engine also has terrific low-end torque, most of it available well below the 1500-rpm range. With so much torque available, the Land Cruiser has no problem pulling away from a dead stop or towing heavy loads such as a boat or horse trailer.

4.7-liter V8
265 horsepower @ 5400 rpm
310 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/17