Used 2018 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2018 Toyota Land Cruiser incorporates modern-day comforts and amenities and an aging platform to create a full-size SUV with real off-road credentials. Unlike the Ford Expedition or Chevy Tahoe, the Land Cruiser’s sophisticated Multi-Terrain 4-wheel-drive setup and low-range transfer case allow it to tackle boulder-strewn trails and steep declines. Though it lacks some newer safety assists and infotainment features such as Apply CarPlay, many Land Cruiser owners still feel their SUV plays in the same league as more expensive luxury brands such as Land Rover and Cadillac. With its potent V8 engine, rugged body-on-frame construction and 8,100-pound tow rating, the 2018 Land Cruiser is the perfect vehicle for families whose outdoor adventures extend beyond a campground parking lot.

Scratch the surface of the 2018 Toyota Land Cruiser’s luxurious image and you’ll find a surprisingly capable and rugged off-road adventurer. Riding on the same body-on-frame architecture that has been part of its well-respected resume for more than 60 years, the Land Cruiser not only goes where most SUV only dream, it can take a level of punishment that would leave lesser SUVs waiting for AAA to arrive. A fully independent suspension permits the generous wheel articulation required for crawling over rocks and logs, yet also endows the Land Cruiser with a stable, if not somewhat firm, on-road driving experience. Toyota’s Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) adjusts rollbar stiffness, preventing excessive lean in the curves while keeping all four wheels planted when off-roading. The 5,700-pound Land Cruiser isn’t a light or nimble SUV, but that same bulk and brawn contribute to its 8,100-pound tow rating.

The 2018 Toyota Land Cruiser offers seating for eight passengers, with acceptable cargo space behind the third row. From behind the wheel, you’ll enjoy plenty of power, a comfortable ride, exquisite seats and quiet running, thanks to the Land Cruiser’s luxury levels of sound-deadening. However, the Land Cruiser’s not the best cargo-hauler, thanks to 3rd-row seats that fold up against the sides of the cargo area, reducing how much you can carry inside. At least the interior is awash in luxury touches, like soft leather and Toyota’s Entune audio system.

Toyota adds a bit of flair to the 2018 Land Cruiser’s exterior, with a dynamic front end, power bulge hood, prominent taillights and rear bumper plus handsome 18-inch wheels. The exterior reflects the Land Cruiser’s purpose in life, that is, to be ruggedly dependable in any weather, over any terrain, while offering the ultimate in refined luxury. The look emphasizes the capabilities of this luxury SUV with ample ground clearance and short front and rear overhangs for the rough stuff, while adding enough chrome and flourishes to get the front spot at a high-end restaurant’s valet parking.

5.7-LITER V8 ENGINE
The Land Cruiser’s 5.7-liter V8 is one of the most refined and respected in the industry. With 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque, this Lexus-derived motor may not be the most powerful in its class, but its reputation for longevity and reliability is unimpeachable.

KINETIC DYNAMIC SUSPENSION SYSTEM (KDSS)
Toyota’s KDSS adaptive suspension operates by controlling the stiffness of the Land Cruiser’s anti-sway bars, allowing for betting cornering on paved roads and better wheel articulation off-road.

The Land Cruiser’s standard-equipment is surprisingly long, as there’s only one stand-alone option. Standard, full-time 4-wheel drive with a low range, traction and stability control — both optimized for off-road capability — plus the multi-terrain-select system. Then there’s the luxury, like a 4-zone climate-control system, standard leather upholstery, and an adaptive cruise-control system that employs radar to detect the speed of and distance to the vehicle ahead of it, alleviating part of the stress associated with extended road trips. The Safety Sense-P system, Qi wireless phone charging and Siri Eyes-Free are also included.

Outside of some dealer-installed items, the only option is a rear-seat entertainment system comprising two 11.6-inch displays, HDMI input, wireless headphones and a wireless remote.

The only engine available for Toyota’s 2018 Land Cruiser is a 5.7-liter V8 with 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. Toyota says that 90 percent of that torque is available at just 2,200 rpm, meaning you don’t have to rev this engine to get moving. It’s matched to an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard 4-wheel drive. When you put it all together, you have a drivetrain that’s worthy of a luxury car…literally, as the exact same drivetrain is in the Lexus version of the Land Cruiser, the LX 570. Not only does it deal with the Land Cruiser’s weight with aplomb, but it can also tow 8,100 pounds. The Land Cruiser SUV is one of the most capable vehicles on the planet.

5.7-liter V8
381 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
401 lb-ft of torque @ 3,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/18 mpg