Toyota LandCruiser 200 SUV Review

Design and Engineering

Design and Engineering

 Good

The LandCruiser was introduced into Australia during the Snowy Mountain Scheme to assist workers travelling over rough & steep terrain...the latest LandCruiser is manufactured in Japan but is Australian at heart - it still works hard transporting Aussies on and off the road. One of the highlights of the LandCruiser is the KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System) suspension which is an Australian invention (Toyota bought the license to use it).
Not so good

You'll need to invest in a ladder if you want to clean the roof - because it's so bloody big! Don't worry though, the side steps and grab handles assist in getting in the Cruiser (we still couldn't reach the roof though).
Interior and Styling

Interior and Styling

 Good

We’ve never seen another base-model vehicle packed with so many features (there’s no need to pull the key out of your pocket as the doors unlock with the Proximity Sensor). Using a START button to start the engine gives a small impression of being in a cockpit, and then there are buttons & knobs for the drivetrain, diffs, traction control, suspension system and more! The features list of the LandCruiser 200 Series is comparable to the likes of the Range Rover, Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7 vehicles.
Not so good

Toyota clearly concentrated on the engineering (and packing as many features into the LandCruiser as possible) before they spent too much time on styling. It’s not that it's a bad-looking interior, but there are better for about the same money.
Performance

Performance

 Good

The new LandCruiser features upgraded engines with improved fuel economy. Customers have the choice between a 4.7L V8 Petrol engine and a 4.5L Twin Turbo Diesel engine. We loved the grunt the GXL V8 Petrol supplied - the 202kW is a figure below what we expected, but the 410Nm @ 3400 rpm was addictive.
Not so good

The power output could be a bit more impressive in the Petrol engine - so if you’re after lots of oomph and easy overtaking, test drive the Twin-Turbo V8 Diesel.
Ride and Handling

Ride and Handling

 Good

The KDSS helps defy what vehicles of this size & nature are prone to during cornering – extreme body-roll. The KDSS works to keep the LandCruiser as flat as possible during a corner - which means you can drive it like a passenger vehicle and keep the wide 17-inch alloy wheels on the ground all the time. We like it.
Not so good

Absolutely nothing wrong with this vehicle’s ride & handling; however the onus is now on Toyota as they've set the benchmark for this size & type of vehicle.
Buying and Owning

Buying and Owning

 Good

Don’t judge a car by its badge - although the LandCruiser wears a Toyota badge on the grille, this off-roader is packed with so many features (and an off-road capability that is second to none) that it should be compared with $150K SUV's. LandCruiser residual values are among the best in the industry so selling the vehicle won’t be a problem. Furthermore, LandCruiser's are famous for doing big kilometres without missing a beat.
Not so good

You'll have to learn to be patient, as it sometimes takes a while to find a suitably large enough car park...