2010 Toyota Land Cruiser

The Land Cruiser looks pretty much the same as Land Cruisers have looked for years, but in fact it was completely redesigned and re-engineered for the 2008 model year. The current version boasts an impressive list of safety features, state-of-the-art electronics, more-than-ample power with reasonably good fuel economy, and innovative engineering advancements that permit outstanding performance in contrasting circumstances.

More than just all-weather, the Land Cruiser offers legitimate all-terrain capability. Among the innovations making this possible is a brilliantly designed suspension that enhances performance on irregular terrain yet does not compromise cornering or braking on paved roads.

Land Cruiser's high-utility, capability-driven design doesn't come cheap, however. Its impressive capabilities require more expensive materials, extensive developmental testing, and more engineering innovation. That makes the Land Cruiser the vehicle of choice for well-heeled customers who have a cabin in the woods, an adventurous vacation routine, or perhaps a whole lot of highway and dirt road between the family home and a camping trip. For their investment, Land Cruiser owners enjoy an exceptionally secure, comfortable SUV that can make extreme use seem routine.

Then there is the matter of quality. All Land Cruisers are built in small volumes in Japan. Production is shared between the Yoshiwara plant, in Aichi, Japan, (now manufacturing Prius, LX470 and 4Runner) and Toyota's vaunted Tahara plant, which mostly manufactures Lexus vehicles. These are Toyota's flagship manufacturing facilities. Standards at the Tahara plant, in particular, have been described in American newspapers as untouchable, approaching fewer than 10 defects per 1 million parts. As a result, the Land Cruiser's reputation for durability and long-term value is likely to be continued. It is normal for four-wheel-drive vehicles to require unscheduled repairs due to greater complexity, and exposure to dust, water, and vibration. However, in the case of the Land Cruiser, we would be surprised to encounter many significant problems beyond normal maintenance.

Because of its iconic exterior design, Land Cruisers never look dated or go out of style. Used Land Cruisers are scarce and command high prices.

For 2010, the biggest change is the offering of Toyota's Safety Connect telematics system that provides a number of vital services, including the ability to dispatch emergency responders in the event of a severe collision and tracking of a stolen vehicle. Included with Safety Connect is the first year of service. Also offered is XM NavTraffic as part of the Land Cruiser's newly added satellite radio feature that includes a 90-day trial subscription to XM Satellite Radio.
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