When you think of an automaker known most for the ability to marry luxury and off-road capability, you’d likely have Land Rover or Lexus in mind. But there’s another luxury off-roader to consider. And this one comes chock-full of plush, upscale extras, with the off-pavement chops to hit the trails. Meet the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser.

Toyota’s offering some pretty lofty upgrades, too, including the Heritage Edition. But the big question is, is this pricey trim level worth the extra $2,330 over the base MSRP? We dove in to see what comes with this year’s Land Cruiser base model and explored the upgrades with the Heritage Edition.

Is the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser a good car?

If you haven’t scoped out the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser yet, put it on your to-do list. This Toyota SUV adopts the body-on-frame design of a truck-based SUV. But it also offers a trick suspension, intended to deliver a smooth, comfortable ride. 

Edmunds says it’s unmatched in its class for rock-crawling capabilities. Car and Driver’s verdict is that the Land Cruiser manages to pull off the mainstream SUV look, with the luxury crossover extras, and as a legitimate off-road brut. It’s certainly an SUV to test drive.

The base model Land Cruiser isn’t too shabby

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser only comes in two trim levels. It makes the decision less complicated, knowing you can choose the well-equipped base model or the Heritage Edition.

Both variations come with a 5.7-liter V8 engine, capable of harnessing 381 horses for impressive power. Four-wheel drive comes standard, of course, and so does the eight-speed automatic transmission.

The base model starts at $85,665. Eight seats come with the base version and a complete roster of luxury extras, like the 14-speaker JBL audio system, a 360-degree camera system, and the option for the dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system.

When most base models of vehicle lineups feel entry-level, the Toyota Land Cruiser begs to differ. Enjoy 18-inch alloy wheels and Toyota’s Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System. Heated and auto-dimming mirrors, heated and ventilated front seats, and a trailer hitch with four and seven-pin connectors are also standard.

Add in the sunroof and the interior, upscale touchpoints, and you’ll likely agree. The base model Land Cruiser feels anything but entry-level.

The extras you can expect with the Land Cruiser Heritage Edition

So, what can you expect to come with the Heritage Edition trim of the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser? For the extra $2,330, you might assume even more luxurious materials, driver aids, off-road equipment, or convenience features.

However, the only real difference between the Heritage Edition and the base model is an option to add the third row to the former. Bronze-colored BBS wheels, a different grille, and a roof rack make the Heritage Edition trim feel more like a marginal appearance package and not a trim level. 

Is the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser Heritage Edition worth the price?

The extra $2,330 might not be worth it for everyone. Considering both trims for the Land Cruiser are so close in specs, even comparing these trims side by side on the official Toyota website, it’s not likely.

Really, since the Heritage Edition brings more appearance and aesthetics to the Land Cruiser, it may just boil down to your personal style preferences. If you love the way the unique grille and dark chrome exterior look on the Heritage Edition, you’ll have no trouble spending the extra two grand.

If you’re spending the $85,665 for the base model Land Cruiser, you might as well go ahead and get the few extras that come with the Heritage Edition. It really won’t be adding much to your already impressive SUV. Again, your personal preferences will determine if it’s ultimately worth the investment.