The Toyota Land Cruiser SUV routinely inspires critics to compare it to a dinosaur. And not in the same way that the Ford Raptor and the Ram 1500 TRX are called dinosaurs. The 2021 Land Cruiser is dated and old school, So what’s with the high price? How can Toyota charge so much for this big family truck?

Is the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser a good truck?

One of a small segment of modern Toyota SUVs that are actually built on a truck platform, the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser has a lot to offer. This is hands down one of the most capable and durable vehicles on the road. It offers passengers tons of space to stretch out on long trips.

Plus, the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser can come configured with either two or three rows. If you want another row of seats, cool. Or, if you’d rather safe the space for more utilitarian purposes that’s also an option.

Make no mistake. Although the Land Cruiser is a seriously capable off-road vehicle that’s ready for long-term action straight from the factory, this Toyota SUV still maintains an appealing level of luxury. But how can Toyota charge over $85 grand for a mainstream family option?

Three words: Reliability, capability, and durability

The Toyota Land Cruiser is a living legend. Sure, it’s said to go extinct for 2022. But that doesn’t mean it won’t still be around for quite some time. Everything in the Toyota Land Cruiser is built to last. Attention to detail, simplistic design, and the right balance between luxury and capability make the Toyota Land Cruiser what it is today––and 30 years ago.

In theory, everything both inside and outside of the Land Cruiser is built to last. And not just the standard 10-15 years of most vehicles. The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser and all its preceding models are designed to stand the test of time. This is a Toyota SUV that’s built for a long life of at least 25 years. This is the primary reason for its high price.

Not only should all of the Land Cruiser’s trimmings and features function over two decades down the road, but it also comes completely capable of everything and everywhere. This is one of the most off-road-ready trucks or SUVs that ever came straight from the factory. Toyota designed the Land Cruiser to double as both a luxurious daily carpool vessel and a rugged overland truck.

But is it worth over $85 grand?

Assuming that the Toyota Land Cruiser lasts its expected 25-year lifespan, let’s do the math. Over time, that means the Land Cruiser costs about $3,400 or so per year during its time with your family. The naturally aspirated V8 is pretty thirsty, so the price of fuel won’t be small either.

Still, when you put it into perspective it makes more sense why Toyota feels justified selling the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser for north of $85K. Plus, the Land Cruiser is a Land Cruiser. There is no other Land Cruiser. It’s such a unique and rugged family SUV that if you want one, you know why.

Over time, this Toyota SUV has earned a name for itself as a truck that you just want. In fact, there’s an almost cultish Land Cruiser following. Both new and used, the Toyota Land Cruiser makes a stunning and immensely capable carpooler. But it’s still a bit subtle with its Toyota badging and slightly dated style. If you want something rugged but not flashy, capable yet durable, the Land Cruiser is one for the top of your list, but the price is high. Be ready to shell out nearly six figures to get in one.