The Toyota Land Cruiser Is an Under the Radar Showoff
The Toyota Land Cruiser has been a benchmark in the Toyota truck and SUV lineup for decades. It’s a legend in the global off-road community. It’s an incredibly capable family SUV, equipped with a V8 engine and an array of off-road driving features. But it’s also no showy Lexus luxury SUV like the Lexus LX. The 2021 Land Cruiser still boasts luxury, however, even if it is under the radar
In terms of luxury appointments, the Land Cruiser is ready for team limousine service. Even if it’s designed to be an off-road beast, it carts the family around in style. The available third-row option means this is a luxurious bus ride to and from school, practice, and PTA meetings.
It’s an SUV that will take you overland in luxury––with nearly identical grace and elegance as the Lexus LX 570. But all this luxury and capability comes with Toyota badging, not Lexus. It’s not a six-figure luxury SUV. So, unless you’re a Land Cruiser lover that knows what you’re looking at, the Toyota Land Cruiser is a bit of an under the radar showoff.
How much is the Toyota Land Cruiser?
Not everyone can own a Toyota Land Cruiser. It is by no means an SUV for a slender budget. This is a family hauler with an available third-row option that starts over $80 grand. According to Toyota, the 2021 Land Cruiser starts at an MSRP of $85,415. the Heritage Edition, which Toyota introduced in 2020, has a starting MSRP of $87,745.
So, although it is still cheaper than its corporate counterpart the Lexus LX 570, the Land Cruiser isn’t an affordable option. Though other Toyotas are known for attracting the practical budgeteer, the 2021 Land Cruiser is not one of them. For this luxury price, you get a big SUV with a mediocre fuel economy, an available third-row option, and major off-road capability.
Is the Land Cruiser a good SUV?
If you want a powerful V8 engine in a machine that can take your entire family and all their gear virtually anywhere, this is it. Though other options offer more modern tech, the 2021 Land Cruiser has what U.S. News calls a “sterling reputation for reliability.” The front two rows are spacious and comfy.
Plus, this large family SUV has a long list of standard convenience features. It additionally boasts good safety features like blind-spot warning and lane-keeping assist. It’s a workhorse of a family SUV that has a lot to offer––though with the high price and mega off-road chops it’s kind of a show off and it isn’t for everyone.
“composed handling on- and off-road, and a sterling reputation for reliability”
U.S. News and World Report
Not a Lexus, but still luxurious means ‘stealth wealth’
According to U.S. News and World Report, “it shares the same engine and transmission as the Toyota, as well as the same four-wheel-drive system, overall dimensions, and many of the same convenience and safety features” with the Lexus LX 570. It’s no Lexus, but it still comes with leather seats and a quality audio and navigation system.
Plus, even though the two corporate cousins share parts, the 2021 Land Cruiser boasts more utility. The Toyota Land Cruiser has a higher tow rating and a lower price. In addition, its infotainment system is more user-friendly than what goes in a Lexus LX. Overall, it’s a luxurious off-road SUV for families without the flashy luxury badging.
