Is the Toyota Land Cruiser Actually That Reliable?
If you are interested in a full-size SUV and value luxury and capability, the Toyota Land Cruiser is likely on your radar. The Land Cruiser has long been a legendary vehicle, despite being discontinued in the States back in 2021. By 2021, this Toyota SUV came with a 5.7-liter V8 engine, still had subtle styling, and offered robust reliability. Because of that, those with the right budget and a certain preference often opt to purchase a Land Cruiser. So, what’s the deal with the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser?
What’s the history of the Toyota Land Cruiser?
The first Toyota Land Cruiser went on sale back in 1953. And essentially, it started its life off as a knock-off Jeep. For a while, the Land Cruiser was devoid of creature comforts, it was simply a work truck. And in some parts of the world, it is still just an old-school SUV sold by Toyota.
By the 1990s, the Toyota Land Cruiser started to feel more like the Land Cruiser we know today. The 80 Series boasted more features while still featuring off-road capability. And values of this generation of Land Cruiser are slowly starting to climb as enthusiasts become more interested in them.
In 2007, Toyota introduced the 200 Series Land Cruiser. Each model sold in the U.S. came with a 5.7-liter V8 engine that makes 381 horsepower and 401 pound-foot of torque. And while this engine is known for its reliability, it isn’t the most friendly on gas. Especially with four-wheel drive coming as standard.
Is the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser reliable?
In terms of reliability, the Land Cruiser does a fairly good job. According to WellRigged, you can really throw anything at this SUV, and it will take it with ease. That is why many overlanders and off-road enthusiasts flock to the Land Cruiser.
At the same time, the 200 Series Land Cruiser is not cheap. In 2021, it came with a starting price of $87,030, which puts it on par with other luxury SUVs. But unlike those other SUVs, the Land Cruiser looks pretty boring. And some say the interior does not match the price tag. Reasons like that likely led to Toyota discontinuing the Land Cruiser in the States because it just did not sell well.
Land Cruiser SUVs are known for being able to pack on the miles. Even examples with over 200,000 miles on the clock can command a significant price tag. Thanks to the workhorse V8 engine and commitment to build quality, folks tend to hang onto their Land Cruisers. The biggest problem with the Land Cruiser might be that it’s too good.
Should you buy a 200 Series Land Cruiser?
If you want an SUV, have a large budget, and want something reliable, a 200 Series Land Cruiser is pretty hard to beat. In fact, for the most part, the Land Cruiser has been a reliable vehicle for most of its lifespan. So you might be able to find a cheaper option from earlier generations.
