2008 Toyota Land Cruiser

Everyone grows up, eventually, and that goes for most of our four-wheel friends as well. Case in point, the legendary Toyota Land Cruiser. Born over 50 years ago as a rugged third-world explorer, it has evolved into the luxury flagship of Toyota SUVs. But, as the new, eighth generation Land Cruiser arrives, the world has changed and one has to wonder if the Land Cruiser has changed enough to still be relevant.

When it first pounded jungle trails over five decades ago, it is unlikely that the designers of the original Toyota Land Cruiser ever envisioned that their bare-bones, severe terrain Jeep and Land Rover imitator would ever evolve into Toyota’s iconic luxury SUV flagship.

But while it may now be an SUV for the 21st century, it is still built the good old-fashioned way; with a rigid body-on-frame chassis that is stronger, stiffer, and with better crash absorption, than its already heavy duty predecessor.

On the outside the new Land Cruiser wears conservative, evolutionary clothes. They’re sleeker and a bit more aero, but avoid today’s tendency to take SUV design away from its boxy roots.

And a big box it is, with the latest Land Cruiser measuring 194.9-inches stem to stern, and still riding on a 112.2-inch wheelbase.

The big Cruiser has also picked up some mass, and now weighs 5,690 pounds. To move that extra 265 pounds around, the Land Cruiser gets the same 5.7-liter twin-cam V8 with variable valve timing as the big Tundra pickup. It delivers 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque.

But that power produces government fuel economy ratings that are out of sync with the modern world - 13 city and 18 highway on regular grade gas. Expect 15 in normal driving. Likewise its Energy Impact Score is sky high, consuming 22.8 barrels of oil per year.

In US trim, a 6-speed automatic with sequential manual shift feeds the full-time hi-low 4-wheel-drive system with a limited-slip locking center differential.

This drivetrain produces a huge boost in towing capacity, with the maximum now 8,500 pounds; a full ton more than before. 

And, it tows and hits the trail with Toyota refinement. Big obstacles are easily surmounted, if not by sheer grunt, then by the Land Cruiser’s sophisticated new off-road technology.

There’s Downhill Assist Control to make descents easier, and Hill-Start Assist to prevent it from rolling backwards on an incline. The most advanced feature is CRAWL Control, which automatically maintains a pre-selected speed off road, so that drivers can concentrate on steering around obstacles.

In addition to clever off-road cruise control, the front double-wishbone and rear 4-link suspension is equipped with the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, which uses automatically adjusting stabilizer bars to improve tire contact on rough terrain.

New multi-terrain anti-lock brakes, plus electronic traction control, and substantial 18-inch tires on alloy rims, allow the new Land Cruiser to easily live up to its heritage.

Add in stability control, and the new Land Cruiser has impressive grip on pavement too.

Pop open the spacious cabin and you’ll find comfort or amenities befitting a flagship. From power operated leather trimmed seats - to no less than 10 airbags and a standard 605-watt 14-speaker audio system with a 6-disc CD/DVD changer, or the optional touch-screen DVD navigation system with back-up camera, it’s maximum luxury all around.

And room for eight, thanks to standard 3-row seating with added leg room.  The split second row folds and tumbles to increase cargo space.

While as before, the split third row folds away to the sides. It’s clever, but requires tools to remove. The added leg room decreases maximum cargo space by 9 cubic feet, but it is still an ample 81.7 cubic feet.

The price however gets a hefty increase, with the 2008 Land Cruiser wearing a big $63,885 price tag.

Without a doubt the appeal of big utilities like the 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser has declined. Still, its renowned off-road abilities, combined with top drawer luxury, has its place. And likely that’s at the top of the heap.