Likes:
Off-road ability
Confident handling
Powerful, torquey V-8
Towing capability
Well-earned reputation for longevity
Dislikes:Conservative, dull styling
Overly firm ride
Third row won't stow away
Pricey!
A 5.7-liter V-8--the same one used in the Tundra pickup--powers the Tundra and makes 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The V-8 engine doesn't give the nearly 5,700-pound Land Cruiser blistering acceleration, but there's enough for very rapid takeoffs with an empty load and plenty for hauling or towing; the automatic transmission works perfectly with it, downshifting quickly.
The 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser includes the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) introduced in '08 for more wheel articulation and a smooth ride. The system uses hydraulic pressure between opposed reservoirs front-to-back; they function together, cleverly, as a stabilizer-bar system when front and rear pressure are similar but effectively detach the stabilizer bar when wheel movement varies. The ride in the 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser can be quite firm, with larger bumps transmitted as jolts, but the KDSS works well to allow relatively responsive handling for such a heavy vehicle. These technology features allow the 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser to corner surprisingly flat during on-road driving, yet have the softer settings and wheel articulation needed for off-roading.
All the usual premium SUV features are either standard or available for the single 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser model, including a rear-seat entertainment system; Smart Key entry and ignition; remote start; Bluetooth hands-free; a sonar backup aid and rearview monitor; a pre-collision system; a navigation system; satellite radio; and a 605-watt, 14-speaker JBL audio system. A cooler box is also available for the center console.
The Bottom Line: The 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser has a stellar, well-deserved reputation for off-road performance. On-road, the Land Cruiser falls far short of fantastic.
Other Choices:If you like the 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser, also consider:- Land Rover Range Rover
- Lexus LX 570
- Mercedes-Benz GL550
Reason Why:The Land Cruiser is no poseur; it has a well-earned reputation for tough, long-distance off-road ability throughout the world. The closest rival to the 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser remains the Range Rover, which has similar off-road ability, along with Terrain Response, a system that allows the user to set the vehicle systems for the best performance on certain types of terrain. The Range Rover arguably feels much more luxurious inside and more worth the price, if you go by interior materials. The Mercedes GL 550 is a possibility if you plan to tow but not go off-roading as much; it's geared more for exurban America, and it has an especially useful third-row seat arrangement. Finally, the mechanically related Lexus LX570 is worth considering. The sticker price of a fully loaded Land Cruiser--including port-installed options like 22-inch wheels and satellite radio--can top $80,000, while the Lexus version of the Land Cruiser, the LX 570, starts at under $76,000. The Lexus is clearly trimmed for driveways, not trails, but with extra features and the Lexus dealership experience, it's worth considering.
Buying TipWatch those options. Unfortunately, most of the popular ones are packaged into a$7,245 Upgrade Package. Add a few more options, like the $4,699 polished 22-inch wheels, and the price can easily pass the $75k mark.
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Review was originally published at TheCarConnection.com
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