Toyota - Land Cruiser & Amazon |
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Short of buying a Humvee, Land Cruiser represents 4x4 overkill writ large. It's fine if you tow heavy loads or conquer continents, but size, thirst and cost make it inappropriate for most buyers.
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Acclaimed heavyweight, impressive in size, endurance and ability |
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Surprisingly swift considering its size |
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Very spacious cabin with eight comfortable seats |
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A handful to drive and park in city streets |
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Even the diesel version is thirsty |
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It probably won't fit in your garage |
Land Cruiser has a heritage almost as long as Land Rover; it's a stalwart in countries where the going gets really tough. But it's 16 feet long, does little more than 20mpg (that's the diesel; don't ask about the petrol V8), and costs more than nimbler and more prestigious luxury 4x4s.
What you get for your money, apart from two and a half tonnes of almost indestructible and reliable car, is presence, go-anywhere ability, lots of equipment and room for up to seven. It works well as troop transporter; in real life, it's more of a compromise.
Handling is safe but ponderous, especially in town. Despite the commanding driving position, it's a pain to park; as well as being huge, it has rear blind-spots. Ride isn't at all bad, without the body roll that you might expect.
Engines are an unstressed 4.2-litre turbodiesel with over 200bhp or the thirsty 4.7 V8. They accelerate well but drink fuel.
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4.2 TD
4.7 V8
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