I’m yet to really understand some of the moves Toyota have made with their latest addition to the Landcruiser dynasty.

The 200 series Landcruiser itcks a lot of boxes. Heaps on new technical wizardry, loads of creature comforts, improvements in off-road ability, and lots of choice. Time will be the only measure of if they’ve maintained their rock solid build quality to a level that we’ve all become so accustomed to.

But there are a couple of things I’m still not sure on…

Eats the rough stuff for breakfast

Do I really need to say any more? If you’ve been in a Landcruiser before, you know it’s just going to “work” off road. How’s this for a bag of goodies CRAWL (think auto pilot for 4wding), Downhill Assist Control, a new multi terrain ABS system, a Kinetic Suspension (KDDS), traction control (Sahara only), and Stability Control (Sahara only). Some might say that all this stuff takes away the fun and challenge going off road, and if you’re one of those people, don’t worry, you can turn most of them off, if not – then you’re going to find one the most capable mass produced off road vehicles on the planet.

And what’s more you’re going to leave most of the others in your wake in absolute comfort.

Made by the worlds smartest car manufacturer

Argue all you want, Toyota manufacturing is years ahead of everyone else. They set the standards others in the industry aspire to. Companies are still trying to figure out what Toyota were doing 20 years ago. So what does this mean? Well to me it means quality. It’s a reputation that Toyota are not going to risk, so you can be assured that the unbreakable brand build on years of rock solid Landcruisers over the years will resonate to this model.

Time is going to be the only real great test, but if there was one company to put your faith in, it’s Toyota with their Landcruiser.

She’ll tow, carry a load, and work all day

Now if you’re going to be forking over your hard earned I hope it’s for more that hitting the local shops with the 2.3 children. So that’s going to either be to tow something heavy, get off the beaten track, or go touring over long distantness. You’re going to be surprised how comfortable this big beast is and how hard you can work it. The towing capacity is 3500kg which is nothing out of this world, but hook up a horse float and the real test begins.

Being so big and heavy and having such a big footprint, stability is a non-issue, all the electronics will kick in to level you out anyway, but the biggest bonus is the big V8. Now the diesel has the edge in mid RPM range, but the petrol is more than capable. So that towing in check, what about the long hauls. We’ll Toyota are smart enough to know that these things are going to be driven on the black top more than on the dirt so they’ve ensured that they’ve refined the on road capability as well as the off. Chances are you’re in for you most comfortable ride ever in the 200 series.

Comfort like never before

Seems like a no brainer these days, but the boys at toyota have obvously responded to the top of the towners (BMW, Mercedes) improving their luxury off road models with some creature comforts of their own. There is the keyless entry and engine start, trip computer, the extra two seats out back, leather upholstery, dual zone air conditioning for starters, please of standard and optional air bags and much more…

Seats and mirrors are all electronically adjustable and there is a element of refinement and attention to detail I’ve not seen before in a Landcruiser.

She’s got a hefty price tag

Now this is all in Aussie dollars so it may vary from country to country. Starting at 80K for the base model, and then moving up (to over 100K!). This is edging the Landcruiser closer and closer to Luxury territory and further away from its traditional rivals. The Landcruiser always been “a little more”, but for the extra cash, you got a lot more car. I just wonder if the 80K for the base model has put the price tag just a fraction out of their target markets reach.

The 10K extra for the Diesel is a silly move in my book too. They’re cheaper to run, last longer, more reliable, so the more people talking up their diesel experience the better. But at 10K, I’d say the market will be dominated by the petrol version.

A heavy right foot will cost you

It’s a choice between a V8 or a V8 and with the 200 series coming in at 2.6 tones you’re going to keep the oil companies profitable for some time yet. With petrol prices going through the roof and predictions of worse to come, these things are becoming more of a consideration.

You need to do your maths on what it’s going to cost you to cover the K’s. If you’re comfortable with it, fine, but don’t run into the dealer with a least having thought about what this means to you.

It’s not the most stunning thing

Honestly I’ve got to say the overall look of the new cruiser it not doing it for me. If seems to me that they’ve taken on to many of the Kluger characteristics. Perhaps my expectations were too high, but this new model has lost some of the individuality that’s made the car and icon. Think through the models you’ve seen on the road, and your left with no doubt it’s a Landcruiser. Will this new model achieve that, I’m not sure.

But as always with design, you need to make up your own mind if you like it or not.

Although the exterior gets a big cross from me, the interior is a different story. As I’ve already mentioned, the interior feels a lot more refined the its predecessors, but let’s just hope his refinement won’t fall apart the sight of a rocky road.

In summary

So would I buy one – Absolutely! I’m not sure how comfortable I’d be taking the beast off track if I was to fork out the $80-100K of my own coin. But hey, that’s what their built for. From what we can see so far – the Landcruiser Dynasty will live on, but for just how long is anyone’s guess.

3 Responses to “Oh Toyota I’ve Got a Feeling… 200 Series Landcruiser”

• August 5th, 2008 toymods:

  I went for a test drive a few weeks ago, I’ve got to say I was impressed. I agree that is doesn’t look fantastic, but Impressive none the less.

  Love to be able to afford one!

• August 28th, 2008 Luxy:

  Long live on the hi-lux! You can take your fancy pants Landcruisers and shov…. Seriously, this is one super truck. If you can afford one

• October 6th, 2008 Private Krankenversicherung Vergleich:

  I have this informativ sit bookmarked. Thanks Private Krankenversicherung

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