1997 Toyota Land Cruiser
In the world of sport-utility vehicles there are big and
not-so, luxurious and mildly-so, capable and so-so.
Then there's the Toyota Land Cruiser. The Cruiser, and
its Toyota family near-twin, the Lexus LX 450, has few
peers when it comes to a supreme level of all-around
competence, from tuxedo night at the country club to
bashing through the very worst of off-road
nightmares.
If you're looking for ruggedness, consider this: The
Cruiser is sold in over 180 countries throughout the
world, and most of those places don't have the
infrastructure of, say, Dallas, Texas.
Most of what's said about the Cruiser also applies to
the Lexus LX 450. But there are a number of
distinctions, including a substantial difference in price.
For example, the LX 450's suspension is tuned for a
smoother ride and it has specific wheels and tires.
In addition, the LX 450 includes many features as
standard equipment which are optional on the Cruiser,
such as seven-passenger seating. And there are some
items standard on the Lexus which are simply not
available on the Cruiser: The LX 450 has LS 400-level
leather, wood-grain interior trim inserts, an exclusive
195-watt sound system, a couple of unique colors,
automatic climate control, cell phone pre-wiring, the
Lexus multi-function remote entry system, and an
optional in-cabin six-disc CD changer.
Last, the Lexus has some specific exterior trim details,
such as the grille, headlamp design, body side
cladding and color-keyed bumpers.
Our tester was a Land Cruiser, but in operation and
general feel the two vehicles are virtually identical.
Walkaround
The Land Cruiser is built on a robust ladder frame and
rides on solid axles, with coil springs, front and rear.
The front axle is located by two enormous arms that
look fit for a locomotive. The rear axle is positioned by
multi-link arrangement and there are front and rear
anti-roll bars. Ground clearance is no less than 10.8
inches.
Power is supplied by an inline six-cylinder of 4.5 liters,
and it's a very rugged item, delivering 212 hp at 4600
rpm and 275 pound-feet of torque at 3200. Nearly
90% of its torque is available as low as 1400 rpm; it's
equally capable for an Interstate highway cruise or
walking-pace slogging through mud. The four-speed
automatic transmission has a second-gear start
feature for use on slick surfaces.
The Land Cruiser and LX 450 share a drivetrain that is
among the world's most capable. It's a full-time all-
wheel-drive system, with low-range four-wheel drive.
In addition, it offers the option of locking front, rear
and center differentials for maximum four-wheel-drive
traction.
Normally, the system acts as a full-time all-wheel
drive, with the front and rear differentials open and
the center transfer case differential acting through its
viscous limited-slip unit. Shift the transfer case lever
into Low range and the viscous coupling locks up,
delivering equal power, front and rear. The driver can
then lock the rear differential, or both the front and
rear differentials together.
If there's any traction available, this rig will find it.
Brakes are massive four-wheel discs, ventilated both
front and rear, and ABS is standard. Wheels are 16 x
8-inch, P275/70R-16 mud and snow tires.
Standard equipment includes dual airbags, carpeting,
power windows, mirrors and locks, air conditioning,
cruise control, separate rear-seat heating,
intermittent wipers, intermittent rear wiper, and an
AM/FM/cassette sound system with nine speakers.
Options include aluminum alloy wheels, power
moonroof, third seat package, leather, a premium
sound system with a CD player, and those locking
differentials.
The Cruiser weighs close to 5000 pounds, depending
on how it's equipped. But the engine makes tugboat-
style torque, so it will handle a 5000-pound trailer and
has a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of
11,700 pounds.
The Cruiser's base price is $41,488, but most go for
close to $50,000 because nobody takes the base
version. Base price on the LX 450 is $48,945.
Interior Features
The Land Cruiser doesn't offer the interior room of the
full-size American sport-utilities. And if it's equipped
with the third seat, getting into it will require athletic
ability. Seating comfort is really good in front,
reasonably good in the middle, marginally acceptable
for adults in the back. Front and center seat
passengers benefit from very generous headroom. For
all passengers, step-in height is on the high side, as
you'd expect with all that ground clearance.
The driver is faced with a comprehensive set of
instruments and controls. It's a definite Toyota family
look–a little plain, but certainly functional. There is
only one cupholder in front, augmented by a console
cubby that can double as a drink repository.
Access to the rear is through a liftgate and tailgate,
and even with the optional third seat in place there's
plenty of grocery room in back. The center seat is
split and each half can be folded forward against the
back of its respective front seat.
The optional third seat is split down the middle, but
exploiting it to expand stowage is less than a snap. To
gain cargo room you fold one seatback forward, pick
up the whole unit from the center and fold it up
against the side, then hold it while hooking the end of
a strap (attached under the seat), over the overhead
grabhandle with your free hand. Then do the other
side in similar fashion.
One thing about the inside: This thing is built as tight
as a drum and once inside it feels like the doors are
welded shut. Like all Toyotas, it's exceptionally solid
goods.
Driving Impressions
The Cruiser is a substantial vehicle but it's not a
monster, and will probably feel fairly modest in size,
for all its mass. Ride comfort is good; it's a great
vehicle for a long highway drive, providing all-day
comfort and a strong sense of security.
Performance is mild, because 212 hp can do only so
much with 5000 pounds. But the engine is smooth
and quiet and its overall response is more than
merely acceptable. Fuel economy probably isn't a big
concern if you're willing to step up to this price, which
is good, because moving all this iron gives the Cruiser
a full-size thirst.
Handling, within the context of size, height and
weight, is sure, stable and precise, albeit ponderous.
Off-road or on the slippery stuff, the Cruiser is simply
awesome.
As for the differences between the Cruiser and the LX
450, we prefer the Cruiser's firmer suspension tuning.
If you encounter a pothole or similar one-wheel
bump, the Cruiser is better at minimizing annoying
side-to-side motions, and conveys a generally better
sense of control and stability. But the distinctions are
small, and the Lexus is more luxurious inside. Take
your pick.
Summary
Unless you're a survivalist and find the militant
Hummer appealing, there's no argument the Toyota
Land Cruiser is one of the most capable mass-
produced sport-utilities on the planet. Others are
bigger, more powerful, will tow a bigger load, carry
more people, are more nimble, faster, and more
stylish.
But if you want the all-round capable, with lots of
luxury, the Land Cruiser is it. And it is built like a bank
vault.
