2018 Toyota Land Cruiser
Overview
The Land Cruiser has come a long way from its utilitarian roots over the last fifty years. Even more impressively, it’s done so without sacrificing its rugged genetics. For 2018, Toyota’s full-size SUV offers an even richer combination of luxury and capability.
Powertrain and Performance
When you choose the Land Cruiser, you’re choosing performance, plain and simple. Once again, the Land Cruiser is offered with a single engine option: the same 5.7-liter V8 that’s served it so well in the past. And with 381 horsepower and 401 pounds-feet of torque, we’re not complaining.
With the standard Trailer Towing Package, the Land Cruiser can a pull a trailer up to 8,100 pounds. This kit includes an engine oil cooler as well as a connector and sub-wiring harness to enable a trailer-brake controller. Trailer Sway Control makes hauling a breeze, using Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) to help counteract the trailer’s sway.
The 2018 Land Cruiser also facilitates off-road adventures with its Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS). Off-road enthusiasts used to disconnecting the suspension stabilizer bars to increase wheel articulation (a complex and often dangerous proposition) will breathe a sigh of relief as the system makes such dirty work unnecessary. The KDSS hydraulically adjusts lean resistance for off-road driving to minimize wheel lift and can help reduce body lean on pavement by up to 50 percent.
Features and Trims
There’s no risk of the paradox of choice when it comes to the Land Cruiser’s single exceptionally well-equipped trim. Instead of restricting premium features to packages or options, the Land Cruiser comes fully equipped with a wide variety of features, including:
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Smart Key keyless entry with push-button start
- Auto-dimming rearview and side mirrors
- Four-zone automatic climate system
- Refrigerated cooler box
One feature we particularly enjoy is the infotainment system, a lush 9-inch display which provides access to the comprehensive Toyota Entune App Suite and Entune Premium JBL® Audio with an Integrated Navigation system, not to mention Entune® 2.5 Multimedia with Siri® Eyes Free Mode. When the call of the wild gets to be too much for you, enjoy your favorite tunes through an amazing 14 speakers (including subwoofer).
Exterior/Interior
The new Land Cruiser features a stylish bumper, grille, and integrated Land Cruiser logo. The design also includes both projector-beam LED low and high beam headlights as well as headlight cleaners.
Inside, the Land Cruiser boasts semi-aniline perforated leather (your choice of black or Terra). The center console also contributes to an aesthetically pleasing modern cockpit. It’s easy to feel confident and in control behind the heated steering wheel—especially with integrated switches for the multi-information display, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and new Toyota Safety Sense-P system. Plus, the multiple configurations of the rear cargo and seating areas mean this interior can pack whatever cargo you need for those off-the-grid excursions.
Safety
With the Toyota Safety Sense-P system, it’s not just the driver that the Land Cruiser helps protect—in certain situations, the vehicle can also reduce injuries to pedestrians in a collision.
The Toyota Safety Sense-P system includes:
- Frontal Collision Avoidance, at speeds below 24 mph (including pedestrian protection)
- Frontal Collision Mitigation (also for speeds below 24 mph)
- Lane Departure Alert
- Auto High Beams
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
As with every Toyota vehicle, the new Land Cruiser also includes the comprehensive STAR Safety System™. Three-point seatbelts for every seating position and 10 airbags come standard.
Bottom Line
Whether you’re looking to spice up your daily commute or take the road less traveled, the 2018 Toyota Land Cruiser delivers. Stop in or contact us to test-drive it today at DCH Toyota of Oxnard.
Image Credit: Toyota