Toyota Land Cruiser (2003-) Review

Comfort and Equipment

• Previous: Running Costs
• Next: Used Value

The seats are large and supportive, the ride is quiet and more refined than in the outgoing model - there has been a significant improvement in NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) though there is still a lot of wind noise with the sunroof open. However, the Land Cruiser really does reel and roll at speed and when cornering, and could induce passenger nausea. The ride in the three-door is choppy, but not as boat-like as in the five-door with self-levelling air suspension. Not for those with delicate stomachs, though this is a common problem with many 4x4s of this type. Equipment levels are high, with air conditioning standard, and the cabin is inviting and plainly-finished with sensible, practical surfaces. Although the cabin is larger than in the previous model, it's still not cavernous in there considering this vehicle's sheer size. However, it's wide and tall, and the cabin feels airy even if the rear legroom is not over-generous. The third row of seats in the five-door version (fitted as standard) is for small children only, and these cut badly into the space available for luggage in the rear as they fold to the side, rather than flat into the load floor as in an MPV-type vehicle. There are also not the same amount of cubby holes and stowage boxes as in an MPV, but you do get cup holders, door pockets and so on - more than enough for all but the most squirrel-like of families. Toyota is seriously upgrading the quality of its audio equipment with each new model launch, and although we've not tried the entry-level systems, the nine-speaker radio/cassette/six-CD autochanger is excellent. Bonus points for mounting the autochanger up front rather than in the boot, even if its home in the glovebox does cut down on storage space there. LC4 models get a CD-Rom-based satellite navigation system, with voice commands, traffic info and automatic re-routing (optional on LC2 and LC3) and LC5 models have an all-singing, all-dancing fully mapped DVD-based system with a touch-sensitive seven-inch screen, double-screen functions, choice of three routes and integration with the air conditioning and audio controls. This is easy to follow and use - once you get the hang of it.