Samuel Gitukui on July 5, 2022 No Comments
Whenever you want to go off-roading, you need a car that is built for the part. Toyota Land Cruiser is such one car model that offers reliability and performance. But which is the Toyota Land Cruiser best year?
Granted, the Toyota Land Cruiser is no longer built in the US. That aside, it does carry huge popularity around the world for being virtually durable and unstoppable.
New Land Cruisers aren’t what you would consider cheap. This is especially when importing a Toyota Land Cruiser from overseas. But if there is one thing about Toyota Land Cruisers that makes them worth every penny is that they will keep going even while most off-roaders have given up.
One thing we should probably point out is that you can get a used Land Cruiser that can pretty much do what a new one can, at a fraction of the price.
So which is the Toyota Land Cruiser’s best year? That’s what we are here to find out.
For easier navigation throughout this post, please use our table of contents below.
- Land Cruiser Best Year
- Land Cruiser Off-Road
- Toyota Land Cruiser Engine
- Buying A Land Cruiser
- Land Cruiser Reliability
- Lexus Equivalent
- Years To Avoid
- Frequently Asked Questions
Toyota Land Cruiser Best Year
Many Toyota Land Cruiser fans would simply point out the FJ40 as the best model. Granted, this can be a great car for both off-roading and overlanding. However, this may not be considered the best model.
There are many still who will consider the FJ40 one of the classic SUVs that have stood the test of time. But some say that in modern times, a car should be able to offer both off-road capabilities as well as modern amenities. This is not something that you will get with the FJ40.
The records for the Toyota Land Cruiser date back to 1984. Ever since it first started rolling out of production lines, the Land Cruiser has come with very few problems. There are two model years though that stand out when it comes to the Land Cruiser’s reliability; the 2005 model and the 2016 model year.
The 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser was made as a part of the 100 series of Toyota Land Cruisers. The 2016 Land Cruiser on the other hand was part of the 200 series.
There were fewer issues with the 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser compared to the 2016 model though. That said when the 2005 model developed issues, these were pretty expensive to fix.
The Problems
A few common problems with the model are the burning of oil as well as the belching of blue smoke. The most likely suspect was a faulty engine gasket that resulted in the oil getting into the combustion chamber. You were better off with the 2005 model of the Land Cruiser than later models.
The 2016 model had far more issues than the 2005 model. The major issue with this car was the transmission shifting roughly especially when the car was traveling at low speed.
Some owners reported that the car had “grabby brakes”. This means that the brakes felt soft and there was a lot of travel with the brake pedal. Then the brakes would grab at once. The issue made for a particularly dangerous and unpleasant driving experience where the driver would often find themselves unable to stop at the right time.
Owners of the 2005 Land Cruiser said that they never had this problem. With the 2016 model, some owners also complained about a faulty A/C.
Toyota Land Cruiser Off-Road
Toyota gave its top-rated Land Cruiser model the title GRsport. If you are looking for a performer SUV, then the GR is the one for you. Plus it comes with all the off-road features.
That said, how did the LC300 compare when it comes to off-road capabilities? This is something that many off-road enthusiasts would have wanted to find out.
The LC300 came with a snorkel and all-terrain tires. This Land Cruiser was not one to disappoint. If off-road enthusiasts wanted something that would take them anywhere, then it was the LC300.
Considering the type of demand that Toyota gets with the Land Cruisers, it doesn’t need to change much about the vehicle. The demand has been tough to keep up with. Buyers that make preorders have reached 20,000 and the waiting time has gone up to 4 years.
It would come as a surprise if future versions would take the power train of the 2022 Tundra. This pickup truck is set on a similar platform to the new model Toyota Land Cruiser and comes with a twin-turbo V6 3.5-liter engine. It also combines this with an electric motor. Together they produce up to 437 horsepower and 583-pound feet of torque.
Land Cruiser Engine
The Toyota Cruiser features several options when it comes to the powertrain.
The 3.5 Liter Twin Turbo V6 Gasoline Engine
The latest version of the Land Cruiser comes with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that runs on gasoline. This one can produce a maximum output of 650-pound feet of torque. The engine also comes with the type of reliability rating that you would expect with a Land Cruiser.
The engine features direct injection with a multi-hole injector optimized positioning of the valve angle as well as a much longer stroke. This results in high-speed combustion. The two turbos also deliver powerful torque even at relatively low speeds. Moreover, it also comes with a superb supercharger response.
3.3 Liter Twin Tribe V6 Diesel Engine
You can also choose the 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 diesel. One of the main advantages of this type of engine is that it offers you the chance to make several optimizations. You can improve the injectors, and intake ports as well as the pistons.
The engine has a max output of 700 Nm of torque and comes with great fuel efficiency. The supercharger allows for a thrilling acceleration thanks to the variable nozzle design.
The single turbo can offer great responsiveness enabling it to give great acceleration from low speeds. The two turbos kick in at high speeds to offer even more acceleration.
Buying A Toyota Land Cruiser
Once you are aware of the specs and the performance even from a used Land Cruiser, you may find yourself wanting one. Before you can finalize the purchase, there are a couple of things that you need to know.
These may include stuff like how long you can expect the Land Cruiser to last as well as if it is even a wise decision to buy a used Land Cruiser.
It is also important to know about the problems that you are likely to encounter. Simply put there is plenty to think about.
Toyota Land Cruiser Best Year To Go For
There is no denying the fact that the Toyota Land Cruiser is one of those SUVs that have stood the test of time and have been offering performance and reliability for a long period. Considering how durable they are, you may want a used model.
So, which is the Toyota Land Cruiser best year? You will need to choose between several generations of the Land Cruiser.
Where To Start
The first model of the Land Cruiser came out in 1958. However, the SUV gained popularity in the 1960s. In the United States alone, the Toyota Land Cruiser was the best-selling SUV between 1961 and 1965.
But without getting caught up with the history of the vehicle, what it has always been is a large SUV four-door. Experts such as Autotrader will recommend that you start with the 60 series of the Land Cruiser. This came out in the 1980s.
That said, there is no denying that you may end up having a hard time with such off-roaders.
The 80 series is not also easy to find. This one came out in 1991 and had improved safety features while also maintaining its great SUV off-road specs. It had airbags and anti-lock brakes for instance.
That said, if you want the 100 series that first came out in 1998, you will not find this hard to come by. The 200 series which came out in 2008 continues up until today.
How Long Will The Toyota Land Cruiser Last
If there is a car that promises reliability and durability and will last a long time, then it’s got to be the Toyota Land Cruiser. The Land Cruiser can be expected to last over 200,000 miles. Many cars have exceeded this number.
Many expert sources have named the Toyota Land Cruiser the longest-lasting Land Cruiser that money can buy. When well over 11 million cars were analyzed in 2020 to find out the model that had the largest number of cars that reached and exceed the 200,000-mile mark, the Toyota Land Cruiser was top of the list.
Is It A Good Idea To Buy A High Mileage Land Cruiser?
One thing to always keep in mind is that just because you can expect the Land Cruiser to last long isn’t a warrant to get yourself a high-mileage Land Cruiser. The higher the mileage the more likely that the car will develop issues.
After all, it is not all car owners who will take good care of their cars. That said if you are lucky enough to get a car from an owner who knows how to take good care of their cars, then you may end up getting a great deal.
The trick is to always get a mechanic to inspect the car and inform you of any issues that you may need to deal with soon.
Most Common Problem With The Toyota Land Cruiser
The Toyota Land Cruiser may be a popular SUV but like all cars, it comes with its fair share of problems.
The main issue with the Toyota Land Cruiser is the SUV oil usage. The engine also tends to stop suddenly as well as issues where the driver experiences rough shifting. On the upside, these vehicles don’t have alternator issues.
When it comes to the model years that you should avoid, you may want to stay clear of the 2016 model year due to the many issues and complaints from owners.
So Is The Toyota Land Cruiser Worth Buying?
There is plenty that you will love with the Toyota Land Cruiser so is it worth buying a used Land Cruiser?
Well yes, it is worth buying the Toyota Land Cruiser. The most important thing is to ensure that you can do your due diligence. You may want to get the car inspected by a mechanic that you trust and find out of it is worth its price.
It is up to you or decide whether you will spend our money on a used Land Cruiser.
Toyota Land Cruiser Reliability
The Toyota Land Cruiser scores top marks for reliability and is known to be a durable SUV that would seemingly last forever. According to certain studies, the total Land Cruiser is the longest-lasting SUV and the most reliable SUV that you can get.
Not only is the Toyota Land Cruiser the SUV that lasts the longest but it also outperforms cars as well as trucks. It is top of the list of cars that last well over 200,000 miles. many experts and car rating sites consistently give the Toyota Land Cruiser top marks on reliability.
Let’s look at it this way, just 0.95 of SUVs will last over 200,000 miles while 15.7% of Land Cruisers will last over 200,000 miles. With this in mind, it is not hard to see why the Land Cruiser gets such great reviews.
Lexus Equivalent To Land Cruiser
You can command the road and do so in style whenever you are driving a luxury SUV.
If there is one thing or rather a couple of things about SUVs, is that they can offer versatility, increased seating, the comfort of driving a car, and the convenience of a truck.
With a luxury SUV, your comfort levels are elevated significantly.
That said, the luxury SUV should take you where you want to go safely. With the luxury SUV, you get upgraded materials, more advanced technology, and extra amenities that make that ride all the more comfortable.
That said, some luxury SUVs are of course more luxurious than others. If you are choosing a luxury SUV therefore you will also be selecting features and performance.
It’s The Experience
The idea isn’t just about performance, it is also about the experience that you will be getting. How does the leather feel, how easily do you reach the controls on your fingertips, do you have multiple entertainment options, how are the heated seats, the climate controls, etc.
It’s about getting a certain lifestyle. It’s about communicating who you are no matter where you go. This will help enrich your life both on-road and off-road.
Considering all the factors that we’ve mentioned above let us take the time and compare two different vehicles that have similar features although each comes with its personality. These are the 2016 Lexus LX 570 and the 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser.
Toyota Land Cruiser Vs Lexus Lx The Power Train
Both the Lexus LX 570 and the Toyota Land Cruiser have the same parent company which is Toyota. The Land Cruiser as well as the Lexus offer top-of-the-line sport utility vehicles for their brands.
Both these cars were built on top of a similar platform which is no surprise that they have a lot in common. That said, they also have a unique brand image that helps to identify them individually.
The Toyota Land Cruiser has a V8 engine that can deliver 381 horsepower. It has 32 valves and has excellent off-road capabilities which put you whenever you want to be. There is also the ECT intelligence that helps to lower the wear on the transmission.
Not forgetting the variable valve timing which helps to bring down the emission while simultaneously boosting performance.
Towing Capability
Furthermore, you can haul upwards of 8,000 pounds with the Land Cruiser.
That said, a slight difference can result in a huge impact. The Lexus on the other hand for instance offers 383 horsepower all from a 5.7-liter engine. This one also features a varied valve timing that controls front valves. The engine can propel the car from 0 to 60 mph in under 7.5 seconds.
Furthermore, the Lexus can pull over 7,000 pounds.
As far as fuel efficiency goes, the Land Cruiser and the Lexus are both able to deliver an average of 18 liters per gallon.
The Amenities
One thing about the Land Cruiser is its robust design practicality. It features a 9-inch screen display, voice recognition, backup cameras, and satellite radio. Furthermore, the Land Cruiser can carry up to 8 people and has power windows as well as an automatically timing rearview mirror.
The Lexus on the other hand has more features and amenities than the Land Cruiser. Some of these include a custom cabin a 12.3-inch display and a more aerodynamic design.
Land Cruiser Years To Avoid
If you want to get yourself a Land Cruiser, which years do you want to veer clear of? Well, going with our earlier examples of the 2005 model and the 2016 model, they bother are top of their class.
However, like everything else, the Land Cruisers are not free of issues. Of course, you want to choose the model that has fewer issues.
The 2005 Land Cruiser
The 2005 model had fewer issues than the 2016 model. That said, in case the 2015 model developed issues, these tended to be much more expensive to fix.
One of the more common issues with the Land Cruiser 2005 is belching blue smoke due to the burning of the engine oil. There are a couple of Land Cruiser 2005 model owners who also reported the issues.
These problems often came about due to a faulty gasket which caused the engine oil to leak into the combustion chamber. This would then cause the engine oil to burn and give out the blue smoke from the exhaust.
The 2016 Land Cruiser
Coupled with the 2015 model, the 2016 model had more issues. The issue that came up most frequently by owners of the Land Cruiser 2016 model, is a transmission that shifts a bit rough, especially at lower speeds.
Owners also complained about grabby brakes. The brake pedal would start soft and then become hard.
When some owners were asked if this is an issue that they experienced with the 2005 Land Cruiser model, many said that never experiences such an issue with the model.
Owners of the Land Cruiser 2016 model would also complain about the A/C refusing to turn off once it had been turned on.
Looking at other Land Cruiser model years, they all came with a few scattered issues. That said, the majority of these issues would come from outside the United States. The Land Cruiser came with a variety of engines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Year Toyota Land Cruiser
The Toyota Land Cruiser is among the best most reliable and most durable SUVs available on the market. That said, some models perform better than others. The 2007 land crusader is considered the best model ever made so far by Toyota Land Cruiser. On top of being reliable, it had all the amenities and cool features that one could need.
Why Are Land Cruisers So Expensive
The main reason why Toyota Land Cruisers are so expensive is that they are known to be durable and reliable. Top this with the fact that they are even rare in the United States and the prices go up even more. Furthermore, the Toyota Land Cruisers will hold their value which means that you will also be able to sell your Land Cruiser at a good price even in years to come.
Who Makes Land Cruiser
Land Cruiser is made by Toyota. Over the years, Toyota had accumulated a wealth of knowledge and is now including this knowledge and up-to-date technologies in its cars. This is including the Toyota Land Cruiser.
When Did Toyota Stop Making The FJ Cruiser
The FJ Cruiser was discontinued in 2014. That said, there is always a will 4×4 Land Cruiser that is built for the off-road and will take you wherever you want to go.
How Much Is A Toyota Land Cruiser
The Toyota Land Cruiser 2021 model has a starting price of $85,665. This is much higher than you will get on many SUVs in its class. That said, the Land Cruiser’s top trim comes in at $87,995 which is much lower than the top trims of other SUV brands.
