Toyota LandCruiser 2016 Review

Toyota LandCruiser Sahara
Road Test

Small but worthwhile technology and engine upgrades bolster the value of Toyota's aging LandCruiser 200 Series. There's an extensive range of driver assistance systems fitted to the top-spec Sahara variant, and a handy all-round camera array. But the inclusions do come at a price. The flagship turbo-diesel LandCruiser variant is now $4900 dearer than the outgoing model, retailing from just shy of $120k.

The recently updated and more expensive LandCruiser 200 Series range adds Toyota's new corporate look to the front-end, and more gear inside the cabin.

The refreshed LandCrusier line-up will extend the model's life – and that of its twin-under-the-skin cousin the Lexus LX570 – until its expected change-over later this decade, the current ninth-generation range on sale locally since late 2007.

Mechanically, the LandCruiser is lightly revived with Euro5 emissions-compliant 4.5-litre twin-turbo-diesel and naturally-aspirated 4.6-litre petrol V8 engines. Power for the oiler (as tested) increases by 5kW to 200kW (at 3600rpm) – thanks to new fuel injectors and revised engine mapping – while torque is unaltered at 650Nm (from 1600-2600rpm). The six-speed automatic transmission and full-time, dual-range all-wheel drive system are unchanged.

Toyota says the diesel model's fuel economy improves by nearly eight per cent, now 9.5L/100km, with CO2 emissions now listed at 250g/km. Not bad figures for a four-wheel drive that tips the scale at 2740kg (kerb) and is capable of towing 3500kg (braked).

But perhaps the biggest change comes from the LandCruiser's appearance. All model grades receive a new grille, headlights, front bumper, front quarter panels and restyled LED tail-lights and two additional paint colours (taking the total to 10, add $550 for metallic colours).

The flagship Sahara grade on test arrives as standard with seven seats, rides on 18-inch alloy wheels and features the choice of black or beige heated and ventilated electrically-adjustable leather-accented upholstery. Cargo space is listed at 1276 litres, assumedly with the third-row seats stowed.

Of course, the top-shelf 'Cruiser couldn't justify its $118,500 (plus ORCs, up $4900) list price without a glut of gadgets. Carried over are the Australian-developed Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, auto lights and wipers, front and rear parking sensors, sunroof, side steps, power tailgate, console cool box, dynamic auto-levelling LED headlights and LED foglights, and heated steering wheel (to name just a few).

The range-topping model also adopts a wireless smartphone charger and revised rear-seat entertainment system, four-camera panoramic video array, and additional electronic driver aids including a pre-collision system, dynamic radar cruise control, lane-departure alert and blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (in addition to the existing 10 airbags, traction and stability control, multi-terrain anti-lock brakes, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, trailer-sway control and emergency brake signal).

It really is the burger with the lot of the LandCruiser line-up, and considering its price, we'd certainly hope so. It's a surprisingly quiet car too, considering its focus, and though there is a hint of wind noise off the mirrors, and the constant murmur of the diesel engine, we feel the hushed cabin is a great place to spend time.

The diesel engine is an impressively burly unit with strong torque available low in the rev range (1600-2600rpm). Interestingly, it's an engine that's not afraid to rev with progressive power delivery available through to just under 4000rpm. The powerplant co-operates with the multi-mode six-speed auto and even delivers decent fuel economy. On test, we averaged 12.4L/100km in mixed city/freeway driving.

Expectedly, the LandCruiser's handling favours the soft side. We say expectedly as the vehicle's obvious off-road focus means suspension articulation and ground clearance are given preference over back-road corner carving. That said, the LandCruiser supports its considerable weight very well, let down only by under-assisted steering and a slightly irregular brake pedal action.

We didn't take the LandCruiser off-road in our time with the car, but have reviewed the model in this setting before and found it to be very capable. As you'd expect from a vehicle deigned with adventure touring in mind, the high-set driver's seat offers a good view around the car (which of course is now assisted by the aforementioned camera system) and excellent headlights with impressive high-beam range.

It's a shame then the green lights on the instrument panel letting you know the blind-spot monitoring system, ECO mode, RCTA, cruise control and even the headlights are functioning degrades one’s night vision. The telltale lights, which are set in the tachometer, don't dim to the same degree as the remaining binnacle and instrument lights, causing an unwanted distraction on dark country roads.

Otherwise, everything on the dash is where it should be. The large hard buttons are welcomed (and frankly preferred over the needless drilling down through touchscreen menus offered in some competitors) as are the large grab handles, side steps and big doors handles. The audio system and Bluetooth are of acceptable quality, without being brilliant. We also think the sunroof is a little small, though this may be due to the additional torsional rigidity the body requires when heading off the beaten track.

Toyota recommends the LandCruiser 200 Series is serviced every six months or 10,000km. This interval seems a little pessimistic considering the Toyota's only diesel rival, the slightly smaller Land Rover Discovery, offers a 12-month / 26,000km arrangement.

The LandCruiser is offered with a three-year / 100,000km warranty and is eligible for capped-price servicing under Toyota's Service Advantage scheme. For the model on test, the first six services are priced at $220 each for the first three years or 60,000km (whichever occurs first).

The changes made to the LandCruiser will no doubt aid in keeping it current. Although the price increase is a little cheeky, we reckon most buying the 200 Series for its intended purpose will appreciate the changes.

It's a great vehicle for adventure touring and towing, and one of very few offered with a turbo-diesel engine locally. Those points alone should help the model retain its number one spot, the LandCruiser outselling the Nissan Patrol by a ratio of nearly five to one.

2016 Toyota LandCruiser Sahara pricing and specifications:
Price: $118,500 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 4.5-litre eight-cylinder twin-turbo-diesel
Output: 200kW/650Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 9.5L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 250g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP

Also consider:
>> Land Rover Discovery 4 (from $68,940 plus ORCs)
>> Nissan Patrol (from $56,890 plus ORCs)