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2008 Toyota Land Cruiser Features Review

October 30, 2008

FEATURES | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

KDSS is Toyota’s way of softening roll stiffness
Car and Driver

fitted with a proper transfer case
Motor Trend

four-zone climate system with twenty-eight air vents
Automobile

frame is considerably stiffer than before
Edmunds

The 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser is packed with features that make it supremely capable and comfortable.

A number of go-anywhere features set the Land Cruiser apart from its luxurious SUV competition. “Unlike many SUVs on the market today,” says Motor Trend, “the Land Cruiser is fitted with a proper transfer case.” In conjunction with a Torsen limited-slip locking center differential, a live axle in the rear, a “stout new frame with fully boxed sections and no fewer than eight crossmembers,” KDSS (adjust roll stiffness on the fly), and CRAWL (foot-free crawling over rough terrain), the Land Cruiser’s off-road capabilities are prodigious.

“Gizmos and abbreviations abound,” says Car and Driver, speaking of the Land Cruiser’s standard HAC, VSC, EBD, A-TRAC, and DAC. In order as mentioned, that would be Hill Assist Control, Vehicle Stability Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Active-TRAC, and Downhill Assist Control. Some of these systems help keep the Land Cruiser on the road (VSC, EBD), while the others help it perform flawlessly off.

Edmunds points out “there is only one trim level.” In addition to an over-equipped chassis, Automobile notes that “the rest of the Land Cruiser is equally overdone,” and Car and Driver states “every convenience item known to the driving public has been integrated.” Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, power and heated front seats, leather upholstery, four-zone automatic climate control, a 14-speaker JBL audio system with a six-CD changer and auxiliary audio jack, a sunroof, auto-dimming mirrors, keyless ignition, and parking sensors. The Upgrade Package includes items like a rear-seat entertainment system with 9-inch screen, a nav system with Bluetooth and backup camera, heated second-row seats, and a center console refrigerated compartment.

Conclusion

Everything but the proverbial kitchen sink (not enough cargo room for it) is included in, on, and under the 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser.

FEATURES | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:KDSS is Toyota’s way of softening roll stiffnessCar and Driverfitted with a proper transfer caseMotor Trendfour-zone climate system with twenty-eight air ventsAutomobileframe is considerably stiffer than beforeEdmunds The 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser is packed with features that make it supremely capable and comfortable. A number of go-anywhere features set the Land Cruiser apart from its luxurious SUV competition. “Unlike many SUVs on the market today,” says Motor Trend, “the Land Cruiser is fitted with a proper transfer case.” In conjunction with a Torsen limited-slip locking center differential, a live axle in the rear, a “stout new frame with fully boxed sections and no fewer than eight crossmembers,” KDSS (adjust roll stiffness on the fly), and CRAWL (foot-free crawling over rough terrain), the Land Cruiser’s off-road capabilities are prodigious. “Gizmos and abbreviations abound,” says Car and Driver, speaking of the Land Cruiser’s standard HAC, VSC, EBD, A-TRAC, and DAC. In order as mentioned, that would be Hill Assist Control, Vehicle Stability Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Active-TRAC, and Downhill Assist Control. Some of these systems help keep the Land Cruiser on the road (VSC, EBD), while the others help it perform flawlessly off. Edmunds points out “there is only one trim level.” In addition to an over-equipped chassis, Automobile notes that “the rest of the Land Cruiser is equally overdone,” and Car and Driver states “every convenience item known to the driving public has been integrated.” Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, power and heated front seats, leather upholstery, four-zone automatic climate control, a 14-speaker JBL audio system with a six-CD changer and auxiliary audio jack, a sunroof, auto-dimming mirrors, keyless ignition, and parking sensors. The Upgrade Package includes items like a rear-seat entertainment system with 9-inch screen, a nav system with Bluetooth and backup camera, heated second-row seats, and a center console refrigerated compartment. ConclusionEverything but the proverbial kitchen sink (not enough cargo room for it) is included in, on, and under the 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser. 2008 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER STYLING | [7 out of 10] Car and Driver: “a clean modernization of the concept” Motor Trend: “it’s unmistakably ‘Land Cruiser’” Edmunds: “Inside…fresh design and enhanced features” Kelley Blue Book: “instrument panel…awash with switches” A restrained, ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The Land Cruiser has a long-established reputation around the world for respectable off-road performance in far-flung deserts, mountains, and forests, and its off-road ability is every bit as good as the previous model. The closest rival to the 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser remains the Range Rover, which has similar off-road ability, along with Terrain Response, a system that allows the user to set the vehicle systems for the best performance on certain types of terrain. The Range Rover arguably feels much more luxurious inside and more worth the price, if interior materials are the judge. The Mercedes GL 550 is also a possibility if you plan to tow but not go off-roading as much; it has an especially useful third-row seat. But finally, pricing is a stumper. The sticker price of a loaded Land Cruiser tops $73,000, while the Lexus version of the Land Cruiser, the LX 570, starts at $73,800. The running boards are perhaps a little more prominent, but with upgraded materials inside the Lexus, upscale options like heated and ventilated seats, and the better service at the Lexus dealership, why not?

Next Steps:

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See the Toyota Land Cruiser in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

Comments (2 total)

  1. By marilynn english #1, Posted: 12/4/2008

    problems with 2006 Landcruiser

    I have had nothing but trouble with my 2006 Landcruiser....have a 2002 as well with no issues. there have been 6 check engine soon issues,VSC light on a few times, stability control problems, radio goes on while on blue tooth, cd broke..defective they said. could not file under the Lemon Law as the lease called for arbitration....during the arbitration process they towed the vehicle (without a flatbed) with my personal belongings and refuse to return them to me unless I go into a horrible neighbor hood and pay them a fee. 30 calls to Toyota, to no avail. One division does not even know that the second division took the car...and no one cares. Customer Service is long gone at Toyota and this was my fifth Toyota. Honestly, I had a similar problem with a BMW and they made good on it and gave me a new vehicle of my choice. If you have any thoughts at all of a BMW or a Toyota.. go for the Beemer as their customer service or their after market is great. One Toyota dealer actually threatened to call the police because I complained about the vehicle.....

  2. By Mr. Craig #2, Posted: 12/25/2008

    2008 Landcruiser Review

    Having owned a 1991 & my mom owning a 1997 Landcruiser I am thoroughly disgusted with the 2008 Landcruiser design. The Landcruisers of the 90's commanded road-respect. The style was bold and it was remarkably the first SUV that offered third row seats, giving large families a suitable alternative to the drab designs of mini-vans. I have been inside the 2008 Landcruiser and there are many "bells and whistles" that Toyata has adorned this SUV with. Whoopdy Doo! But Toyota C'mon...What happened to the attractive exterior the Landcruiser used to wear. Now it looks more like a baloon on wheels. The modern style leaves much to be desired. Not an eye-catcher at all! I wait year after year for Toyota to bring back the boldness of the all wheel drive SUV I fell in love with years ago. I do understand that change was necessary. The 90's version of the Landcruiser was somewhat boxy in style and while that may be my personal preference I realize other things have to be considered for purposes of updating the vehicle with the general public but, I have lost tremendous respect for the Landcruiser design team. I would actually rather drive a 2008 Escalade or Expedition or Navigator...that is truly sad for me to say! Lets go Toyota, take back your spot!!!

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