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2008 Toyota Land Cruiser Performance Review

October 30, 2008

PERFORMANCE | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

huge ability…in everything it does
Car and Driver

the Land Crusher
Motor Trend

wonderful 5.7-liter V-8
Automobile

precise and confidence-inspiring
Kelley Blue Book

ride comfort comes close to...luxury sedans
Kelley Blue Book

Fleet acceleration, a plush ride, responsive handling, and startling off-road prowess give the 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser performance that’s hard to beat.

Toyota’s new 5.7-liter V-8, shared with its other full-framed trucks and SUVs, churns out 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque, enough to move this 5,900-pound SUV to 60 mph from rest in just 6.5 seconds. Car and Driver describes the power delivery as “velvety” and explains that it invokes the magic of variable valve timing, a variable-volume intake system, and an electronic fly-by-wire throttle to give performance that is “silky smooth and quiet”--until you ask it for max urge, at which point “you hear a muted yet mellifluous snarl from the engine bay.” Replacing last year’s five-speed auto, “an imperturbable six-speed automatic manages this output,” according to Automobile. Remarkably, this athletic, serene combination yields less emissions and better EPA numbers, at 13/18 mpg, than last year’s less powerful Cruiser.

Also impressive is the way the Land Cruiser comports itself on the tarmac. “Expect unflappable nonchalance over acned asphalt,” assures Car and Driver. “Body lean is fairly well controlled,” comments ConsumerGuide, who also find “responsive steering, combined with a fairly tight turning radius, results in good maneuverability for such a large vehicle.” A trick technology, KDSS in Toyota-Tech-Speak, increases roll-stiffness when both shock absorbers on a given side of the vehicle are compressed, giving this big, cushy boat surprising resistance to body lean on paved roads. Kelley Blue Book says its “ride comfort comes close to...luxury sedans” and calls its handling “precise and confidence-inspiring.”

That same system, KDSS, increases suspension compliance dramatically when only one wheel on a given side is forced upward, allowing for excellent suspension articulation necessary in true off-roading. That feature, a live rear axle (long known to be optimal for rock crawling), a locking Torsen center differential, and the new-for-’08 Crawl Control make the Land Cruiser “a mountain goat with stitched leather upholstery,” according to Motor Trend. Crawl Control takes the driver’s feet completely out of the equation when off-road, both accelerating and braking as needed to keep the Cruiser crawling at a predetermined speed, either uphill or down. It's an impressive display of microprocessing wizardry, no doubt, but one that Automobile cites “at once cause for wonder and dismay,” pointing out that true off-roaders like to do it themselves.

Conclusion

The 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser possesses remarkable performance that truly justifies its name.

PERFORMANCE | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:huge ability…in everything it doesCar and Driverthe Land CrusherMotor Trendwonderful 5.7-liter V-8Automobileprecise and confidence-inspiringKelley Blue Bookride comfort comes close to...luxury sedansKelley Blue Book Fleet acceleration, a plush ride, responsive handling, and startling off-road prowess give the 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser performance that’s hard to beat. Toyota’s new 5.7-liter V-8, shared with its other full-framed trucks and SUVs, churns out 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque, enough to move this 5,900-pound SUV to 60 mph from rest in just 6.5 seconds. Car and Driver describes the power delivery as “velvety” and explains that it invokes the magic of variable valve timing, a variable-volume intake system, and an electronic fly-by-wire throttle to give performance that is “silky smooth and quiet”--until you ask it for max urge, at which point “you hear a muted yet mellifluous snarl from the engine bay.” Replacing last year’s five-speed auto, “an imperturbable six-speed automatic manages this output,” according to Automobile. Remarkably, this athletic, serene combination yields less emissions and better EPA numbers, at 13/18 mpg, than last year’s less powerful Cruiser. Also impressive is the way the Land Cruiser comports itself on the tarmac. “Expect unflappable nonchalance over acned asphalt,” assures Car and Driver. “Body lean is fairly well controlled,” comments ConsumerGuide, who also find “responsive steering, combined with a fairly tight turning radius, results in good maneuverability for such a large vehicle.” A trick technology, KDSS in Toyota-Tech-Speak, increases roll-stiffness when both shock absorbers on a given side of the vehicle are compressed, giving this big, cushy boat surprising resistance to body lean on paved roads. Kelley Blue Book says its “ride comfort comes close to...luxury sedans” and calls its handling “precise and confidence-inspiring.” That same system, KDSS, increases suspension compliance dramatically when only one wheel on a given side is forced upward, allowing for excellent suspension articulation necessary in true off-roading. That feature, a live rear axle (long known to be optimal for rock crawling), a locking Torsen center differential, and the new-for-’08 Crawl Control make the Land Cruiser “a mountain goat with stitched leather upholstery,” according to Motor Trend. Crawl Control takes the driver’s feet completely out of the equation when off-road, both accelerating and braking as needed to keep the Cruiser crawling at a predetermined speed, either uphill or down. It's an impressive display of microprocessing wizardry, no doubt, but one that Automobile cites “at once cause for wonder and dismay,” pointing out that true off-roaders like to do it themselves. ConclusionThe 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser possesses remarkable performance that truly justifies its name. 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?

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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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