Used Toyota Land Cruiser Quick Facts
- If you’re looking for a proven full-size SUV with real off-road capability, a 2016-2021 Land Cruiser is a great choice.
- The newest Land Cruiser debuted in 2024 and features a hybrid engine.
- The Land Cruiser has an enviable reputation for reliability and substantial resale value.
Among off-road enthusiasts, the Toyota Land Cruiser is a legendary machine with a sterling reputation for longevity, reliability, and capability. But to the newcomers who don’t know its history, it’s just another big SUV. Buying a used Land Cruiser isn’t prone to bringing many unpleasant surprises, regardless of which camp you fall into. On the other hand, even with high miles, it won’t come cheap. If you’re looking at an older model, be prepared for fuel economy figures in the low teens. We’ve broken down the Land Cruiser’s long history and numerous changes, as well as each generation’s pluses and minuses, which will hopefully help you decide which version is the best fit.
- What Is the Best Model-Year Used Toyota Land Cruiser?
- Toyota Land Cruiser by Generation: Which Should You Buy?
- Are Toyota Land Cruiser Vehicles Reliable?
- Is It Hard to Find Parts for Older Land Cruiser Series?
- Used Toyota Land Cruiser Model Years to Avoid
- How Much Can a Toyota Land Cruiser Tow?
- What Kind of Gas Mileage Does the Land Cruiser Get?
What Is the Best Model-Year Used Toyota Land Cruiser?
While the latest Land Cruiser offers the best bet for safety, modern technology, and fuel economy, it’s relatively new, having just debuted in 2024. However, if you find one on a used lot, you’ll get a more agile SUV that is closer to earlier Land Cruiser generations in size and intention. Its turbocharged 4-cylinder hybrid engine produces more torque than the previous generation’s massive V8 and touts a 23 mpg combined fuel economy rating.
If you’re looking for a large SUV with some modern conveniences, a rational price tag, and room for eight, we’d go with a seventh-generation 200 Series (2016-2021). The 200 Series offers a luxurious interior, some modern driver-assist technologies, lower mileage, and the possibility of getting a certified pre-owned (CPO) warranty. The big V8 does suck gas, but its towing ability far surpasses that of the new model (8,100 pounds vs. 6,000 pounds),
If you’re good with a wrench and plan to take your Land Cruiser on off-road adventures like rock crawling and mudding, an 80 Series or older will be fine. However, if you’re looking for a vehicle that will also be your daily driver, we argue the 100 Series is a better choice. It offers plenty of creature comforts, has a fantastic reliability record, and offers some modern safety features, but its price is still within what many classic SUV buyers consider reasonable. Some models have rust issues, so you’ll want to pay particular attention to the undercarriage before buying.
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Toyota Land Cruiser by Generation: Which Should You Buy?
Eighth Generation: 2024-Current
The eighth-generation Land Cruiser takes the luxury SUV in a different direction, one more in line with the fourth and fifth generations in size and purpose. Whereas the previous generation could seat eight, the newest Land Cruiser only holds five.
The V8 engine of the last generation is gone, replaced by Toyota’s i-Force MAX, a modern turbocharged 4-cylinder hybrid setup producing 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. There’s more safety tech than in the previous generation, and more gear to tackle challenging off-road trails. Four-wheel drive comes standard, backed by center and rear-locking differentials. Available upgrades include Crawl Control low-speed off-road cruise control and a Multi-Terrain Monitor. Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select provides various settings for mud, snow, rock, and sand. An available electronic disconnecting front stabilizer bar helps when needing increased wheel articulation.
The Land Cruiser comes in two trims: 1958 and Land Cruiser. The 1958 features round headlights, a hat-tip to the original. The Land Cruiser gets a more modern look with rectangular lights.
Standard equipment includes rain-sensing wipers, windshield wiper de-icers, proximity keyless entry with push-button start, and LED fog lights. Moving to the cabin reveals a 2,400-watt AC converter, a digital gauge cluster, tri-zone automatic climate control, heated and manually adjustable front seats, and an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Standard driver assistance features include forward collision warning and emergency braking, auto high-beam headlights, lane departure and lane-tracing assist, a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition.
The Land Cruiser is a more luxurious option, with a power-adjustable liftgate, color-selectable fog lights, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, a Multi-Terrain Monitor, an 8-way power driver’s seat, and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen.
Popular options include a JBL audio system, stabilizer disconnect, a power sunroof, center console cool box, Digital Key, front cross-traffic alert, a digital rearview mirror, a wireless charging pad, and Traffic Jam Assist.
Model-Year Changes:
2025: No significant change.
See 2024-to-current Toyota Land Cruiser models for sale near you.
Seventh Generation: 2008-2021
Known in Toyota-speak as the 200 Series, this version of the Toyota Land Cruiser ran from 2008 to 2021. It’s far more luxurious than the 100 Series but gives up some die-hard off-road features like a locking rear differential. Bigger and heavier, the 200 Series is more technically sophisticated than the one it replaces. For example, it offers such complex systems as electronic 4-wheel crawl, downhill assist control, a multi-terrain monitor, and Toyota’s Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, allowing for better wheel articulation when off-roading.
A 2016 refresh brings a revised exterior, an 8-speed automatic transmission (replacing the old 6-speed), and new standard safety and tech features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning.
Some of these models may also qualify for Toyota’s certified pre-owned (CPO) program, which includes a full inspection plus an extended powertrain 7-year/100,000-mile warranty from the vehicle’s original date of service. A used 200 Series is easy to shop for since it only comes in one trim.
Head gasket and coolant leaks are common issues as these models age. The 5.7-liter V8 is also known for cam tower leaks around the valve covers and, at higher mileage, some oil consumption issues.
Model-Year Changes:
2021: No significant changes.
2020: No significant changes.
2019: No significant changes.
2018: The Land Cruiser gains key-activated swing-away mirrors.
2017: No significant changes.
2016: Changes include revised styling, a new 8-speed automatic transmission, a wireless charging pad, and a suite of driver aids including forward collision warning and emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and auto high beam headlights.
2015: No significant changes.
2014: No significant changes.
2013: New features include xenon headlights, perforated leather upholstery, and a new multimedia navigation system.
2012: Toyota skipped over this year.
2011: No significant changes.
2010: Toyota Safety Connect, Bluetooth, and a USB port join the show.
2009: The Land Cruiser gains side privacy glass.
See 2008-2021 Toyota Land Cruiser models for sale near you.
The Toyota Land Cruiser Early Years: Generations Four to Six (1980-2007)
While the Toyota Land Cruiser dates back to 1958, we’re only going back to the fourth generation, which arrived in 1980 and helped kick off the Land Cruiser craze with an American audience.
1998-2007: 100 Series
More desirable than any previous-generation Land Cruiser is the 100 Series model, which debuted in 1998 and ran to 2007. These models have a more sophisticated independent front suspension, making them much more comfortable on long drives. The 100 Series is also powered by a 4.7-liter V8, making 230 hp and a robust 320 lb-ft of torque. If you do any towing, this is the engine you’ll want under your Land Cruiser’s hood. Toyota also added more structural integrity to the design with extra bracing, stronger welds, and improved construction methods.
Finally, in an attempt to directly challenge the Range Rover, the 100 Series Land Cruiser gained more luxury features, such as power-operated heated front seats and a power moonroof.
While mechanically this generation is well regarded, it is prone to rust issues involving the vehicle frame and suspension parts. If you’re looking at a model covering these years, have the underside thoroughly inspected by a qualified mechanic. If all looks good, applying a protective anti-rust coating every few years may be wise.
See 1998-2007 Toyota Land Cruiser models for sale near you.
1990-1997: 80 Series
The 80 Series retains the previous generation’s 6-cylinder engine, solid front axles, large expanses of glass, and thin A-pillars but becomes a bit more civilized. The sharp edges are rounded off, and the interior is upgraded. New features include full-time 4-wheel drive (4WD) with a locking center differential and a set of third-row seats that fold flat or swing up to create a level load floor.
Safety features include front airbags and anti-lock brakes. This generation’s reliability is excellent, with owners reporting 300,000 miles and more with only minimal costs for replacement parts. This generation also spawned a Lexus spinoff model, the LX 470.
1980-1989: 60 Series
The 4-door Toyota Land Cruiser 60 Series has a solid front axle and an inline 6-cylinder engine. Early versions also have aging technology, such as a manual choke. While popular with collectors and off-roaders, this version is still pretty old, and finding one in good condition may prove challenging.
See classic Toyota Land Cruiser models for sale near you.
Are Toyota Land Cruiser Vehicles Reliable?
The Land Cruiser is one of the most reliable full-size SUVs money can buy. While no used car purchase is guaranteed, the Land Cruiser’s reputation for durability, longevity, and low maintenance costs makes it one of the safer high-mileage vehicles one can buy. However, before purchasing any used car, we highly recommend taking it to an authorized Toyota dealer or mechanic for a thorough inspection.
Is It Hard to Find Parts for Older Land Cruiser Series?
Parts for Land Cruiser models from most years are pretty easy to come by. However, finding original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts will become more difficult as the years go by. This matters because part of the Land Cruiser’s near bulletproof reputation has to do with the quality and high design standards Toyota sets for the original parts. Some aftermarket or remanufactured parts may not hold up as long or as well, which is another reason you want a mechanic to check out your ride before buying.
Used Toyota Land Cruiser Model Years to Avoid
Besides everyday wear-and-tear issues, nothing really stands out as a major failing on seventh and eighth-generation models. Even 20-year-old Land Cruiser SUVs are still running strong. The Land Cruiser’s engine, transmission, transfer case, and 4WD systems are tough as nails.
The 2008-2013 Land Cruiser was included in the massive Toyota recall, which addressed unintended acceleration issues linked to a faulty accelerator pedal, but that’s about it.
The Land Cruiser years with the biggest red flags are the 1998-2007 Series 100 models. These are the years when rust issues arise. If you’re looking at one, just be sure to have a thorough inspection performed.
How Much Can a Toyota Land Cruiser Tow?
The 2024 and newer Land Cruiser is tow-rated up to 6,000 pounds. The 80 Series can tow up to 5,000 pounds. The 100 Series, with its V8 engine and more robust frame, can tow up to 6,500 pounds, while the 200 Series can tow up to 8,100 pounds.
What Kind of Gas Mileage Does the Land Cruiser Get?
The eighth-generation Land Cruiser is pretty efficient, rated at 22 mpg city/25 mpg hwy/23 mpg combined. The older V8-powered models are not as miserly. You can expect figures around 13 mpg city/18 mpg hwy/15 mpg combined for the seventh-generation Land Cruiser. The sixth-gen is even worse, at 12 mpg city/15 mpg hwy/13 mpg combined.
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