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Best Toyota Land Cruiser Years to Buy Used

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 powertrain.
  • The Land Cruiser has an enviable reputation for reliability and strong resale value.


The Toyota Land Cruiser is a vehicle that defines its segment and is known as one of the most reliable, capable SUVs around. It can be a great choice if you’re looking for a used SUV with legitimate ruggedness, but even with its stellar reputation, some Land Cruiser years are better than others. Older models have larger engines that struggle with fuel economy, while the newest models use a turbocharged 4-cylinder hybrid powertrain that is more complex.

We’ve broken down the Land Cruiser’s long history and generational updates in this overview. We’ll help you determine which Land Cruiser year best fits your needs and wants, so let’s get rolling. 

What Is the Best Model-Year Used Toyota Land Cruiser?

The newest Land Cruiser offers the most desirable tech features, the most robust safety equipment, and the most advanced drivetrain tech, but it’s only a few years old, making it hard to find a used example at a reasonable price. Unlike its predecessor, the eighth-generation Land Cruiser has a hybrid powertrain with a 4-cylinder engine and better fuel economy, at up to 23 mpg combined. 

The earlier seventh-generation Land Cruiser lacks some modern conveniences, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but it’s extremely spacious, durable, and capable off-road. It sports a powerful V8 engine, which isn’t the best on fuel, but it can tow far more than the new model, with 8,000 pounds of capacity versus 6,000 pounds for the current model.

Older Land Cruiser models are fantastic off-roaders, and their relative simplicity can make them easier to fix for DIY mechanics. That said, parts for some years can be difficult to find and expensive, and many older model years suffer from rust issues. Get a thorough pre-purchase inspection to ensure you’re buying an SUV that will stand the test of time.

See Toyota Land Cruiser models for sale near you.

Toyota Land Cruiser by Generation: Which Should You Buy? 

Eighth Generation: 2024-Current 

2026 Toyota Land Cruiser on a dirt path.

Credit: Toyota

2025 Toyota Land Cruiser — Specifications

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Specification Toyota Land Cruiser
1958 Land Cruiser
Engine
Type, Materials i-FORCE MAX 2.4-liter 4-cylinder Hybrid Turbocharged, DOHC 16-Valve, D-4S Fuel Injection
Displacement 2,393 cc
Bore x Stroke 87.5 x 99.5 mm
Compression Ratio 11:1
Horsepower 326 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque 465 lb-ft @ 1,700 rpm
Ignition System DIS (Direct) with iridium-tipped spark plugs
Fuel System D-4ST direct injection and port injection
Recommended Fuel 91-octane or higher
Fuel Economy (EPA est. city / hwy / combined mpg)
i-FORCE MAX Hybrid 22 / 25 / 23
Drivetrain
Layout 4×4 front engine with full-time four-wheel drive
Transmission Type i-FORCE MAX w/ 8-speed AT
Gear Ratios (1st–8th, Reverse) 4.41 / 2.80 / 1.95 / 1.51 / 1.27 / 1.00 / 0.79 / 0.65, Reverse 3.64
4×4 Transfer Case Ratio (High/Low) 1.00:1 / 2.57:1
Final Drive Ratio 3.583
Chassis & Body
Front Suspension Independent double-wishbone with stabilizer bar and twin-tube shock absorbers
Rear Suspension (coil) Multi-link with coil springs and outboard-mounted twin-tube shock absorbers
Ground Clearance 8.7 in.
Steering Type Electronic Power Steering (EPS); power-assisted rack-and-pinion
Turns (Lock-to-Lock) 3.25 turns
Turning Radius 20 ft.
Approach / Departure / Breakover Angles 32° / 22° / 23°
Wheels & Tires
Wheel Type, Material & Tire Size 18-in. dark gray metallic alloy wheels w/ 245/70R18 tires 18-in. matte-gray alloy wheels w/ 265/70R18 tires
Brake System
Front Ventilated disc, 12.4 in.
Rear Ventilated disc, 12.3 in.
Parking Brake Type Electronic
Exterior Dimensions
Wheelbase 112.2 in.
Overall Length 193.8 in.
Overall Width 77.9 in.
Overall Height 76.1 in.
Interior Dimensions (front / rear, in.)
Seating Capacity 5
Headroom 40.1 / 39.4
Legroom 43.0 / 36.7
Shoulder Room 58.8 / 59.2
Hip Room 55.4 / 57.0
Cargo Volume (behind 1st / 2nd row, cu. ft.) 46.2 / 82.2
Weights, Towing & Fluids
Curb Weight 5,037.5 lb.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) 6,725 lb.
Maximum Towing Weight (SAE J2807) 6,000 lb.
Fuel Capacity 17.9 gal.
Engine Oil 5.6 qt. (with filter)
Pricing
MSRP $56,700* $61,470*
Basic Limited Warranty Coverage
Comprehensive 3-year / 36,000-mile
Powertrain 5-year / 60,000-mile
Corrosion Perforation 5-year / unlimited-mileage
ToyotaCare® Complimentary factory-scheduled maintenance for 2 years or 25,000 miles (whichever comes first), plus 24/7 roadside assistance

Source: 2025 Land Cruiser Product Information document (Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.).

2025 Toyota Land Cruiser — Notable Features

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S = Standard  ·  O = Optional  ·  P = Package  ·  — = Not Available

Feature Toyota Land Cruiser
1958 Land Cruiser
Exterior
Circular LED headlights S—
Rectangular headlights —S
Integrated LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) SS
Front LED integrated fog lights S—
Rigid Industries® LED color-selectable fog lights —S
Illuminated entry —P
Second-row and cargo-area LED illumination SS
18-in. dark gray metallic alloy wheels w/ 245/70R18 S—
18-in. matte-gray alloy wheels w/ 265/70R18 —S
18-in. matte-black alloy wheels w/ 265/70R18 ——
20-in. gray alloy wheels w/ 265/60R20 —O
Front and rear frame-mounted tow hooks SS
Front skid plate w/ engine, transmission & transfer case protection SS
Rock rails ——
First Edition front skid plate w/ engine, transmission & transfer case protection (First Edition-exclusive) ——
Illuminated running boards —P
Roof rails —S
Roof rails with cargo basket ——
Front and rear heavy-duty mudguards ——
Power open/close rear door liftgate —S
Black “TOYOTA” heritage grille SS
Rain-sensing variable intermittent windshield wipers & intermittent rear wiper SS
Privacy glass on rear side, quarter & liftgate windows SS
Smart Key System (all doors & liftgate) w/ Push Button Start, remote keyless entry & remote illuminated entry SS
Interior
7-in. digital meter w/ selectable gauge displays, fuel economy, Driver Assist, trip info & warnings S—
12.3-in. digital meter w/ selectable gauge displays, fuel economy, Driver Assist, trip info & warnings —S
Enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM) w/ selectable front, side or rear views —S
Head-Up Display (HUD) —P
Fabric-trimmed seats; 6-way manual driver’s seat, 4-way manual passenger seat w/ seatback pocket S—
SofTex®-trimmed seats; 8-way power driver’s seat w/ lumbar, 6-way manual passenger seat —S
Leather-trimmed seats; 8-way power driver’s seat w/ lumbar, 6-way manual passenger seat (First Edition-exclusive) ——
Manual cushion-length adjuster —P
Driver’s-seat memory function —S
Heated front seats S—
Heated and ventilated front seats —S
Console cool box —P
Manual tilt/telescopic steering wheel w/ TOYOTA badge S—
Power tilt/telescopic steering wheel w/ TOYOTA badge —S
Three-zone automatic climate control w/ separate 2nd-row panel & individual temp settings SS
Leather-trimmed shift lever SS
Auto-dimming rearview mirror w/ compass & HomeLink® universal transceiver SS
Power windows w/ one-touch auto up/down & jam protection (all positions) SS
Power door locks w/ shift-linked automatic lock/unlock SS
Center console 12V outlet & rear cargo-area 120V AC outlet SS
Qi-compatible wireless charging —P
Eight cup and bottle holders SS
Six USB ports SS
Power tilt/slide moonroof w/ power sunshade —O
2400W AC inverter SS
All-weather floor liners and cargo mats —S
Audio System
8-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen, 6-speaker, wireless Android Auto™/Apple CarPlay®, SiriusXM® 3-mo. trial S—
12.3-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen, 10-speaker, wireless Android Auto™/Apple CarPlay®, SiriusXM® 3-mo. trial —S
12.3-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen, 14-speaker Premium JBL® Audio, wireless Android Auto™/Apple CarPlay®, SiriusXM® 3-mo. trial OP
Options & Packages
Land Cruiser Premium Package — 14-spkr. JBL® Premium Audio, illuminated entry, Digital Key, power moonroof w/ power sunshade, console cool box, digital rearview mirror, Qi wireless charging, leather-trimmed memory/power driver’s seat, HUD, Lane Keep Assist (LCA), Front Cross-Traffic Alert (FCTA), Traffic Jam Assist (req. Drive Connect trial/subscription, 1-yr. trial incl.; 4G network dependent) —P
Power tilt/slide moonroof with power sunshade —O
20-in. Alloy Wheels —O
Exterior Colors (availability not split by grade in source)
Black S
Meteor Shower S
Ice Cap S
Underground S
Trail Dust / Grayscape O (Two-Tone Paint, +$350)
Heritage Blue / Grayscape O (Two-Tone Paint, +$350)
Wind Chill Pearl O (Premium Paint, +$425)

Source: 2025 Land Cruiser Product Information document (Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.).

Model-Year Changes:

2026: Minor feature updates, wireless charging became standard.
2025: No significant changes.

See 2024-to-current Toyota Land Cruiser models for sale near you.

Seventh Generation: 2008-2021

2021 Toyota Land Cruiser

Credit: Toyota

The 2015 Toyota Land Cruiser is a full-size SUV sold in the U.S. as a single, fully-equipped trim within the 200 Series generation (2008–2021). It is powered by a 5.7-liter DOHC 32-valve V8 producing 381 horsepower and 401 lb.-ft. of torque, paired with a 6-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system with Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) and a Torsen limited-slip center differential. Standard off-road technology includes the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), 5-Speed Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select. Maximum towing capacity is 8,200 pounds, seating capacity is 8, and maximum cargo volume is 81.7 cubic feet with the second- and third-row seats folded. This specifications table covers engine, drivetrain, suspension, steering, brakes, dimensions, off-highway capability, weights, towing, tires, and EPA-estimated mileage for the 2015 Toyota Land Cruiser.

2015 Toyota Land Cruiser — Specifications

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Specification 2015 Toyota Land Cruiser
Engine
Powertrain 5.7L DOHC 32-Valve V8 with Dual Independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i)
Output 381 hp @ 5,600 rpm / 401 lb.-ft. @ 3,600 rpm
Emission Rating Ultra Low Emission Vehicle II (ULEV-II)
Transmission & Drivetrain
Transmission 6-speed Electronically Controlled automatic Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i); sequential shift mode; uphill/downhill shift logic
Drive System Full-time 4WD with Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) and Torsen® limited-slip center differential with locking feature
Body & Suspension
Body Construction Unitized steel body on 10-member high-tensile steel ladder frame
Front Suspension Independent double-wishbone with coil springs and stabilizer bar
Rear Suspension 4-link with coil springs, stabilizer bar, and semi-floating axle
Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) Standard
Steering & Brakes
Steering Vehicle speed-sensing, variable gear ratio, power-assisted rack-and-pinion
Turning Circle (curb-to-curb) 38.7 ft.
Brakes Power-assisted 4-piston front / 2-piston rear ventilated disc brakes with hydraulic brake booster and Star Safety System™
Exterior Dimensions
Overall Height 74.0 in.
Overall Width 77.6 in.
Overall Length 194.9 in.
Wheelbase 112.2 in.
Track (Front / Rear) 64.6 in. / 64.4 in.
Interior Dimensions (front / 2nd-row / 3rd-row seats, in.)
Head Room 38.3 / 38.9 / 35.8
Shoulder Room 61.0 / 61.1 / 62.3
Hip Room 59.4 / 58.6 / 56.6
Leg Room 42.9 / 34.4 / 28.3
Off-Highway
Approach / Departure / Breakover Angles 30° / 20° / 21°
Ground Clearance 8.9 in.
5-Speed Crawl Control (CRAWL) w/ Off-Road Turn Assist (OTA) Standard
Multi-Terrain Select Standard
Ratios
Front & Rear Differential Ratio 3.909
Transfer Case Ratios (High / Low) 1.0:1 / 2.618:1
Weights & Capacities
Curb Weight 5,765 lb.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) 7,275 lb.
Cargo Volume (behind front / 2nd-row / 3rd-row seats) 81.7 / 43.0 / 16.1 cu. ft.
Fuel Tank 24.6 gal.
Seating Capacity 8
Towing
Integrated Towing Receiver Hitch & Wiring Harness Standard (4/7-pin connectors)
Towing Capacity 8,200 lb.
Tires
Tire Type Mud-and-Snow-rated steel-belted radials
Spare Full-size, alloy wheel, mounted underbody
Mileage Estimates (EPA, mpg city/highway)
5.7L V8 13 / 18

Source: 2015 Toyota Land Cruiser brochure (Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.). Specifications are for the 2015 model year and may vary with equipment and options; figures may differ across other years of the 200 Series (2008–2021).

Towing capacity figures assume a properly equipped base vehicle plus driver; the weight of passengers, cargo, and additional equipment will reduce the maximum trailer weight a specific vehicle can tow. Fuel economy figures are EPA estimates provided for comparison only; actual mileage will vary. See your Toyota dealer for additional details.

Notable features of the 2015 Toyota Land Cruiser, sold in the U.S. as a single, fully-equipped 200 Series trim. Highlights include the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), full-time 4WD with Active Traction Control and a Torsen locking center differential, Multi-Terrain Select, and 5-Speed Crawl Control for off-road capability. Standard comfort and technology features include perforated leather heated and ventilated front seats, a leather-trimmed heated steering wheel, four-zone automatic climate control, Premium HDD Navigation with Entune App Suite, a 14-speaker JBL Synthesis audio system, and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. Standard safety equipment includes the Star Safety System, ten airbags, the Pre-Collision System, Safety Connect, and a Tire Pressure Monitor System. This table shows which notable features are standard, optional, or packaged on the 2015 Land Cruiser.

2015 Toyota Land Cruiser — Notable Features

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S = Standard  ·  O = Optional  ·  P = Package  ·  — = Not Available

Feature 2015 Toyota Land Cruiser
Mechanical & Performance
Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) S
Full-time 4WD w/ A-TRAC & Torsen® locking center differential S
Multi-Terrain Select (5 modes) S
5-Speed Crawl Control (CRAWL) w/ Off-Road Turn Assist (OTA) S
Multi-Terrain 4-Wheel ABS w/ Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) S
Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) S
Trailer-Sway Control (TSC) S
Exterior
Projector-beam HID headlights w/ auto level control & headlight cleaners S
LED accent lighting & LED tail/stoplights S
Power tilt/slide moonroof w/ one-touch open/close S
Rain-sensing windshield wipers w/ de-icer S
18-in. 5-spoke alloy wheels S
Roof rack, running boards & front/rear tow hooks S
Blizzard Pearl exterior paint O (extra-cost color)
Interior & Comfort
Perforated leather, multi-stage heated & ventilated front seats S
40/20/40 split, sliding, reclining, heated 2nd-row seat S
50/50 split fold-down 3rd-row seat S
Leather-trimmed, heated, power tilt/telescopic steering wheel S
Four-zone automatic climate control (28 vents) S
Center console cooler box S
8-passenger seating S
Technology & Infotainment
Premium HDD Navigation w/ Entune® App Suite & integrated backup camera S
JBL® Synthesis 14-speaker audio system S
Rear-seat DVD entertainment system (9-in. display) S
Bluetooth® wireless technology & USB/iPod® connectivity S
Multi-Terrain Monitor (front/side/rear camera views) S
Smart Key System w/ Push Button Start S
Safety & Security
Star Safety System™ (VSC, A-TRAC, ABS, EBD, BA & SST) S
Ten airbags incl. driver/front knee & all-row side curtain S
Pre-Collision System (PCS) S
Safety Connect® (24/7 call center; 1-yr. complimentary trial) S
Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) S
Front & rear Parking Assist Sonar S
LATCH child-seat anchors (2nd row) S

Source: 2015 Toyota Land Cruiser brochure (Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.). S = Standard, O = Optional, P = Package, — = Not Available. This is a curated set of notable and differentiating features drawn from the brochure’s “Features” list and Combinations page, not the complete factory equipment matrix. The 2015 Land Cruiser did not offer trim-based or package-based configuration the way multi-trim vehicles do; nearly all listed equipment is standard.

Availability and standard/optional status reflect the 2015 model year and may differ from other years within the 200 Series (2008–2021). See your Toyota dealer or the window label for exact equipment on a specific vehicle.

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 automatic 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 did not offer a 2012 model-year Land Cruiser in the U.S.
2011: No significant changes.
2010: Toyota Safety Connect, Bluetooth, and a USB port join the show.
2009: The Land Cruiser gains side privacy glass.

Are Toyota Land Cruiser Vehicles Reliable? 

The Toyota Land Cruiser has set the bar for SUV reliability, but it’s important to remember that the performance of used vehicles depends heavily on the level of care and attention they received under the previous owner. We recommend getting a pre-purchase inspection from a Toyota dealer or reputable mechanic before buying. A few dollars spent up front can save you thousands down the road if an issue is brewing beneath the surface.

Is It Hard to Find Parts for Older Land Cruiser Series? 

Parts availability, even for older models, has remained strong. That said, finding original Toyota parts can become more difficult as vehicles age. The aftermarket offers replacement parts, but Toyota’s original manufacturing quality is hard to beat. 

Used Toyota Land Cruiser Model Years to Avoid 

The seventh- and eighth-generation Land Cruiser SUVs are generally solid, without one model year that stands out as an obvious one to avoid. Rust is the biggest problem with older seventh-generation models, especially those that have lived in the snowier parts of the country.

Older models, especially the 1998-2007 100 Series Land Cruiser, are more prone to rust than their later counterparts. Some surface rust might not be a problem, but structural and penetrating rust can lead to big issues, making it even more important to get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

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 more than 8,000 pounds, depending on model year.

What Kind of Gas Mileage Does the Land Cruiser Get?

The eighth-generation Land Cruiser is relatively 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.

RELATED: Best Years to Buy a Toyota Sequoia

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