The Toyota Land Cruiser is practically an institution. It’s been serving customers worldwide in various forms for over 60 years, earning a well-deserved reputation for tenacious off-road capability, envious reliability, and some of the best resale values in its class. While the Land Cruiser has always been a rugged, go-anywhere truck, in the United States, we know it as a capable full-size SUV whose off-road ability is matched only by its luxury trappings and status symbol image. This is the Land Cruiser most Americans recognize, a luxury SUV that first arrived in 1980, so that’s where we will begin our generational review.
Toyota Land Cruiser Generations
Toyota Land Cruiser 250 Series (7th Generation: 2024 - Current)
Key Improvements: After a 3-year hiatus, the Land Cruiser returns to the U.S. slightly smaller than the previous generation but much more capable. Whereas the previous Land Cruiser could carry eight, the newest model limits occupancy to five. Under the hood, a new hybrid powertrain merges a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 326 horsepower. Four-wheel drive (4WD) comes standard, backed by some of the most sophisticated off-road technology known to Toyota. This equipment includes an electronically disconnecting front stabilizer bar, Crawl Control, a Multi-Terrain Monitor, and Multi-Terrain Select. Locking center and rear differentials round out the hardware. Towing is rated at 6,000 pounds. On the road, the Land Cruiser is equally at home, designed to deliver a smooth ride and competent handling, backed by a plethora of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing, a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic assist, road sign recognition, and Proactive Driving Assist. Among the many standard and available amenities are a power liftgate, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, a head-up display, and a digital instrument cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connect to an 8- or 12.3-inch touchscreen.
Toyota Land Cruiser 200 Series (6th Generation: 2008 - 2021)
Key Improvements: The fourth-generation Land Cruiser has one of the most prolonged runs in the series. Compared to the third generation, it is larger, heavier, and tuned more for highway use, although it still has all the necessary hardware to venture off-road. The 381-hp 5.7-liter V8 has 116 more horsepower than the previous 4.7-liter engine, with a max tow rating of 8,500 pounds. Sharing its platform with the Lexus LX 570, the fourth-generation Land Cruiser ups its interior game, offering 8-person seating. It does this via an unusual set of rear seats that can either fold flat or flip up to the sides, creating a level load floor. Underneath, there’s a new Kinetic Driving Suspension promoting better wheel articulation, Crawl Control, and a sonar system to alert the driver of objects near the vehicle but out of view. Much later in the fourth-gen Land Cruiser’s career, it picks up more advanced features like a touchscreen infotainment system, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and avoidance, and Multi-Terrain Select.
Model Updates: The 2010 Land Cruiser offers Toyota’s Safety Connect system, Bluetooth, and USB ports. For 2013, there are a host of upgrades, including new xenon headlights, a navigation system, perforated leather upholstery, and a color multi-information display. The 2016 Land Cruiser gets revised styling, a new 8-speed automatic transmission, and a wireless charging pad. Toyota’s Safety Sense-P driver-assistance suite offers forward collision warning and braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping, and automatic high beams.
Toyota Land Cruiser 100 Series (5th Generation: 1998 - 2007)
Key Improvements: The third-generation Land Cruiser begins the transformation to a more luxury-oriented SUV. The exterior is more rounded, but the A-pillars stay thin, a trait many off-roaders appreciate. A 265-hp V8 engine significantly ups power and towing ability. Modern tech like an adjustable suspension, self-leveling rear suspension, selectable rear-axle differential locker (1998-1999 only), an infrared night vision system, and a rear seat DVD entertainment are available, as are more luxury touches, such as leather seating, heated front seats, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, multi-zone automatic climate control, and a JBL audio system.
Toyota Land Cruiser 80 Series (4th Generation: 1990 - 1997)
Key Improvements: The second-generation Land Cruiser has a full-time 4-wheel-drive system and a more powerful 6-cylinder engine rated at 212 hp (1993 and on). Thin pillars all around make for outstanding outward visibility. Coil springs front and rear and modern safety systems like anti-lock brakes, airbags, and traction control arrive, as do more luxury options.
Toyota Land Cruiser 60 Series (3rd Generation: 1980 - 1989)
By modern standards, the first Land Cruiser seems rather primitive. Early versions have an anemic 6-cylinder engine, a manual transmission, a manual choke, and a rudimentary part-time 4-wheel-drive system with locking hubs — all great for off-roading but not the ideal family cruiser. Still, the first-gen Land Cruiser can seat up to eight people and has a comfortable and well-appointed interior. Later versions offer lots of luxury upgrades. After 1988, Toyota upgraded the Land Cruiser’s engine with fuel injection, added an automatic transmission, and revised the front end.
Toyota Land Cruiser Buying Tips
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How much does a Toyota Land Cruiser cost?
The average cost of a Toyota Land Cruiser ranges from roughly $13,000 for an 80 Series up to nearly $70,000 for a 250 Series.
Used Jeep Wrangler YJ Prices
- Toyota Land Cruiser 250 Series – $69,517 Average Price
- Toyota Land Cruiser 200 Series – $36,361 Average Price
- Toyota Land Cruiser 100 Series – $12,792 Average Price
- Toyota Land Cruiser 80 Series – $22,920 Average Price