2017 Toyota Land Cruiser Review

Detailed Review

The first generation of Land Cruisers began production in 1951. The Land Cruiser was available in convertible, hardtop, station wagon, and cab chassis body designs. Because of its best-selling body-on-frame four-wheel drive vehicle, the Land Cruiser’s dependability and longevity have led to its enormous appeal globally.

Toyota classified the Land Cruiser into three series. The ‘heavy-duty’ series is the most basic, prioritizing practicality, durability, and off-road capabilities over comfort or technology. Toyota’s ‘heavy-duty’ models include the BJ, FJ, 20, 40, and 70 series.

The Land Cruiser’s’station Waggon series places a greater focus on comfort and internal space. It was designed as a four-wheel drive recreational vehicle with enough space to transport an entire family. The Land Cruiser Prado is the Toyota Land Cruiser’s smaller “light duty” variant. It has a different design from the full-size model.

The Toyota BJ prototype was developed in 1951. This was due to the high demand for military-style utility vehicles. The second generation Land Cruiser, designated 20 series, was introduced in 1955. It had a more fashionable body and a smoother ride. For export purposes, it was designed to have a more civilian appeal than the BJ.

The 20 series was updated to the now 40 series, designated J40, in 1960. The J50 series was released seven years later. It was the first Land Cruiser with box frame members that were completely encased. From 1980 until 1990, the J60 series was manufactured. It’s a four-door wagon with seating for five to eight passengers. The 60 had numerous creature amenities such as air conditioning, a rear heater, and an updated interior.

The J70 made its debut to the public in 1984. To improve the ride quality, it incorporated a four-wheel coil spring solid-axle suspension. In 1990, the Land Cruiser J80 series was introduced. This entry-level model was later improved with cloth upholstery, standard air conditioning, and a motorized driver seat.

The 100 series Land Cruiser, designated J100, debuted in 1998 as a replacement for the J80 series. The 100-series is divided into two models; the 100 and the 105. The two variants appear identical, yet there are substantial variations behind the bodywork. Despite their variances and official model names, the 100 and 105 are often referred to conjointly as the 100 series. The J100 received a suspension system that combined active height control and Toyota Electronic Modulated Suspension (TEMS).

The Lexus LX 470, offered in Japan as the Toyota Cygnus was based on the 100 series. The 100 series was still manufactured until late 2007, with modest facelifts such as headlights, taillights, front grille, rear spoiler, and specification revisions introduced over the years.

The J200 series replaced the 100 series in 2007 and is still in production today. The 200 Series had various enhancements and improvements over its predecessor, including visual changes to the body and interior.

Toyota released an improved facelift version of the J200 Land Cruiser in 2015. The new model features a new 8-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission paired with the original 5.7 L V8 petrol engine, larger front disc brakes, and a higher axle ratio.

The J300 series debuted in 2021. The frame itself was altered to save weight and boost rigidity on the body-on-frame platform. When compared to its predecessor, the vehicle’s total weight was lowered by 200 kg. Other purported improvements include a lower center of gravity, better weight distribution, and an improved suspension structure.

The 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser has only one engine option: a 5.7 L (Petrol) engine paired with an 8-speed automated transmission.

2017 Toyota Land Cruiser Grades

1. Land Cruiser AX- This entry grade comes with adaptive cruise control, a keyless start, a digital signal processor, an Audio theft deterrent, a Real-Time traffic display, 1 LCD monitor in the front and 2 LCD row monitors in the rear, and a rear entertainment system.
2. Land Cruiser AX G – This grade comes with a panoramic sunroof, power windows, Bluetooth connectivity, an anti-lock braking system, an LCD monitor, a reverse camera, and power mirrors.
3. Land Cruiser GX- This grade features power door locks, heated mirrors, driver-illuminated vanity mirrors, a premium sound system, and smart device integration.
4. Land Cruiser ZX- This grade comes equipped with a real-time traffic display, a keyless entry, an electronic tailgate, a central door lock, an AM/FM Radio, and an anti-lock braking system.

Interior

Legroom & Space

The Toyota Land Cruiser 2017 has eight seats in three rows, with standard leather upholstery. The front seats are extremely comfortable, with ample head and legroom. The second-row slides forward to provide third-row passengers more legroom, or it can be moved back to give second-row passengers more legroom. Surprisingly, despite its massive size, the Land Cruiser’s cramped third-row seats are best reserved for children.

Cabin Storage

The 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser boasts several storage compartments that can be used to keep or hold items such as beverages, soft drinks, keys, and other things.

The first row incorporates a center console, a glovebox compartment, door panels, and two cupholders. The second row has jacket pockets & door pockets, and two cupholders located on the armrest. The third-row passengers have also access to a storage compartment.

Boot Space

The 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser has 16.1 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row upright, expanding to 43 cubic feet with the third row folded. 81.7 cubic feet of space is created with both the second and third rows folded. It also has a split tailgate.

Exterior

The Toyota Land Cruiser 2017 is a commanding SUV with powerful and aggressive styling. The front end comprises LED low and high beams, as well as LED daytime running lights. The refinement of this SUV is highlighted by a wide grille with chrome highlights and the Toyota Logo which helps it to assert its dominance wherever it goes.

Its side profile has 18-inch alloy wheels and running boards that help people board and exit the vehicle. Roof rails the panoramic sunroof enhance the aesthetics of the Land Cruiser. A roof spoiler has been fitted on this SUV to add some sporty appearance to it and also improve the aerodynamics. The tail lights are LED, with halogen turn signals and reverse lights. A single-tip exhaust and a trailer hitch are located on the lower bumper.

2017 Toyota Land Cruiser Safety Features

The 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser features SRS Airbags, Curtain airbags, DCS and TCS, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Pre-crash Safety System, Radar Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, Pedestrian Warning, Lane Departure Alert, Frontal Collision Warning, Automatic High Beam, Run Flat tires, Active Roll Stabilization, and Electronic Damping Control.

2017 Toyota Land Cruiser Fuel Consumption

2017 Toyota Land Cruiser 5.7 L petrol engine consumption- 6.4 km/l on average

2017 Toyota Land Cruiser Acceleration

2017 Toyota Land Cruiser 5.7 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 6.7 secs

2017 Toyota Land Cruiser Fuel Tank Capacity: 138 liters

Ground Clearance

The 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser has a ground clearance of 8.9 inches.

Service Intervals

Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil.

Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil.

Spare Parts and Availability

Spare parts for the Toyota Land Cruiser V8 are much more affordable compared to the Range Rover and the Nissan Patrol. In the long term, it’s the cheaper car to own. On average, body parts and sensors are expensive and some are not readily available in the market. Service parts are well-priced and available in all major towns across the country.

Stability And Handling

Despite its length and width, the 2017 Land Cruiser rides surprisingly well. It has fine steering that allows you to drive accurately and easily on and off the road.

The Land Cruiser’s high-mount double-wishbone suspension, with a hollow stabilizer bar and coil springs, is designed for robust off-roading while maintaining road control. The multi-link suspension design with a lateral link in the rear enhances handling on bumpy ground.

The transmission works in tandem with the engine, delivering power on time. Crawl Control, Off-Road Turn Assist, and Downhill Assist Control (DAC) all aid in maintaining stability and steadiness on shaky off-road terrain.

Reliability

The 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser is regarded as a trustworthy vehicle because of Toyota’s longevity in automotive manufacture, which allowed for modifications, re-designs, and refinements. However, based on feedback from 2017 Land Cruiser buyers, high oil usage in this SUV is extremely common. Regular maintenance and service are essential to maximize the full potential of this SUV.

Resale Value: Good

Toyota Land Cruiser Competitors:  Land Rover Range Rover, Lexus LX 570, Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, Nissan Patrol, and Mercedes Benz GLS.

What we like about the 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser

Towing capacity is higher than the average

Plenty of power

Formidable off-road abilities

Elegant interior

What we don’t

Cumbersome folding third-row

Dismal fuel economy

Conclusion

The 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser combines a luxurious and spacious cabin, outstanding towing capacity, off-road prowess, and above-average safety features into one package which is ideal for folks with larger families and those who want to put their driving talents to the test in difficult terrains. It is also not cheap to purchase and maintain, but the long-term benefits are immense. Its poluence makes it to be used in ferrying VIPs which is another source of income for those in the transport industry.