2019 Toyota Land Cruiser Review

Detailed Review

The first generation of Land Cruisers went on sale in 1951. Land Cruiser body options included convertible, hardtop, station wagon, and cab chassis. The Land Cruiser’s reliability and longevity have led to its global appeal as the best-selling body-on-frame four-wheel drive vehicle.

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

The station wagon series of Land Cruisers prioritizes comfort and interior space. It was designed as a four-wheel drive recreational vehicle capable of transporting an entire family. The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is the Toyota Land Cruiser’s smaller “light duty” variant. It differs from the full-size model.

In 1951, Toyota developed the BJ prototype. This was due to the high demand for military-style utility vehicles. The second generation Land Cruiser, known as the 20 series, was released in 1955. It had a more fashionable exterior and a more comfortable ride. For export objectives, it was designed to have a more civilian appeal than the BJ.

In 1960, the 20 series was renamed J40 and was replaced by the 40 series. The J50 series was released seven years later. It was the first Land Cruiser that had completely encased box frame members. From 1980 until 1990, the J60 series was manufactured. It is a four-door wagon with seating for five to eight persons. The 60 had numerous creature conveniences, such as air conditioning, a rear heater, and a newly designed interior.

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

The J100 Land Cruiser debuted in 1998 to replace the J80 series. The 100-series is divided into two models; the 100 and the 105. Although the two models appear to be identical, there are substantial variances beneath the skin. Despite their differences and official model names, the 100 and 105 are sometimes referred to collectively as the 100 series. The J100’s suspension system featured a combination of active height control and Toyota Electronic Modulated Suspension (TEMS).

The Lexus LX 470, also known in Japan as the Toyota Cygnus was based on the 100 series. The 100 series was still manufactured until late 2007, with minor improvements such as headlights, taillights, front grille, rear spoiler, and specification tweaks.

The J200 series replaced the 100 series in 2007, and it is still in production today. The 200 Series improved on the previous model in a variety of ways, including visual changes to the body and interior.

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

The J300 series debuted in 2021. The frame was altered to save weight while increasing rigidity on the body-on-frame platform. When compared to its predecessor, the vehicle’s overall weight was lowered by 200 kg. Other stated improvements include a lower center of gravity, better weight distribution, and a better suspension arrangement.

The 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser has only one engine option; a 5.7 L (Petrol) engine paired with an 8-speed automated transmission.

2019 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 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser is a roomy vehicle that can easily seat 8 people in a three-row arrangement. It has a well-outfitted interior with leather accents.

With reclining seats, the first row has ample legroom and headroom. The second row is also impressive, with enough space for knee and headroom. The third row of seats is only appropriate for children due to insufficient headroom and legroom.

Cabin Storage

The 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser is fitted with several storage compartments for keeping or holding various accessories.

The first row incorporates a large center console, a glove compartment box, two cup holders, and door pockets. In the second row, there are door pockets, jacket pockets, and two cup holders well positioned on the armrest.

Boot Space

The cargo space in the 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser is 16.1 cubic feet with the third row put up and expands to 43 cubic feet with the third row folded. When the second and third rows are folded, 81.7 cubic feet of space is created. It also features a split tailgate.

Exterior

The 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser has an aggressive and muscular look. In the front end sits a large chrome-accented grille with the traditional Toyota logo affixed on it to stamp its presence. On either side of the grille are LED headlights and daytime running lights which add a stylistic and modern look to this SUV. The lower fascia has a good approach and departure angles which allows it to tackle the off-road terrain effortlessly.

The side profile encompasses 19-inch alloy wheels with a bigger side wall to fit bigger tires. Running boards are also standard in all variants. The rear boasts a large split tailgate and LED tail lamps and turn signals.

A trailer hitch can also be spotted at the bottom of the bumper.

2019 Toyota Land Cruiser Safety Features

The 2019 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.

2019 Toyota Land Cruiser Fuel Consumption

2019 Toyota Land Cruiser 5.7 L petrol engine consumption- 6.2 km/l on average

2019 Toyota Land Cruiser Acceleration

2019 Toyota Land Cruiser 5.7 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 6.4 secs

2019 Toyota Land Cruiser Fuel Tank Capacity: 138 liters

Ground Clearance

The 2019 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 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

The refined V8 engine in the 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser has plenty of power to propel this massive SUV, and the vehicle’s powerful brakes slow it down with authority. For a huge SUV, the Land Cruiser offers pretty composed handling and a little body roll.

This SUV is built on a body-on-frame platform with an independent front suspension and a solid rear axle. When driven, a hydraulic suspension system with large sway bars keeps it from leaning too far into corners while delivering excellent wheel flexibility on uneven terrain.

It also has many trail-ready features, including a full-time four-wheel drive, low-speed crawl control with turn assist, and a locking limited-slip differential. The Multi-Terrain Select system lets you change the suspension to handle different terrain types like rock, mud, and sand. It also includes a multi-terrain monitor, which allows you to view beneath the car and navigate obstacles such as pebbles and bumps.

Reliability

Because of its above-average safety features and powerful drivetrains, the 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser is well-regarded as a dependable vehicle. It has an elevated suspension clearance, allowing it to easily navigate off-road terrain regardless of the weather.

This SUV, like any other vehicle, is not without challenges. Several owners have come forth to share their thoughts on this automobile. Among the most frequently mentioned issues are fuel pump failure and rough shifting. To avoid such problems, regular servicing and maintenance are essential.

Refer to the Toyota Land Cruiser buyer guide for a thorough dependability report. We also urge that you always follow the instructions in the owner’s manual.

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 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser

Plenty of power

Excellent visibility in all directions

Off-road capabilities

What we don’t

Poor fuel economy

Conclusion

The 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser has powerful drivetrains that let it traverse difficult off-road terrains, giving it an advantage over competitors. Folks with a bi household will find the Land Cruiser ideal owing to its spacious interior. However, its poor fuel economy and high purchase price might turn off individuals on a tight budget.