Toyota Land Cruiser Reviews

With a tweaked Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series just around the corner and the next-gen 300 Series also expected here in the not-too-distant future, albeit with a smaller engine, does the current 200 Series represent your last chance to own a new V8 LandCruiser?

The Toyota Prado is a very popular all-purpose 4WD wagon, and seems to hold as much appeal to adventure-seeking suburban families as it does to remote-touring grey nomads who tow a 2.8-tonne caravan.More than most off-roaders, the Prado strikes a handy balance between being nice to drive and very practical and also a very capable 4WD.But it's been around for ages, so is it losing its edge?

The Land Cruiser Troop Carrier has been around for donkey's years - it's part of Toyota's legendary 70 Series range - but it was last refreshed in 2016 as part of the line-up's rejuvenation at the time. Its 4WDing heritage is undeniable and this tourer's status as a solid bush-tourer is further bolstered by Toyota's reputation for reliability.

Mark Oastler road tests and reviews the new Toyota LC78 LandCruiser TroopCarrier GXL with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

The LandCruiser has a long and proud history in this country. The big Toyota arrived here in the 1950s when it was put to good use on the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Project.  In some parts of the country there is simply no other vehicle that can compete with it.MODEL WATCHThe LandCruiser's 100 Series is larger overall than earlier models. Weighing in at around 2.5 tonnes, it is perfect for heavy towing but is heavy on fuel unless you purchse a diesel model.  The LandCruiser isn't as roomy as its exterior dimensions suggest it should be.The petrol engine choices consisted of a 4.5-litre double overhead camshaft 24-valve six which boasted 165kW peak power or a 4.6-litre double overhead camshaft 32-valve V8 which delivered 170kW of peak power.  If you chose the diesel route there was a 4.2-litre single overhead camshaft 12-valve six cylinder unit with 96kW, or after 2000 a 4.2-litre double overhead camshaft 24-valve turbocharged six which could belt out 151kW.There was a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed auto transmissions with high and low range four-wheel drive and high range two-wheel drive.  Toyota offered a multitude of model options, including the base wagon RV, GXL, GXV. The entry wagon was a six-seater with split rims, manual front hubs, hard wearing vinyl trim, power steering and basic two-speaker sound.Step up to the eight-seater RV and you drove home with styled wheels, cloth trim, central locking, full-time 4WD, centre diff lock, power mirrors, carpets and better sound.The GXL features included anti-lock brakes, power windows, cruise, CD sound, front airbags and remote central locking. Add the V8 engine, auto trans, velour trim, cut-pile carpet, power seat, auto air, alloy wheels and a CD stacker and you were driving a GXV.IN THE SHOPThe LandCruiser is bought by most people to work hard, so look for wear on the interior trim and general lack of care around the car like dings and dents on the body.  Inspect the underside of the vehicle for damage through offroad use. Look for sandblasting of the underbody from being driven on unsealed roads, if it's severe enough it can lead to rust in exposed steel panels.Also look for bashed and beaten underbody fittings, like brackets, fuel tanks, suspension components, even the underbody itself. Inspect all drive-line joints for broken seals that could have let water into the joints.  Check for a service record and have a specialist check done before purchase.Don't be surprised if fuel consumption is as high as 20L per 100km from the petrol engine models. Many owners convert their LandCruisers to dual-fuel to save money, but be careful as the cost of the more regular valve lash adjustments needed with LPG can rule out any cost saving.CRUNCH TIMEA recent used car survey rated the 100 Series significantly above average in protecting its occupants, but much worse for the impact on the occupants of what it hits.OWNER'S VIEWLes Wilkinson owns a 2000 Landcruiser 100 Series with the turbo diesel six and auto trans which has what appears to be backlash in the drive line.  Brian Montgomery has a low-kilometre 2001 100 Series LandCruiser which has a chassis squeak when driven over slightly uneven roads.TOYOTA LANDCRUISER 100 SERIES 1998-2002Check for signs of off-road abuseCheck drive line joints for broken sealsGood off-road capabilityLarge towing capacityVery thirsty petrol enginesHigh seating positionTough and reliableRating12/20 The big bruiser is still the king of the heavyweight four-wheel drives. It's great for towing, but its size also means regular stops at the petrol pump.

Toyota's LandCruiser 200 Series and the Nissan Patrol are two iconic and very effective 4WDs with massive reputations as top-notch towing wagons. But how do they fare, each towing almost three tonnes, in a one-on-one face-off on the road - and off of it?

Toyota's 70 Series Land Cruiser is unique in the Australian 4x4 market. With Mercedes-Benz's decision to cease local sales of its $120K G-Professional in 2019, the LC79 is now the only single-cab cab-chassis off-roader available with the unmatched strength, durability and off-road performance of 'old school' rigid axles front and rear.

The Toyota LandCruiser is a deadset off-roading legend, its reputation built on a lifetime of reliability, toughness, capability, not to mention the availability of Toyota parts Australia-wide.The 200 Series has been around for more than a decade and, until the 300 Series arrives here in about two years, it's your only option if you want to climb into a brand-new Cruiser.Toyota reckons the 200 is the “King off the road” so we took it into the bush to test that claim. Is the 200 actually still any good? Or does it now rely too much on technology, rather than old-school mechanicals?Read on.

I got a fair few comments driving the Prado this week. Mostly about the size. From, "Gosh it's big!" and "How can you park it?" to "I love big cars!" and "I can't stand big cars." It's a personal thing, right? You either want/need a large car or you don't. And you're clearly on this page because you do.

The Toyota Landcruiser 80 Series is one of Australia's most legendary 4WDs: bloody tough and very capable. Here's how to find your ultimate 80.