Toyota Land Cruiser

Toyota’s premium SUV Land Cruiser may not be a very popular option in its price range, but with the latest dose of updates bestowed on the SUV, it certainly has increased chance of being noticed amid rivals. Talking broadly of the tweaks, revisions made are confined to cosmetic changes inside out and a couple of additional safety equipment. Mechanically, the SUV remains untouched, hence featuring the same 4.5 litre, V8 diesel engine.
Externally, the SUV has been revivified subtly, however nothing concrete on that front. Majority of the tweaks are made to the front profile which features a redesigned radiator grille with three chrome bars and chrome surround. Head light set is new as well and even the bumper in front has been modified. Fog lamp housings feature chrome inserts, bonnet is also altered a tad adding to the masculine identity of the SUV. Rear features couple of changes such as restyled tail lights. Changes made are extended to cabin as well; revised dashboard and centre console are among the most prominent tweaks rendered to the interiors.
Instrument cluster has also been redesigned, featuring multi-information display larger than before. Centre console also gets a relatively larger infotainment screen and bigger air-con vents on either side of the screen highlighted by chrome surround. Other interior tweaks include a new steering wheel and a centre head rest in the third row. Pricing is high, that said, considering the price bracket it falls in there are many other options that may give the vehicle a very stern competition.

Land Cruiser 200 has the innate muscularity which is synonymous to a sports utility vehicle. The tall height and higher ground clearance gives the SUV a desired stance or rather it supports the outer styling that is done to make the vehicle appear macho. Front profile in particular is styled aggressively and that is also the highlight of the SUV’s design. Bumper is wide featuring an assertive radiator grille with three thick chrome bars and a thicker chrome surround that meets with the head lights. The automatic projector LED head light units are not very broad or gawky, Toyota has sculpted in well rendering the right thickness that looks well in proportion with the front grille. Lower portion of the bumper is painted in body colour and gets fog lamps finished with chrome. Bonnet is also wide and gets two prominent lines that add aggression. Side profile frankly is not very impressive; window frame design is too suave or rather boxy, the thin chrome line on the window belt looks sleek.

Electrochromatic wing mirrors can be adjusted electrically and get a heater and camera, moreover it also comes with memory function. Tyres also appear under weight, wheel arches are large but the space between wheels and arches is a bit too much seeking the attention of onlookers easily. Ten spoke redesigned alloy rims are entwined with all four tyres, most importantly they kind of make do for that awkward space left between wheels and the arches. Black roof rails atop are sporty but it does not have any functionality. Rear comes with LED combination lamps and integrated spoiler with high mount stop lamp. The vehicle also gets a moon roof. Front windshield gets rain sensing wipers and deicer, rear also gets a wiper and defogger.

Wheelbase measuring 2850 mm implies there is ample space inside, but considering that the cabin comes with three rows, the third row may not be as comfortable as the first and second. Occupants are greeted by the illuminated entry system as they step inside. Wooden finish ornamentation in the cabin looks plush and compliments the leather wrapped seat covers. In the front, powered seats with heater and AC are affixed; second row gets outer seats with heater and armrest featuring bottle holder & storage, fold and tumble.

Third row on the other hand comes equipped with space-up seats. Inside rear view mirror features auto dimming function. 12V power outlet is present in front, rear and third row features 220V AC. Sunvisor with vanity mirror and illumination is available along with subvisor. There is also an overhead storage console along with cooled console box. Power steering with variable gear ratio is equipped inside for the assistance of the driver. Steering wheel features mounted audio controls along with TEL, voice and MID controls.

Power is generated by the 4.5 litre, V8 1VD-FTV diesel engine churning out maximum power of 195 KW along with peak torque of 650 Nm. A six-speed automatic transmission is paired to the diesel powertrain. A full time all wheel drive system is also equipped in the vehicle.

Toyota has installed a number of features that enhances the off-road capability of the SUV and these are crawl control, multi terrain select with A-TRAC, multi terrain monitor (4 camera surround check), 2 gear start function, turn assist and engine under cover protector.

Fuel efficiency promised by the premium SUV is not something to look up to, ARAI certified fuel economy delivered by Toyota Land Cruise 200 is a meagre 9 kmpl.

Ventilated disc brakes are affixed up front and at rear for generating friction. Anti-lock-braking system along with electronic brakefoce distribution further bolsters the braking action. The SUV gets as many as 10 airbags including front dual airbags for driver & co-passenger, knee airbag, side and curtain airbags. Other preeminent safety fitments like hill start assist control, downhill assist control, vehicle stability control are also incorporated in the SUV. Al rows (first. Second and third) get ELR seat belts. Active head rests are fixed in front seats. Tire pressure monitoring system, immobiliser and power sires are some of the other safety fitments available on board.

The robust engine pulls the car with full force; massive tyres on both sides provide a good grip to the vehicle. The all wheel drive system along with other equipments mentioned above make it a capable off-roader. Moreover, the SUV runs in a controlled manner and is among one of the safest choices we have around. The adaptive dampers allow switching between different modes namely sport, standard and comfort. The SUV delivers better performance on highway than within city.

Toyota’s Land Cruiser 200 is a robust looking muscular SUV, cabin is lavish too featuring three-row layout. As compared to other SUVs in this range and specially the new contemporary ones, the SUV lacks plush features inside the cabin, however it is well equipped as far as safety features as concerned. The engine is robust but the transmission seems a bit dated as opposite the seven and eight speed auto boxes fitted in premium SUVs. Pricing is over the top and this is where Toyota may lose on other options in the segment.

In this price bracket, the SUV competes with Land Rover Range Rover which features a relatively lower displacing engine but has a more stylish semblance as compared to Cruiser’s macho stance. On the features front, Cruiser lacks the contemporary standard comfort & entertainment goodies which are available on Range Rover making it a more desirable option. However, in terms of performance, Land Cruiser outpaces Range Rover.