2021 Toyota Land Cruiser Base

The Toyota Land Cruiser has a legendary resume as an off-roader, but the current model comes across as more luxurious than adventurous. Still, this large two- or three-row SUV continues to be sturdily built and hugely capable. While it's not as opulent as its corporate counterpart, the Lexus LX, the Land Cruiser has been outfitted with a plethora of upscale features in an attempt to justify its towering sticker price. We're not particularly impressed by the big Toyota's interior trappings, but we do like that it's equipped with serious, trail-ready equipment such as a two-speed transfer case and a locking center differential. Its standard 381-hp V-8 engine isn't particularly special, and it's certainly not fuel efficient, but it moves the rig with authority. The 2021 Land Cruiser lacks the prestige of equally expensive metal, but it's a lot more capable than most of them out in the boondocks—something to think about for those few buyers who will actually venture there. For 2021, the Land Cruiser carries over mostly unchanged. The only update is that the Heritage Edition can now be optioned with a third row of seats. The top-of-the-line model is also now available in Classic Silver and Magnetic Gray metallic paint colors. The Land Cruiser will not return for the 2022 model year but could re-emerge in the future with a more modern design, updated technology, and a more luxurious cabin. The Land Cruiser is incredibly capable, but it's also incredibly expensive, especially when compared with other large non-luxury SUVs. Still, if we were to spend the money on Toyota's grandest three-row SUV, we'd opt for the snazzier Heritage Edition. It comes standard with myriad desirable features that include a 14-speaker JBL audio system and a camera system than has multiple views for navigating obstacles. Every Land Cruiser also has standard four-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, leather-trimmed upholstery, a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and wireless charging. The Heritage Edition comes exclusively with a unique grille design and rooftop rack, bronze 18-inch BBS wheels, and dark exterior accents. The 2021 model now has a third-row option, which we'd choose to maximize the number of people we can bring with when we explore parts unknown. The Land Cruiser is powered by a 5.7-liter V-8 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup generates 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. Full-time four-wheel drive is standard. With a ride quality that's smooth and well-planted, the Land Cruiser delivers comfortable driving dynamics. Its steering feel is light, however, and there's a fair amount of body roll. Rival SUVs in this price range offer handling that's more rewarding. In spite of its beefy exterior, the Land Cruiser is relatively quick off the line. It's also capable of towing up to 8100 pounds, which is substantial but still slightly lower than some rivals, such as the Chevy Tahoe and Ford Expedition. As far as the Land Cruiser's cabin is concerned, it's all about the execution, and there's an impressive attention to detail at play. While the cabin isn't as visually opulent as that of rivals such as the Mercedes GLS-class, it's home to top-rate materials. Build quality is excellent, and knobs and switches move with a weightiness that conveys quality. The front row provides comfortable accommodations and commanding sightlines. There's lots of room in the second row, but the third row is best suited for kids. With the standard eight-person seating setup, the Land Cruiser provides 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and 41 cubic feet behind the second. There's more cargo space in competing models like the Lincoln Navigator, which provides about 20 cubic feet of room for your belongings behind its third row. This Toyota's mammoth dimensions take a toll on its fuel economy. According to the EPA, the Land Cruiser achieves gas mileage of just 13 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway. You'll do better with rivals such as the Lincoln Navigator (up to 16/22 mpg city/highway) and Mercedes-Benz GLS-class (19/23 mpg city/highway). The Land Cruiser we tested earned 17 mpg on our real-world 200-mile highway route.