Toyota Land Cruiser V8 (2008 – 2015) Review

2020 Toyota Land Cruiser 2.8 D-4D Icon 5dr Auto 7 Seats

Toyota Land Cruiser
2.8 D-4D Icon 5dr Auto 7 Seats
£41,620

Toyota Land Cruiser V8 (2008 – 2015) At A Glance

Unstoppable off-road. Very highly kitted out as standard. Superbly engineered and robust.

More expensive new than a Range Rover and nowhere near as good. Doesn't feel very upmarket considering the price. Wallowy on the road. Generic looks inside and out.

Insurance Group 48

The flagship model of Toyota's range is the monstrous Land Cruiser V8 which replaced the indestructable Land Cruiser Amazon. It's built on a completely redesigned platform and is powered by a new 4.5-litre twin turbo D-4D V8 engine - hence the V8 name - which is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox.

The Land Cruiser badge has always been associated with well-built, tough and incredibly capable off roaders. In fact this is actually the eighth generation of the firms' longest-running model and its go anywhere attitude has proved popular across the world from African deserts to duties with the U.N.

With the Land Cruiser V8, Toyota has taken the formula and added improved safety, comfort and refinement as it aims to take on the might of premium rivals.

It also comes with seven seats as standard as well as a long list of standard kit. But what will first hit you is its sheer size - it has the road presence of a battleship which means you certainly won't miss this coming down the street. Unfortunately the generic looks don't do it many favours and it doesn't have the class of other big 4x4 like the Range Rover.

However, it's incredibly spacious on board and it's clear Toyota has attempted to create a sense of upmarket quality in the cabin - everything is well screwed together and all the controls are intuitive and easy to get on with. Sadly the rather haphazard positioning of some of the controls, plus the lacklustre grey trim, do it few favours. Considering the considerable price tag, you'd expect better, although it does come kitted out with every gadget you can imagine.

Where the Land Cruiser V8 does excel is off-road. It's pretty much unstoppable and will deal with genuinely tough and seemingly impassable terrain with pretty much no fuss. It may look more luxury, but this version is as capable as the Land Cruiser has always been. This doesn't translate to the road though, where it's bulky and cumbersome and not an enjoyable car to drive anywhere other than the motorway.

Reviews for Toyota Land Cruiser V8 (2008 – 2015)'s top 3 rivals

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

Supremely comfortable. Genuine seven-seater. Immensely competent on and off road. Very refined and luxurious....

Mitsubishi Shogun

A rugged hard-worker that can tow heavy loads without breaking sweat and conquer terrain that would faze...

Land Rover Range Rover

Vastly improved handling compared to the previous model, impeccable interior, as superb off road as always.

Toyota Land Cruiser V8 (2008 – 2015) handling and engines

Just one engine is available in the Land Cruiser V8 and it's a monster 4.5-litre D-4D powerplant which delivers a punchy 650Nm of torque peaking at just 1600rpm, giving it real shove away from a standstill. The 282bhp on tap means it's no slouch from 0-62mph either, taking 8.2 seconds which certainly feels fast enough behind the wheel, particularly when you realise it weighs more than two and a half tonnes.

Surprisingly, given all that torque, it's not as fast as you'd expect from 50-70mph, for instance when joining the motorway. The biggest criticism isn't the pace of the engine but how noisy it is. On start up it clatters into life and it's equally as vocal on the move too, so motorway cruising isn't as relaxing as it really should be.

The Land Cruiser's soft suspension set-up doesn't help either. Despite a new Adaptive Variable Suspension system, designed to give better ride comfort and a frame that's 40 per cent stiffer, the V8 never seems to settle down.

There's a variable suspension system with various modes, but none seem to work with the Land Cruiser very well. In comfort mode it wallows and floats while in the dynamic setting it patters over anything other than a completely smooth surface.

The vague steering is another letdown and there's precious little feel through the wheel. Along winding roads it's not very assured and often feels heavy and lumbering in comparison to other large 4x4s of this size. For all Toyota's claims that this is supposed to be a 4x4 that's as happy on the road as it is off it, it's pretty disappointing.

Off road there are no complaints though. The Land Cruiser V8 is an amazing machine that just seems to cope with every rock strewn road, slippery incline and muddy track with complete ease. It has 225mm of ground clearance and thanks to a Torsen torque-sensing limited slip centre differential along with a low ratio gearbox, it can deal with anything you can throw at it. Towing a horsebox across a wet grassy field is pretty much childs play.

Along with multi-terrain ABS - that can recognise any road surface and automatically switch to the appropriate braking control, it's also fitted with Hill-start assist control (HAC) and downhill assist control (DAC). Active Traction Control (A-TRC) is a system which maximises traction when the vehicle is in low ratio, giving the braking system stronger hydraulic pressure control.

Engine	MPG	0-62	CO₂
V8 4.5 D-4D	28–30 mpg	8.2–8.9 s	250–270 g/km

Toyota Land Cruiser V8 (2008 – 2015) interior

Boot space is 259–1267 litres

Dimensions
Length	4950 mm
Width	1970 mm
Height	1865 mm
Wheelbase	2850 mm
Full specifications

The cabin is very much focussed towards form and function, rather than style, but there's no denying the superb build quality and finish. However, it's all a bit button heavy and the centre console isn't well laid out with controls all over the place.

The same goes for the off-road controls which are scattered around. The main dash panel has switches for the downhill assist system and suspension settings but the diff lock is on a switch by the drivers' knee while the low range transfer dial is next to the engine start button.

Where it does make up for this is with the extra row of seats, allowing you to travel with six passengers on board. These rearmost seats offer decent space but unfortunately with them in place, boot capacity is cut to just 259 litres -pretty much pointless for anything aside from shopping bags.

Worse still, when stored they flip up against the sides of the boot, taking up precious luggage room. With fold flat systems prevalent on most seven seaters' you'd expected something more sophisticated from Toyota.

Getting to the back seats isn't easy either but there's better news for those in the middle row thanks to the superb legroom. It's equally as spacious up front and although the sumptuous seats lack support they are wonderfully comfortable.

The Land Cruiser is also incredibly well equipped with pretty much everything you can imagine included as standard. There's Bluetooth, leather upholstery, a reversing camera and sat nav - although annoyingly, as is the case with all Toyota and Lexus models, you can only programme it when stationary.

Standard equipment from launch (February 2008):

The Land Cruiser V8 comes in one single luxury specification and is equipped as standard with four-zone climate control air conditioning, independent dual zone rear air conditioning controls, cruise control, folding and heated electrochromatic door mirrors, keyless entry and start system, voice control for navigation and ventilation functions, a rear view monitor with park assist system, front and rear parking sensors, automatic wipers and lights, electric multi-adjustable heated front seats, 20-inch alloy wheels, a 40GB HDD full-map satellite navigation, Bluetooth, nine-speaker sound system with six-DVD autochanger and leather upholstery. A premium JBL audio system which includes iPod integration and ICE (in-car entertainment) pack with rear seat DVD monitors are available as options.

Toyota Land Cruiser V8 (2008 – 2015) models and specs

Dimensions
Length	4950 mm
Width	1970 mm
Height	1865 mm
Wheelbase	2850 mm

Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight	2555–2740 kg
Boot Space	259–1267 L
Warranty	5 years / 100000 miles
Servicing	10000 miles

Spare Wheel
Standard	Full-size spare wheel

Costs
List Price	£60,600–£65,980
Insurance Groups	48
Road Tax Bands	L–M
Official MPG	27.7–29.7 mpg

Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult	-
Child	-
Pedestrian	-
Overall	-

On sale until October 2015

SUV
Version	List Price	MPG	0-62
V8 5dr Auto	£65,715	29.7 mpg	8.9 s

On sale until January 2015

SUV
Version	List Price	MPG	0-62
V8 650 TPMS 5dr Auto	£65,980	29.7 mpg	8.9 s

On sale until October 2011

4 X 4
Version	List Price	MPG	0-62
V8 4.5 D-4D 5dr Auto	£60,600	27.7 mpg	8.2 s

February 2008

The Land Cruiser V8 replaced the Amazon and is the eighth generation of Toyota's Land Cruiser large-scale SUV. It remains true to its heritage in being a thoroughbred off-roader. It is also equipped with world-first technologies to ensure safety, comfort and secure handling both in the rough and on the open road.

It has a traditional body-on-frame construction, crucial to the vehicle's ability to tackle the toughest terrain. This tried and tested approach is matched by sophisticated handling, suspension and drivetrain systems that extend the off-road capabilities and enhance comfort and stability in normal driving. The Land Cruiser V8 is powered by a new 4.5-litre V8 D-4D engine. It is the first Toyota eight cylinder diesel engine and is equipped with common rail injection technology. The unit is the most powerful Toyota diesel yet, producing 282bhp and 650Nm of torque, available from just 1600rpm.

Thanks to its high efficiency, the engine has relatively low emissions and fuel consumption for this class, producing 270g/km of carbon dioxide and an official 27.7mpg in combined cycle driving. It is extremely tough, too, engineered to perform faultlessly in temperatures from -30 to +50°C. The V8 is matched to a new six-speed automatic transmission with a manual sequential gear selection mode. As befits a serious offroader, it incorporates low ratio gearing.

The Land Cruiser V8 is claimed to be one of the most technically advanced four-wheel drive vehicles ever produced and is equipped with a series of advanced dynamic and handling features. These include the world's first four-wheel Active Height Control and Adaptive Variable Suspension (4-Wheel AHC & AVS), a fully adjustable system that also provides spring rate control. Not only does this give exceptional performance off-road - wheel articulation is so great, the car can crawl over steps with a 630mm height difference without lifting a wheel off the ground - it regulates pitch and body roll on-road to maintain ride comfort and refinement.

The full-time all-wheel drive has a new transfer unit governing the distribution of torque between the front and rear axles, with a newly developed Torsen torque-sensing limited slip centre differential, which gives improved cornering performance and driving stability. The transfer shift system lets the driver move from H4 (high) gearing to L4 (low) gearing by means of a rotary switch on the dashboard, when the vehicle is moving at low speed (up to 3mph).

Occupants are protected by 14 airbags, including front knee airbags and curtain shield airbags along the entire length of the cabin. Active safety provisions include new multi-terrain ABS, which automatically adapts braking performance to suit the surface on which the vehicle is travelling. And to help minimise the consequences of an accident, a pre-crash safety system automatically tensions the driver and passenger front seatbelts when sensors detect a dangerous situation, such as the vehicle spinning or emergency braking.

January 2011

The Land Cruiser V8 60th Anniversary delivers an impressive package of performance, comfort and premium quality features full black leather upholstery, chrome exhaust finisher, chrome side trims and 60th Anniversary badging. Land Cruiser V8 60th Anniversary is priced at £61,950.

January 2012

Updated for 2012

Front styling changes of new over-size bumper with integrated fog lights and a new grille that pairs chrome and silver-finished vertical bars across its width. Approach angle not compromised. Headlamps reconfigured, incorporating LED daytime running lights and cylindrical high and low beam High Intensity Discharge xenon headlights. Turn indicators extend outwards, increasing their visibility to the side.

Thick new side protection mouldings with chrome detailing. Door mirrors now incorporate LED turn indicators and side view cameras linked to the new Multi-Terrain Monitor. New-design 20-inch alloy wheels. Rear light clusters redesigned with a new double-cylinder form. Turn indicators are more prominent and the reversing lights are relocated to be on a level with the licence plate trim. Power-saving LEDs are used for the rear lights.

A new, lighter interior colour scheme, matched with high-gloss wood grain trim elements and bright silver-finish details. Changes to dashboard include new audio panel, a piano black paint finish for some elements with bright silver-finish trim and chrome-plated details on the switchgear and air vents. Driver’s instrument binnacle has white Optitron dials that are backlit with blue illumination and a large, colour TFT multi-information display.

Perforated leather front seats gain cool air function in addition to built-in heaters, plus a position memory setting. Active headrests also introduced.

Centre rear 40:20:40 seats have new manual sliding mechanism allowing each section to be moved through a 90mm range. Outer seat headrests have been made larger for extra support and comfort, and the centre seat can be folded forward to create an armrest.

Revisions to the 4,461cc V8 turbodiesel engine ensure emissions comply with Euro 5. These include the a diesel particulate filter (DPF) and new G3 piezo injectors in the common rail injection system. Injection pressure of 200mPa delivers better throttle response as well as reducing emissions. The engine produces 286bhp (200kW) at 3,600rpm and maximum torque of 650Nm between 1,600 and 2,800rpm.

The 2012 Land Cruiser V8 Toyota has harnessed advanced technologies to extend its off road capabilities. These includes World-first Turn Assist, which works in conjunction with Land Cruiser V8’s Crawl Control function, plus Multi-terrain Select (MTS), Multi-terrain Monitor and Tyre Angle Display.

Crawl Control can be used when the vehicle transmission is in L4 and speed is below 15mph (25km/h) – on its own or in conjunction with the MTS. It helps the driver to make a slow, controlled descent or climb on steep slopes, or help free the vehicle should it become stranded. The system has been developed so that it now offers a choice of five vehicle speed settings. An independent, switchable Turn Assist function has been added to Crawl Control to help drivers execute very tight turns without having to reverse mid-bend. Operating at speeds below 6mph (10km/h), it reacts to the driver’s steering inputs, braking the rear wheel on the same side of the vehicle as the direction of turn. The wheel braking force automatically increases with the steering angle, reducing the vehicle’s turning radius.

Multi-terrain Select (MTS) automatically modifies the throttle, braking and traction control to suit off-road conditions and deliver the best possible traction and vehicle control. MTS offers a choice of five terrain modes: Mud and Sand; Loose Rock; Mogul; Rock; and Dirt and Rock. The new Multi-terrain Monitor automatically displays a view of the vehicle’s immediate surroundings on the multi-information screen. In any of the five modes, the centre and rear differentials can be locked to gain maximum traction.

The Multi-terrain Monitor works in conjunction with the MTS, displaying images from four external cameras on the multi-information screen. It gives a comprehensive view of the area immediately around the vehicle when driving off-road (forward or reverse), helping the driver spot and avoid hazards that might otherwise be obscured. The cameras are positioned front and rear and on the left and right door mirrors. The display can be adjusted to show single or combined front and/or side views. When the shift lever is moved to reverse, the display automatically switches to the rear view.

The front camera uses a wide angle lens to show the widest possible forward view, bringing blind spots such as the area immediately in front of the bonnet into sight. The monitor also shows additional front and side view information, including the view range of the cameras and the location of obstacles detected by the clearance sonar. The display also shows the front and rear tyre contact points; guidelines indicating the predicted path of the front tyres; and parallel vehicle width and length lines to help the driver judge distances and avoid obstacles.

The 2012 Land Cruiser V8 is equipped with a new Tyre Angle Display, which compliments the predicted tyre path guidelines presented on the Multi-terrain Monitor. The system can be launched via the multi-information switch when MTS is activated. Guidelines linked to the steering angle are projected in real time on the display; moving through seven steps, they show the driver changes in steering angle between zero and 45 degrees.

Hydraulic power steering gains a new Variable Flow Control, which provides direct response and feel when travelling at cruising speed, and easy operation when manoeuvring at parking speeds. A unique, dedicated off-road setting delivers a constant level of steering assistance, helping the driver accurately assess the level of tyre grip in all conditions.

Land Cruiser V8 will adopt Toyota Touch Pro, which uses a high-resolution, eight-inch touch screen interface with a home screen display showing the most relevant navigation, audio and air conditioning information. With a choice of 20 menu and guidance languages, it provides pan-European navigation, plus a range of advanced features including automatic map zoom at intersections, 3D city modelling and landmark graphics, and an on-line points of interest search function.

Toyota Land Cruiser V8 230.2mph

May 2017

2,000HP Toyota Land Cruiser driven by Toyota NASCAR racing driver Carl Edwards clocked 230.2mph on 2.5 mile runway at the Mojave Air and Space Port in California