2011 Toyota Land Cruiser Reviews, Pricing & Specs

For those who enjoy wallowing in leather and listening to kickin’ tunes while careening from mountaintop to river valley, the 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser is just the ticket. This full-size, four-wheel-drive (4WD) SUV, traditionally known for its off-road prowess, comes in only one well-equipped and costly Base trim level, seats eight in three rows, and totes only 82 cubic feet of cargo, with the not-quite-fold-flat rear seats folded. This beast had a few new electronics added for 2010, but is expected to remain pretty much unchanged for 2011 – including its gluttonous appetite for fuel.

Vehicles such as the Highlander, and its nearest competitor, the Range Rover, are designed for safari use and seem somewhat out of place at the toll booth or the drive-thru. A hefty trailer towing capacity, however, seems to justify this maxed-out ATV in the minds of many, and there’s no doubt that a host of standard appearance features and creature comforts will make for a comfy and stylish overland journey. Standard skid plates and liberal use of underbody panels complements standard Crawl Control, which, in more severe off-road conditions, allows the driver to concentrate on steering through electronic control of acceleration and braking. Additionally, the standard Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) hydraulically adjusts front and rear stabilizer bars to help smooth out the ride, on- and off-road.

Only the 5.7-liter V8 engine is available in the 2011 Land Cruiser. A six-speed auto-manual transmission, with brake hill holder and descent control, allows the hefty V8 to pound out 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque, while the full-time AWD is micro-managed by a locking, center-mounted limited-slip differential, manual hi-lo gear selection, and auto-locking hubs. Towing capacity is a whopping 8,500 pounds, though mileage is estimated at a woeful 13/18 mpg.

Standard appearance, comfort, and convenience amenities in the 2011 Land Cruiser are plentiful if not downright luxurious. Outside, this battlewagon sports a trailer hitch and wiring, roof rack, power sunroof, 18-inch alloy wheels, power-retractable, reverse-tilting exterior mirrors, and step running boards. Inside, the beat goes on with leather upholstery, heated, power adjustable front bucket seats, reclining second-row seating, power windows, door locks, and heated outside mirrors, and a 605-watt JBL audio system with 6-CD changer and 14 speakers. Rounding out the list, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel mounts audio and cruise controls, and keyless ignition, universal remote garage door opener, four-zone climate control, leather and chrome accents, memory for driver's settings, Bluetooth hands-free communications, and a USB connection do their best to pamper driver and passengers.

Options are delivered in two main packages, the Upgrade Package with touch-screen DVD navigation, rear-view camera, rear-seat DVD entertainment, heated second-row seats, and wood-grain steering wheel and shifter inserts, and the Navigation System, which includes only the DVD navigation system and throws in XM satellite NavTraffic updating. Additionally, a color-keyed rear spoiler is a stand-alone option.

Toyota’s recently introduced Safety Connect telecommunications safety service allows owners of the 2011 Land Cruiser access to automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle location, an emergency assistance button, and roadside assistance. This highly touted, standard safety addition complements standard four-wheel disc ABS, traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, dual front knee airbags, three-row head airbags, front-seat whiplash protection system, remote anti-theft alarm, rear parking sensors, daytime running lights, front fog/driving lights, and pre- and post-collision safety systems.

The go-anywhere Land Cruiser for 2010 is panned by some owners for its poor fuel efficiency, awkwardly folding third-row seat, ponderous driving feel, and its stratospheric sticker price. Toyota reliability, however, as well as a brawny build, plethora of standard features, prodigious towing capability, near-unbeatable off-road prowess, and a spacious cabin keep most owners satisfied with their choice of this big ‘ute.