Powered by a fierce 5.7-liter DOHC 32-valve V8 engine, the 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser is a beast on the road. Paired up with a six-speed automatic transmission, it delivers 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This is a fulltime four-wheel drive sport utility vehicle that is capable of towing up to 8,500 pounds, when properly equipped. There is really not much it can’t handle, and that includes terrain and weather.
The independent double-wishbone suspension features a stabilizer bar and coil springs. Combine that with the four-link rear suspension and semi-floating axle, and you just know you are going to enjoy the ride.
While the ride may be smooth and acceleration impressive, you will feel this power at the pump in a huge way. Land Cruiser only returns 13 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway, which is pretty dreadful.
If you can get the past the horrible gas mileage, this is an SUV that is fun and easy to drive. Handling is quite responsive, and with its small 38-7-foot turning circle, parking is a breeze.
It is far too soon to expect to see any crash tests done on the 2013 Land Cruiser, if they get done at all. With a starting MSRP of $78,255, it is highly unlikely. This SUV features a total of 10 thoughtfully placed airbags, which includes rollover sensors in the side curtain ones. Other safety features you can expect to appreciate include:
• Active traction control
• Vehicle stability control
• Antilock brakes
• Emergency braking assist
• Smart stop technology
• Electronic brakeforce distribution
• Active headrests
• Front seatbelt pretensions
• Rear door safety locks
• Child seat anchors
• Tire pressure monitoring
• Head-impact protection structure
• Side-impact door beams
• Safety Connect®
• Pre-collision system
• Engine immobilizer
• Parking assist
• Hill start assist
The 2013 Land Cruiser is a rugged-looking vehicle that looks like it is made for the unbeaten path. It features the iconic Toyota grille in the front and an aerodynamic roof-mounted spoiler in the rear. Body colored bumpers, handles and mirrors give it a harmonious look while roof racks, privacy glass and 18-inch alloy wheels finish the look.
The interior is simpler than what you might expect for this price point, but some people prefer their cabin to not be so flashy. Comfortable leather seats offer fantastic back and thigh support, and considering it offers standard eight-passenger seating, other vehicles in this class may have a hard time competing.
The navigation system is placed in a central location, but some of the other controls do seem to be a bit crowded on the dash. This could pose a problem trying to find your way around while driving.
As long as you are not always using the third seat, you will be happy with cargo capacity in the Land Cruiser. Behind the rear seat there is only 16.1 cubic feet, but behind the front seats, you have a total of 81.7 cubic feet.