2016 Toyota Land Cruiser FIRST LOOK

2016 Toyota Land Cruiser FIRST LOOK by Auto Critic Steve Hammes

The rarest, priciest and most venerable Toyota model is the Land Cruiser. Sold in the U.S. since 1957, the Land Cruiser has matured over the decades into the brand’s ultimate-luxury SUV with a price tag commensurate with its lofty position.  Priced from near $85,000, the refreshed 2016 Land Cruiser receives a new 8-speed automatic transmission replacing the previous 6-speed, and is bestowed with a new body from the A-pillar forward, a reworked rear design and new 18” wheels.

New driver assist technologies include features designed to help prevent or mitigate collisions and even help protect pedestrians in certain collisions.  It’s called Toyota Safety Sense-P and it includes Frontal Collision Mitigation and Avoidance at speeds below 24mph, Lane Departure Alert, Auto High Beams and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.  A new Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert come with the standard backup cam.  Entune is also upgraded to include Siri Eyes Free for iPhone users and Qi wireless phone charging – not for iPhone users.  Dual 10” screens now come with the standard Rear-Seat Entertainment System.

This big, brawny yet luxurious 8-seat off-roader continues to be powered by a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8, while the new 8-speed enhances acceleration and real world fuel economy.  The EPA keeps its official estimates unchanged, at 13mpg city/18mpg highway.  It can tow up to 8,100 pounds and is backed by a full-time 4-wheel drive system with every electronic trick the company has to assist in confidently navigating off-road terrain.

Just one example is Off-Road Turn Assist that tightens the turning radius by applying slight brake pressure to the inside rear wheel, creating a pivot effect – quite helpful in tight quarters.  A trick suspension plays both roles of a plush pavement goer and serious trail tackler.  Ordering a 2016 Land Cruiser is easy; it comes in 1 fully equipped version with no factory options – just choose your colors.