Overview

Few nameplates have as rich a history as the Toyota Land Cruiser. This full-sized sport-utility vehicle has its roots in the Japanese military, when its predecessor, the Toyota Jeep BJ, was developed. Since the Jeep name was already in use by the American manufacturer Willys (as a shortened form of G.P., or “general purpose” vehicle), Toyota began calling it the Land Cruiser by the time it was marketed to consumers. It was first offered to U.S. drivers in 1958, and it’s built a devoted following in the decades since.

As Toyota’s largest and highest-priced model, the Land Cruiser blends outstanding off-road capabilities with luxury elements and advanced technology. It’s an upscale adventure vehicle for those who want plenty of space and all of the comforts while still being able to climb over rocky terrain and maybe even cross a dusty desert. The 2021 model year might be the last for this beloved behemoth: Toyota has stated that it will discontinue its production after this run.

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Trims and Powertrain

The two versions of the 2021 Land Cruiser are the eight-passenger Base and the Heritage Edition, which is made as a five-seater but can be ordered with the third row of seating that comes standard in the Base. The Land Cruiser’s 381 horsepower (and 401 pounds-feet of torque) is made by a 5.7-liter V8. Its powertrain partner is an 8-speed automatic transmission, and a four-wheel drivetrain is standard. A properly equipped ’21 Land Cruiser can tow up to 8,100 pounds.

Standard and Optional Features

The Base is well appointed for equal parts convenience and trailblazing prowess. On the convenience and comfort side, there’s a power liftgate, automatic cabin temperature control (with four zones), wireless smartphone charging, perforated leather seats (heated and ventilated in front and heated in the second row), rain-sensing windshield wipers (with de-icer), a roof rack, running boards, automatic LED headlights and fog lights, heated auto-dimming side mirrors, and plenty of driver-assist technology. It’s made ready for off-roading with front and rear tow hooks, skid plates, mud guards, a trailer hitch with four- and seven-pin connectors, Toyota’s Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), a multi-terrain monitor, and Multi-Terrain Select with crawl control and off-road turn assist. Buyers can add a rear-seat entertainment system with dual 11.6-inch screens and two pairs of wireless headphones.

The Heritage Edition is not eligible for the rear-seat entertainment system, but it gets a series of upgrades, including a Yakima roof rack, 18-inch BBS-forged bronze wheels, a trim-specific grille and badging, dark chrome exterior accents, all-weather floor and cargo mats, and black interior trim with contrasting bronze stitching.

Safety and Technology

Both trims receive the Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) suite of driver-assist technologies, containing automatic high-beam headlights, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, and adaptive e radar cruise control. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert is included, too. For cabin connectivity, both trims are set up with an infotainment system that has integrated navigation, a JBL audio system, 14 speakers, and SiriusXM satellite radio. It can be controlled via the 9-inch touchscreen or advanced voice recognition.

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