In 2019 Land Cruiser returns with a posh, feature-laden cabin with space for eight and is only offered in one trim level – fully equipped. The body-on-frame SUV retains the off-road DNA for which it is known the world over thanks to its full-time 4WD system and features like CRAWL Control and Multi-Terrain Select, and yet its on-road manners are smooth as ever thanks to its Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS).

Land Cruiser also comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P). TSS-P includes the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection function that uses millimetre-wave radar and a monocular camera sensor to detect a preceding pedestrian or a preceding vehicle, and can automatically apply braking if necessary to help mitigate or avoid collisions in certain conditions. TSS-P also includes Lane Departure Alert with Sway Warning System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Automatic High Beams.

Whether carrying a full load of passengers and their luggage or pulling a trailer, the body-on-frame Land Cruiser can easily handle the task with its 381-horsepower 5.7-liter DOHC V8 engine. Equipped with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), the aluminum V8 produces 401 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,600 rpm. Its 8-speed Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) features manual control when needed, such as when descending steep inclines.

The standard Trailer Towing Package equips it to pull a trailer up to 8,100 pounds. All the hardware needed for towing is standard, including an engine oil cooler, as well as a connector and sub-wiring harness for a trailer-brake controller. Trailer Sway Control uses Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) to help counteract trailer sway for a more relaxed towing experience.

The Land Cruiser’s rugged body-on-frame construction makes extensive use of high-strength steel – especially in the A-, B-, C-, and D-pillars, and rocker area – and provides a solid on-road driving feel. Offering the comfort of a luxury sedan, the Land Cruiser is always ready and able to tackle off-pavement exploring and trail driving in out-of-the-way places.

A key to the Land Cruiser’s off-pavement competence is suspension articulation, facilitated by long wheel travel. It’s aided by the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), which hydraulically adjusts the lean resistance provided by the stabilizer bars, reducing it for off-road driving to help minimize any tendency for wheel lift.

On pavement, where stabilizer bar function is beneficial for agility and safe control, KDSS enables the bars’ ability to work conventionally to help reduce body lean by as much as 50 per cent. The system operates hydraulically, without the need for complex electronics. Skid plates help to protect the front suspension, radiator, fuel tank, and transfer case.

The Land Cruiser’s full-time 4WD system uses a TORSEN limited-slip locking centre differential to distribute torque 40:60 front-to-rear.

Land Cruiser’s 2-speed transfer case with low-range doesn’t work alone to handle steep inclines and difficult trails, as the Land Cruiser’s Multi-terrain Select system allows the driver to match wheel slip control to the surface and driving conditions. In loose terrain, such as mud and sand, Multi-terrain Select allows more-than-normal wheel slip to help the Land Cruiser keep moving without digging itself in.

Looking for a luxurious and capable SUV that can take you anywhere and keep you safe while doing it? Click the TEST DRIVE button below and treat yourself to a complete tour and road test of one of the most iconic SUV’s in history – the 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser.