From its roots as a sport utility vehicle that put the emphasis on “utility,” the iconic Toyota Land Cruiser has branched out to build a reputation based on an equal mix of body-on-frame capabilities and best-in-the-game luxuries. And now, after more than 50 years of success in the U.S., the 2013 model year will bring significant enhancements to both sides of its ledger.
The changes start with a refreshed exterior design that puts a more sophisticated face on the Land Cruiser, with a new grille, HID headlamps, LED daytime running lamps and larger, revised front bumpers. Graceful, flowing character lines then bring that new look rearward, past refreshed side mirrors and distinctive chrome accents, to where a new tail-lamp design and rear fenders put the finishing touches on the Land Cruiser’s updated appearance. Inside, Toyota has dialed up the volume on the vehicle’s trim and accents, putting a higher gloss on its wood-grain finishes and brightening its silver instrument panel ornamentation and chrome-plated air registers.
There are plenty of new features on board, too, and all are standard; in fact, all features are now standard on the Land Cruiser, as Toyota continues to elevate the ownership experience in its big SUV. As a result, the spec list on the 2013 Land Cruiser will include:
- Toyota’s Entune multimedia system, with advanced voice-recognition technology, premium JBL speakers, hands-free calling, access to mobile apps like Pandora and iHeartRadio, an eight-inch touchscreen, Toyota’s HDD premium nav system, and an integrated rearview camera setup
- A new Multi-terrain Monitor that provides front, side and rear views of the areas immediately surrounding the Land Cruiser, simplifying life on the trail
- Toyota’s Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Heated front and second-row seats, along with a heated steering wheel
- One-touch fold-and-tumble second-row seating, for easy access to the Land Cruiser’s third row
- 28 air vents and a four-zone climate system with micro-dust and pollen filters
- A rear-seat DVD entertainment center
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Headlamp cleaners
- A center console “cooler” box
- 10 airbags—driver and front passenger dual-stage advanced airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, front- and second-row seat-mounted side airbags, and three-row roll-sensing side curtain airbags with a roll-sensing cutoff switch
Of course, Toyota also put equal effort into improving the Land Cruiser’s off-road performance. Still leveraging trail-enablers like its advanced Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, Torsen limited-slip locking differential, and approach/departure angles of 30/20 degrees, the vehicle will benefit from two new upgrades for the next model year: A Multi-terrain Select system and CRAWL Control with Off-Road Turn Assist.
The former lets drivers adjust the Land Cruiser’s wheel-slip control to match road (and off-road) conditions, improving performance in mud and sand, where some extra wheel spin can be a benefit. The latter provides five different settings to automatically control the Land Cruiser’s engine speed, output and braking force during particularly difficult off-road maneuvering, so the driver can concentrate on steering without having to worry about the brake or throttle.
Also packing a 5.7-liter, 381-hp V8 engine that makes 401 lb.-ft. of torque, the 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser roars into dealerships later this year.
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