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.

In 1951 Toyota introduced the Land Cruiser, a vehicle designed with go-anywhere capabilities. The Land Cruiser quickly earned a reputation for its reliability and for its ruggedness, having been the first vehicle to be driven to Mt. Fuji’s sixth hill station, a climb rising 2,500 meters. Since its introduction, it has conquered the Arctic (and Antarctic) wastes, traversed deserts, ploughed its way through tropical rain forests and generally taken the worst the world can throw at it in its stride. The Land Cruiser has also became a favorite among police fleets and militaries around the world and

After sixty years on the market, the Land Cruiser has evolved substantially. While it remains one of the toughest machines on four wheels, it has become increasingly sophisticated, mating strong off-road performance with unparalleled levels of luxury.

To celebrate this major milestone, Toyota will introduce two 60th anniversary models of the 2011 Land Cruiser. Unfortunately, both models are built for the UK only. But Land Cruiser fans can rest assured that the model available here in U.S. lives up to its safari-conquering spirit.

Powering this luxurious brute is a 5.7-liter DOHC V8 engine which produces 381 horsepower 401 lb-ft of torque. Ninety percent of peak torque is available at just 2,200 rpm, helping make the Land Cruiser an outstanding tow vehicle. This unit is also equipped with Toyota’s Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) system, which optimizes power, fuel efficiency and emissions.

The 2011 Land Cruiser is features a range of systems designed to maximize ruggedness and durability in extreme driving conditions. This includes Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) which enhances both on-road handling response and off-highway capability. Unlike more car-like crossovers, the Land Cruiser is equipped with a lightweight, compact transfer case which provides full-time four-wheel drive with a low-range for traversing challenging driving surfaces, such as steep inclines. Traction control (TRAC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Crawl Control, and Downhill Assist Control (DAC), and make helps make traversing difficult terrain easier, and safer.

Inside, the latest generation Land Cruiser comes luxuriously equipped, with standard features that include rear privacy glass, a JBL premium audio system with in-dash six-disc CD changer and 14 speakers; Smart Key keyless entry with push-button start that allows the driver to unlock or start the vehicle by carrying the key; anti-theft security system; engine immobilizer; cruise control; power moonroof; auto-dimming rearview and side mirrors; HomeLink®; steering wheel-mounted audio; heated, power front seats with driver’s memory; and power tilt and telescopic steering column with memory. Other features include Toyota’s advanced Safety Connect telematics system, which dispatches emergency responders in the event of a collision and provides a range of other useful features.

The Toyota Land Cruiser continues to be a unique package backed by an iconic history. The latest model retains the characteristics that have made it a legend, but it also boasts the comfort and technology that will ensure its everlasting popularity.

Although our roads and highways are filled with SUVs, few have the same reputation and appeal as the Toyota Land Cruiser. As an SUV moniker that has been around for decades, the Toyota Land Cruiser has always been capable, rugged, and reliable. But following the 1980s, Land Cruisers have added the reputation of also being luxurious and aptly suited for a broader range of consumers, not just those needing a heavy-duty off roader. While more recent Toyota Land Cruisers still hold on to incredible off-road capabilities, the latest generation Land Cruiser is by far the most luxurious yet, offering buyers a unique heritage and cache that few sport utilities can match.

While many sport utilities have forgone the truck-based construction in favor of a car-like unibody design, the Toyota Land Cruiser has retained its body-on-frame chassis.  Despite its rugged underpinning, consumers among Toyota dealers San Juan Capistrano have found that the interior cabin is packed to the gills with luxury, technology, and surprising comfort. From the four-zone climate control system, to the 14-speaker audio system, to the elegant wood trim, the interior of the Land Cruiser will surely impress. Powered by a 5.7-liter 381 horsepower V8 and featuring low-range gears, crawl control, and a Dynamic Suspension System, Los Angeles Toyota is confident that the Land Cruiser will be equally impressive off road as well.

Combining unmatched off-road capabilities with ultra luxurious accommodations, the Toyota Land Cruiser is certainly the total package. With each new generation, technology and performance have been improved, and a car dealership Santa Barbara says that the latest model is no exception. The lofty price of the Toyota Land Cruiser will keep many sport utility buyers away, but for those who are keeping the Land Cruiser on their shopping lists, they’re in for a SUV that is truly unlike any other.

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Read more Toyota car and truck reviews in the coming weeks.