When you have a good thing

The saying goes many ways “if it’s not broke don’t fix it”, “don’t look a gift horse in the mouth”, and “don’t mess with a good thing” all of which simply mean when you have something that is working for you and giving you the results you want there is no reason to change it.  Toyota certainly knows that story well with their large SUV, the Land Cruiser.  Since its inception in 1957 the Land Cruiser has gone through many changes to upgrade technologies and capabilities, but it has stayed true to its roots of being a hardcore off road vehicle that can not only take you out in the wilderness, it now does so in luxurious style.

For the 2016 model year the Land Cruiser has been updated with a many changes, but still remains true to form.  A Toyota dealer tells us that the Land Cruiser adds new sheet metal, a refreshed styling, upgrades to the drive train, a new bumper, new grill, standard projector beam LED headlights, headlight cleaners, and integrated logos to give it the new look you want but it’s still an awesome beast of the trails.  Other new features include bulges on the hood for more airflow and power, new 18-inch alloy wheels, new taillights, LED brake lights and some new chrome molding on the new rear bumper.

The Land Cruiser of the past several models has not only been an off road junkie, but it rides on the road in style.  When you step into the cabin you can be greeted with some high end luxury controls and features.  The semi-aniline perforated leather seats which come in black or Terra brown is accented beautifully with the Deep Wood trim.  the center console is more user friendly than before with controls and features placed where you would expect them to be.

One interesting feature is the fact this SUV comes fully loaded on its only trim in 2016 and you can add some minor options such as the exterior and interior colors, but that is all.  Some of the awesome features you get, regardless of color include the Siri Eyes Free model, the new Qi wireless phone charging system, a heated steering wheel, steering wheel controls, dynamic radar cruise control, the Toyota Safety Sense-P system which features front collision avoidance and mitigation, lane departure warnings, automatic high beams and the dynamic radar cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alerts and a rearview camera.

The engine is a carryover from the previous model showing up as a 5.7-liter DOHC V8 that packs 381 horsepower and 401 lb.-ft. of torque.  This engine is attached to a new transmission which is an eight-speed automatic transmission, which replaced the outgoing six-speed version.  This is meant to increase acceleration and fuel efficiency and for those who want to shift on their own, there are paddle shifters that can be used.  The new fuel mileage shows up at 13 city/18 hwy mpg and the towing capacity of this beast is 8,500 pounds.  With the amazing suspension and hydraulics system that is in place, the Land Cruiser is able to handle sharp approach and departure angles when off the road, making it still one of the most capable vehicles to head out into the wilderness.

The suspension, chassis and steering can be adjusted with the Multi-Terrain Select system that can be adjusted for different terrains and driving conditions.  This not only gives you a fantastic SUV to drive off the road, but makes for an amazing driving experience on the road which is where most vehicles, including SUVs spend most of their time.

When you think of the Land Cruiser, no matter what generation you are front you think of a vehicle that is highly capable on and off the road.  Certainly the original versions were not the same luxury laden beauties of today, but the singular truth to this SUV has always been an ability to head off the road and be one of the most capable vehicles in the wilderness.  If this is what you are looking for, you must take a look at the Toyota Land Cruiser, its fully equipped style and amazing ride will make you say “yes” to bringing this beauty home.