All 2021 Land Cruisers include a 381-horsepower, 5.7L V8 engine, connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4-wheel drive. The engine produces 90 percent of its peak torque below 2,200 rpm, making it ideal for both rock-crawling as well as around-town errands. The included class-3 towing equipment and a special oil cooler enables the Land Cruiser to tow up to 8,100 lbs.
While towing and off-roading are primary missions of the Land Cruiser, most buyers will likely do some serious family hauling. The venerable and popular 5.7L V8 is designed to run on regular fuel and a tall 6th gear ratio maximizes highway fuel economy.
With body-on-frame construction combined with a 3-stage crash structure, the Land Cruiser combines the stout durability of a truck with the safety of modern occupant protection. The high-mount double-wishbone suspension of the Land Cruiser includes a hollow stabilizer bar and coil springs, is configured for tough off-roading while optimizing control on the road. In the rear end, a multi-link suspension setup with a lateral link helps cornering over choppy surfaces. Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), allows more wheel articulation during off-roading yet helps keep cornering flat on the road.
Meanwhile, the Land Cruiser's dual-range transfer case with its Torsen limited-slip locking center differential lets the Land Cruiser distribute 60 percent of engine power to the rear wheels during ordinary driving, yet can send more power to whichever wheels could utilize it the best. Crawl Control and an Off-Road Turn Assist and Downhill Assist Control (DAC) help maintain stability and steadiness over precarious off-road surfaces. Variable-ratio power steering helps maneuverability off-road. A Multi-terrain Select system lets the driver dial in enough wheel slip to suit the type of terrain-- pavement, snow, sand or mud.
Considering the Land Cruiser's off-road capability, it's surprisingly nimble on-road. While the Land Cruiser's size can make parking a challenge, it more than makes up for it with uncommon ease on the freeway.
Interior comfort is superb. The Cruiser's two front bucket seats are generously sized, while the 3-across seat in the second road is adult-sized. At the far back, there's more room for up to three. The second row adjusts fore and aft to optimize space.
The Land Cruiser comes with keyless entry, push-button start, a power moonroof, cruise control, a universal garage-door opener, steering-wheel audio controls, power front seats, a navigation system, a cooled storage box and heated front and rear seats. A JBL premium sound system is standard and comes equipped with Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and audio streaming, HD Radio, Sirius satellite radio, USB/iPod connectivity and 14 speakers with a subwoofer. Toyota's Entune is standard, a system that uses the navigation system's 9-inch touch screen to provide an entertainment and information systems interface.
With such a comprehensive standard equipment list the Land Cruiser doesn't need a long options list. Options include a rear-seat entertainment system for the base trim and third-row seating for the Heritage Edition.
For 2021 the Heritage Edition rides on bronze 18-inch forged aluminum BBS wheels, much of the exterior chrome along with the running boards have been deleted for a more purposeful look. The trim has a dark chrome grill and dark finishes on the exterior, and a rooftop rack. Inside, the Heritage Edition comes with black leather seating with contrasting bronze stitching, along with utilitarian all-weather cargo mat.
