2001 Toyota Land Cruiser: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Somewhat smaller but much costlier than Toyota's big new Sequoia SUV, Land Cruiser is the basis for the Lexus LX 470 at Toyota's luxury division. Both share a basic body, chassis, V8 engine, automatic transmission, all-wheel drive with low-range gearing, ABS, and standard traction control/antiskid system. New for 2001 is an available navigation system with 6-disc CD changer and a DVD map drive that can play movies on an in-dash screen, though only with the transmission in Park. Land Cruiser also gets a standard auto-dimming inside mirror. Unlike the American-built Sequoia, Land Cruiser and LX 470 are made in Japan, do not offer a rear-wheel drive version, and lack side and curtain airbags.

COMPETITION

Though this segment has cooled somewhat with the rise in fuel prices, it's still one of the hottest. Our Best Buys include the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, and GMC Yukon. We love the size, comfort, and power of these big SUVs. The GM models get the nod in overall ratings, but shop and compare both before you buy.

For a few more bucks you can get the Recommended Toyota Land Cruiser. Its high price is the only thing holding back this refined and drivable SUV.