2004 Toyota Land Cruiser: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

An optional rearview camera is the sole addition to this aged Japanese-built SUV. Land Cruiser is somewhat smaller but much costlier than Toyota's American-made Sequoia. The Lexus LX 470 is a more-luxurious version of the Land Cruiser. A V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive with low-range gearing are standard. So are ABS, antiskid/traction control, power tilt/telescopic steering column, and 3-row seating for eight. Front torso side airbags are optional, but include head-protecting curtain side airbags for the 1st- and 2nd-row occupants. Also optional are 18-inch wheels (vs. standard 17s), rear DVD entertainment, and a navigation system that shows DVDs on its in-dash screen with the transmission in Park; a CD changer is included. The new video camera, also included with the navigation system, displays a rear view on the navigation screen when Reverse is selected. Land Cruiser's performance and accommodations mirror those of comparable LX 470's.

COMPETITION

Luxury SUVs vary in size and type, but all offer higher standards of workmanship, comfort, refinement, and pricing than other SUVs, regardless of class. Our Best Buys are Acura MDX and Lexus RX 330. Both are extremely capable on-road and offer roomy interiors that feature quality workmanship and materials.

New to the Recommended list are the sporty Cadillac SRX and Infiniti FX. Both offer a choice of V6 or V8 engines and emphasize on-road handling over off-road utility.

Though somewhat trucky compared to the others, we Recommend the Toyota Land Cruiser. It has a V8, rugged body-on-frame chassis, and true off-road ability.