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2006 Toyota Land Cruiser Full Review
Date Published: 11/23/08
2006 Toyota Land Cruiser Review
Land Cruiser gets more power for 2006. This SUV lends its design to the LX 470 from Toyota's luxury Lexus division. They share a V8 engine with 275 hp, a gain of 40 hp over 2005. Cruisers have a 5-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive with low-range gearing. ABS, an antiskid system, and three-row, eight-passenger seating are standard. Newly optional is the same suspension system used in LX 470; it offers driver-adjustable ride height and shock absorber firmness. Also optional are front side airbags with curtain side airbags covering the first two seating rows. Other options include DVD entertainment, and a navigation system with rearview camera.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Based on mainstream Large SUVs, Premium Large SUVs are really super-sized luxury liners. All are powerful, pricey, and extremely thirsty at the pump.

Our Best Buys is Toyota Land Cruiser. Our Recommended pick is Cadillac Escalade.
News
Though the future is still hazy for this thirsty slow-seller, record gas prices and slumping big-SUV demand make us think Land Cruiser will disappear after 2007, maybe sooner. That would allow Toyota to focus on its redesigned Sequoia SUV and a luxury JX version for Lexus division, both reportedly on for 2008. If the Land Cruiser does survive, it would probably be as a special Sequoia model.
2006 Toyota Land Cruiser Road Test
Pros Cons
Passenger and cargo room Fuel economy
Ride Entry/exit
Quietness Navigation-system controls
Build quality
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

Base Class Average
5 5.1

Despite having among the lowest horsepower ratings in this class, Land Cruiser and LX 470 furnish ample power from any speed. Powertrain always smooth and refined, even by car standards. Towing capacity is 6500 lb.

Fuel Economy

Base Class Average
2 2.1

No chance yet to measure with a 275-hp 2006 Land Cruiser or LX. But don't anticipate much difference from the test averages we got with their 235-hp predecessors: 11.8 mpg with LX, 12.5-13.1 with Land Cruisers. Toyota/Lexus recommend premium grade fuel for these SUVs.
Ride Quality

Base Class Average
7 5.8

Best combination of comfort and control comes with Land Cruiser's base suspension. Adaptive suspension system standard on LX 470, optional for Cruiser is ineffective. Its soft setting tends to increase wallow on wavy surfaces, its firm mode gives the jitters over bumps. The height-adjustment function has its uses, though.
Steering/Handling/Braking

Base Class Average
3 3.4

Fast turns induce expected body lean, slight tipsy feel. But the AWD and traction/antiskid control provide ever-sure grip. Simulated panic stops stable, relatively short for weighty SUVs, despite marked nosedive.
Quietness

Base Class Average
8 6.1

Land Cruiser, LX 470 among the most refined large SUVs and quieter than some passenger cars thanks to luxury-grade sound deadening and smooth engines.
Controls

Base Class Average
7 5.8

Land Cruiser, LX 470 share busy-looking dashboard design that nonetheless proves user friendly. Navigation system takes learning, however, and it complicates some audio adjustments and has fingerprint-prone touch screen. LX-exclusive Night View option works as advertised, but is helpful mainly in dark, low-traffic areas--and can be distracting. Lexus or Toyota, first-rate cabin materials and workmanship.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base Class Average
8 8.1

Plentiful space on wide, comfortable seats. High stance makes entry/exit awkward for shorter people, but running boards are standard on LX 470, available for Land Cruiser. Drivers have commanding views, though headrests are minor obstructions aft.
Room/Comfort (rear)

Base Class Average
8 7.2

Expansive and wide enough for comfortable three-adult seating in 2nd row. Third-row seat is just suitable for kids. Awkward entry/exit, especially for 3rd-row occupants.
Cargo Room

Base Class Average
9 8

Inefficient seat stowage betrays elderly basic Land Cruiser/LX 470 design. Space behind 3rd-row seats is tight. And even with those seats lifted and strapped against the sidewalls--a clumsy chore--there's still less room than in many newer rivals with easier-folding arrangements. Removing 3rd-row seats helps. Good 2nd-row passenger comfort demands thick seat cushions that eat up about 16 inches of luggage space when folded forward.
Value within Class

Base Class Average
9 4.9

Toyota or Lexus, these are premium SUVs all the way: capable off-road, comfortable on-road, beautifully built, lavishly equipped. The LX 470 offers Lexus's longer warranty and renown for superior customer care, but Land Cruiser costs a bit less. That clinches a Best Buy ribbon.

Total Score

Base Class Average
66 56.5
Scores for all Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
41
Average Score
56
High Score
66
2006 Toyota Land Cruiser Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/27/2006
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
4WD Base 4-door wagon $56,215 $49,188 $605
Price note: Prices are for vehicles distributed by Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. The dealer invoice and destination charge may be higher in areas served by independent distributors.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
4.7-liter V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, locking center differential, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Front and rear air conditioning w/front and rear automatic climate controls, interior air filter, rear heater, power steering, power tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated front bucket seats w/power lumbar support, 10-way power driver seat, 8-way power passenger seat, center console, cupholders, 2nd-row split folding seat, 3rd-row split folding seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, JBL AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, rear radio controls, power antenna, digital clock, tachometer, map lights, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage door opener, variable-intermittent wipers, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, rear defogger, rear variable-intermittent wiper/washer, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, rear privacy glass.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Front and rear tow hooks, skid plates, full-size spare tire, 275/60R18 tires, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Convenience Pkg.
Base
$1,461
$926
Dashboard inserts, glass-breakage sensor, hood protector, rear wind deflector, tow-hitch receiver, wheel locks.
Roof Rack Pkg.
Base
$565
$452
Includes running boards.
Preferred Premium Accessory Pkg.
Base
$345
$234
First-aid and emergency kits, cargo net and mat, floormats.
Safety
Front side airbags
Base
$650
$520
Includes front and 2nd-row curtain side airbags.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
Base
$3,350
$2,848
Includes DVD player, rearview camera, wireless cell phone link. Moves in-dash 6-disc CD changer to center console.
DVD entertainment system
Base
$2,097
$1,767
Satellite radio
Base
$486
$389
Requires monthly fee.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler
Base
$280
$224
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Tow-hitch receiver
Base
$379
$259
Adaptive variable suspension
Base
$1,620
$1,296
Includes height adjustment and load-leveling.
2006 Toyota Land Cruiser Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Toyota Land Cruiser 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 112.2
Overall Length, in. 192.5
Overall Width, in. 76.4
Overall Height, in. 73.2
Curb Weight, lbs. 5425
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 90.8
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 25.4
Seating Capacity 8
Front Head Room, in. 39.2
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 42.3
Rear Head Room, in. 39.1
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 34.3
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  dohc V8
Size, liters/cu. in. 4.7 /285
Horsepower @ rpm. 275 @ 5400
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 332 @ 3400
Availability Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
 
5-speed automatic 13/17
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Toyota Land Cruiser 4-door wagon
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain 5/60,000 For Highlander Hybrid, Prius: 5/60,000 on powertrain, 8/100,000 on hybrid components.
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion 5/unlimited --
Free roadside assistance None/-- Prius gets 3/36,000 Roadside Assistance.
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: Japan
Drivewheels: all-wheel drive
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