Acceleration

Base	Class Average
5	5.4

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

Fuel Economy

Base	Class Average
2	2.5

No opportunity to measure. Land Cruiser uses regular-grade fuel; LX 470 requires premium.

Ride Quality

Base	Class Average
7	6.6

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	4

Fast turns induce body lean and slight tipsy feel. Simulated panic stops stable, relatively short for weighty SUVs, despite marked nosedive.

Quietness

Base	Class Average
8	6.7

Land Cruiser, LX 470 among the most refined large SUVs and quieter than some passenger cars. Smooth engine always hushed.

Controls

Base	Class Average
7	6

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. Toyota or Lexus, first-rate cabin materials and workmanship.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base	Class Average
8	8.3

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

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base	Class Average
8	7.1

Expansive and wide enough for comfortable three-adult seating in 2nd row. Third-row seat is just suitable for kids. Small door openings contribute to awkward entry/exit, especially for 3rd-row occupants.

Cargo Room

Base	Class Average
7	7.3

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
5	5.5

The Land Cruiser and its Lexus LX 470 cousin are premium SUVs all the way: capable off-road, comfortable on-road, beautifully built, lavishly equipped. They are expensive however, and they show their age, particularly in cargo versatility. The LX 470 offers Lexus's longer warranty and superior customer care, but Land Cruiser costs a bit less.

Total Score

Base	Class Average
60	59.4

Scores for all Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		42
Average Score		59
High Score		70