One of the most often asked questions that I get is “what would you buy, if you had to buy a car?”, my answer is always a Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series.
I really can’t name a vehicle that does as much as the big Toyota.
The only weak point is the pricing. For this particular variant (the Altitude), you’re looking at more than $93,000 and that’s just not going to happen for many Aussie families.
The bargain-basement GX starts from a bit over $77,000, the GXL is $88,500 and some change – both have the same engine/transmission etc. and might be an option for you if the budget won’t stretch to the Altitude.
External
It has a surprisingly good turning circle, and the big wing mirrors and reverse camera help you get it into parking spots.
Internal
I used the LandCruiser to take the kids to school and do a bit of running around in the suburbs, sure, it is a big vehicle, but that really high seating position and excellent visibility front, side and rear, make it a lot easier to drive than you might think.
Occasionally, you do have to search for a slightly bigger parking spot than you would for a small car, but 9 times out of 10 it fits.
There’s plenty of legroom front and rear – a mountain of cargo space (and there’s even some space if you’re using the third-row of seats).
All the controls are well-placed and there’s nothing too difficult about this vehicle at all.
Features
It has seating for eight people (comfortably), it can go just about anywhere (and further with a few mods), Japanese quality, it’s nice to drive, is a lovely tourer, powerful, surprisingly efficient (the diesel) and can tow 3,500kg (with ease).
I was a bit surprised to see that the Altitude didn’t have auto headlights – seems a big oversight in a car on the other side of ninety grand!
Drive and Engine
The best bit though is what’s under the bonnet – one of the best engines getting around – Toyota’s silky-smooth 4.4 litre turbo-diesel V8.
Giving you a hefty 200kW/650Nm it never feels under strain – and while the LandCruiser is no racing car, the power helps get the big Toyota keeping up easily with the traffic.
Around town you can expect to use around 12L/100km, though if you drive conservatively you can do better than that.
Safety
The Toyota LandCruiser comes with a five star ANCAP safety rating.
Good Bits
- Spacious with good legroom
- Efficient diesel engine
- Powerful and easy to drive
- Great visibility
- Good turning circle
Not So Good
- Hefty pricing
- No auto headlights
Facts and Figures: 2018 Toyota LandCruiser
- Engine: 4.4 litre turbo-diesel V8 200kW/650Nm
- Transmission: Six-speed auto
- Safety: Five stars
- Warranty: 3yrs/100,000km
- Origin: Japan
- Price: from $93,460
2018 Toyota LandCruiser Altitude
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Overall Rating
Summary
Big and beautiful and as I said the best all-rounder you can get, if you can find the dollars there are very few weaknesses in the 200 Series Toyota LandCruiser.
There will always be a place in my garage for one of these.
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