2021 Toyota Land Cruiser Review

Name: 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser Review
Brand: Toyota
Price: 64856 USD

Toyota Land Cruiser Heritage Edition 4dr SUV Exterior

+104

When people say an SUV can do it all, they usually mean it does most things, and they ignore the ability to tow 8,200 pounds or the off-road prowess to conquer real trails. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of the few old-school SUVs that can do more than most and in fairly good comfort, but it makes compromises in some areas.

The Land Cruiser's suspension and traction control system can eke out grip on loose trails, and its V8 engine is responsive and hums quietly on the highway. But its main weaknesses are its small third row and cargo area and lack of modern infotainment tech and smartphone connectivity.

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2021 Toyota Land Cruiser Review

byCameron Rogers^{Manager, News
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).}

Pros

Very capable off-road
Comfortable ride for a large truck-based SUV
Commanding view of the road ahead

Cons

Third-row seats are cramped and impinge on cargo space
Touchy brake pedal makes it hard to stop smoothly
Poor fuel economy, even by large SUV standards
Limited smartphone connectivity

What's new

Heritage Edition now offers optional third-row seating
Part of the sixth Land Cruiser generation introduced for 2008

Overview

A nearly six-figure price tag from a mainstream automaker would be shocking to most, but disciples of the Church of Land Cruiser know that the burly SUV earns its prodigious price tag. The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser employs an old-school body-on-frame construction and a trick suspension setup to deliver exceptional off-road performance. Since so many of its competitors are comfortable, luxury-focused crossovers, the Land Cruiser's rock-crawling abilities are virtually unmatched in its class.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser 4dr SUV 4WD (5.7L 8cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$296/mo

$201/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

As you might have surmised, the Land Cruiser will not appeal to every shopper in this exclusive market. It exhibits unrefined on-road manners, with heavy steering, touchy brakes and ponderous handling. Its technology interface also feels behind the times — Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not available — and its sole engine choice is thirsty. But those who embrace off-roading as a way of life probably won't consider any substitutes.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Average

7.3

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

6.5/10

How does the Land Cruiser drive? The aging Land Cruiser's on-road performance is average at best. Its brakes are touchy, there's a lot of nosedive, and the steering is unnaturally heavy. The engine and transmission work fine on the highway, but some drivers might find the accelerator too sensitive at low speeds, and the transmission can get too "shifty" on long grades.

But get it off-road and the Cruiser shines brightly. Its suspension allows for loads of articulation as the Multi-Terrain Select System also seeks out every bit of traction from the ground. Crawl Control keeps the Land Cruiser pushing through soft and rocky terrain. If you want a seriously off-roadable full-size SUV, then this dinosaur may fit the bill.

Comfort

8.0/10

How comfortable is the Land Cruiser? On the inside, many competitors feature seats with fancy massaging and multi-way adjustability, but the Land Cruiser's relatively old-school seats still provide all-day comfort. It's also quiet, which reduces your fatigue on long road trips. The four-zone climate control system works well, though accessing higher-level controls, such as changing the rear-seat settings from the front, requires some menu hopping.

The Land Cruiser rides well on highways and on off-road terrain, but it lacks a more advanced adjustable suspension that would help optimize the ride over more varied conditions, such as hard-edged bumps frequently found in snowy regions or on pothole-ridden roads.

Interior

7.0/10

How’s the interior? Most drivers will find the Land Cruiser's driving position to be comfortable, but those long of leg might wish for a little more telescoping range in the steering wheel. The large door openings and multiple chunky grab handles help people climb in and out, and first- and second-row passengers will find lots of space once they're inside. The controls are easy to understand, but the centrally located touchscreen will be a bit of a reach for most people.

The large windows allow for generally good visibility, but the third-row seats cut into the rear view when in use. And though the standard surround-view camera has a helpful off-road overlay, its low resolution makes it hard to see fine details.

Technology

6.5/10

How’s the tech? The Land Cruiser comes standard with a decent number of advanced driver safety systems. We also like the Land Cruiser's off-road-oriented tech features, such as Crawl Control. This SUV is a true detective for traction, blowing many other off-road-capable SUVs out of the water. The strong-sounding 14-speaker JBL audio system is another bonus, as is the optional rear-seat entertainment system, which is easy to use.

As for smartphone integration, the Land Cruiser is limited to Bluetooth for audio and phone and USB for music sharing. Most luxury competitors have already graduated to wireless smartphone connectivity from Apple CarPlay and Android Auto — the LC is missing these features entirely. Toyota's smartphone integration system, Entune, is fiddly to use, though it provides navigation, streaming media and destination-searching support.

Storage

7.0/10

How’s the storage? To ensure the Land Cruiser has a decent departure angle, the area behind the third row is small in size. You can stow the third row for more cargo space, but the seats fold up to the sides, making the cargo space narrow and restricting your view. The door pockets are narrow, and wider insulated bottles will be a tough fit. And even though the Land Cruiser is great on the highway, the shallow cupholders might not be sturdy enough to hold your favorite drink. The second-row seatbacks can fold forward and match the height of the third-row seatbacks. But if you have a child safety seat in the second row, it will limit access to the third row.

On the flip side, the Cruiser's high 8,200-pound towing capacity puts it on par with many full-size trucks. And its split rear hatch provides a handy tailgate that acts as a cargo fence, bench or baby-changing station.

Fuel Economy

5.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? The official EPA estimate is 14 mpg combined (13 city/17 highway), which trails in a segment not known for fuel-sipping. Thanks to its thirsty V8, we averaged an underwhelming 13.2 mpg over 645 miles of city, highway and off-road driving, with tank averages ranging from 10 to 17 mpg.

There's simply no way to get a large body-on-frame SUV to be fuel-frugal with a big engine. The Land Cruiser can deliver its rated number, but only if you're light on the throttle.

Value

7.0/10

Is the Land Cruiser a good value? The styling isn't particularly exciting, but the Land Cruiser is Toyota's premium SUV and the construction and materials all reinforce that position. Even on the roughest road, you won't hear a peep out of any of the body panels or suspension parts. But for a similar price, you can get other SUVs that come with much more advanced infotainment systems and fewer trade-offs for off-roadability, such as larger cargo areas and a lower step-in height.

Toyota's warranty isn't anything special for its segment, but the brand's after-care support includes free scheduled maintenance for two years. And though its MSRP is high, when you consider Toyota's traditionally high retained value, you might come out ahead after three or four years of ownership.

Wildcard

9.0/10

Yes, other SUVs may have an edge in on-road manners or infotainment, but the Land Cruiser is a go-anywhere, take-everyone, do-anything SUV. It's the original definition of a sport-utility vehicle, and the Land Cruiser name is a heritage brand on its own. Thanks to its torquey and smooth V8 engine, advanced off-road-oriented traction control system and articulation-promoting suspension, the Land Cruiser will get you and your family through snow, mud, gnarly trails, rain and icy roads with comfort and confidence.

Which Land Cruiser does Edmunds recommend?

The Land Cruiser's two trims are so closely priced, and the Heritage Edition only really differs in its appearance, that the choice comes down to personal taste. From a practical standpoint, the base Land Cruiser is a better value since it costs less and comes with three rows standard. (You'll have to pay a little extra to get the third row in the Heritage Edition.)

2021 Toyota Land Cruiser models

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser is a large three-row luxury SUV sold in two trims: a well-equipped base model and the Heritage Edition, which essentially amounts to an appearance package. All Land Cruisers are powered by a 5.7-liter V8 with 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. Four-wheel drive is standard, as is an eight-speed automatic transmission. An eight-seat configuration is standard for the base model and optional for the Heritage Edition, which otherwise comes with a two-row, five-seat layout.

Base
The base Land Cruiser is stocked with goodies. Exterior features include:

18-inch alloy wheels
LED headlights
Toyota's Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (a decoupling stabilizer bar)
Front and rear tow hooks
Protective skid plates
Trailer hitch with four- and seven-pin connectors
Heated and auto-dimming mirrors
Sunroof

Inside, the Land Cruiser offers:

Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Four-zone automatic climate control
Heated steering wheel
Heated and ventilated front seats
Heated second-row seats
9-inch touchscreen
14-speaker JBL audio system
Satellite radio
Wireless charging pad

The Land Cruiser also comes equipped with a host of advanced driving aids, including:

Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Land Cruiser and the car in front)
360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Land Cruiser and its surroundings for tight parking situations.

A dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system is optional for the base Land Cruiser only.

Heritage Edition
The Heritage Edition is an appearance trim that adds:

Bronze-colored BBS wheels
Yakima roof rack
Unique grille
Dark chrome exterior trim

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

3/5Above Average

#10 out of 16 among Fullsize SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Toyota Land Cruiser from 2008-2022.}

$654/yr

vs. $614/yr
for Average Fullsize SUV

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

1.37x/yr

vs. 1.59x/yr
for Average Fullsize SUV

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

20.1%

vs. 16.7%
for Average Fullsize SUV

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser.

5 (85%)

4 (11%)

3 (0%)

2 (0%)

1 (4%)

4.7

27 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Still the best

G J Tricarico, 06/22/2018

2018 Toyota Land Cruiser 4dr SUV 4WD (5.7L 8cyl 8A)

I have been reviewing the Land Cruiser for years because I have owned several dating back to the 1980s. They have changed over the years. They did not get better mechanically, but luxuriously. I believe they have been the best commercially produced vehicle on the market and remain so to this day. Why you ask. Most dependable. Ask any owner, not just me, they run forever, almost never …

Do I really need this capability?

CS, 08/14/2019

2019 Toyota Land Cruiser 4dr SUV 4WD (5.7L 8cyl 8A)

After serving in the first Gulf War, and seeing 80 series LC everywhere overseas, I’ve wanted to own a Land Cruiser. Ubiquitous in remote and rugged underdeveloped countries, I loved the idea of a truly off-road reliable vehicle. I finally decided to get one. Price was good $8,000 off the MSRP on a new one. I had to ask myself: do I need this? No,but it sure is fun and I love it more …

2021 Toyota Land Cruiser Heritage Edition

wampyri, 11/14/2020

2021 Toyota Land Cruiser Heritage Edition 4dr SUV 4WD (5.7L 8cyl 8A)

The Toyota Land Cruiser (LC) is a legendary vehicle that, worldwide, is synonymous with rugged go-anywhere dependability. In the United States, the current (and ending) 200 series has evolved into a hybrid luxury / highly capable off roader, but that puts it in rarified air with very few legitimate competitors. A common complaint with the LC is the price, but if you look beyond the … badge, the LC is (arguably) entirely worth the asking price. It's 100% built in Japan from Japanese components in a factory dedicated to it and it's corporate sibling, the Lexus LX 570. The ladder-style truck-like frame is adopted from the Tundra but is 20% stronger (as well as shorter). The mechanical components are, across the board, heavy duty and overbuilt. Sources online - not verified with any statement from Toyota itself that I've found, but still commonly stated - say the LC has been engineered and built with a 25 year lifespan, with extra levels of testing conducted in extreme environments so it will survive in the rigors of the Middle East and the Australian Outback. It comes complete with a full time 4 wheel drive system with a 4 wheel low selector, off road driving modes (only available in 4L), crawl control (also 4L), and a fancy turning radius reducing system (only 4L again) that locks up the rear inside tire to give you tighter turns on tricky trails. It's also plush and comfortable inside. The interior is quiet. The materials quality is high. The heated and ventilated seats - and your mileage may vary here, because everyone is different with seats, as I am literally painfully aware - are plush, offering support without being overly firm as some other Toyota vehicles are (leather seated 4Runners, most Tundras - looking at you). There are forward-, side- and backup-cameras, a 360 degree view, parking sensors, radar cruise control, blind spot and rear cross traffic monitoring, navigation, and an excellent sound system (I'm super critical with sound, e.g. I was disappointed by the 4Runner TRD Pro's JBL system, but this JBL Synthesis system is excellent). There's 4-zone climate control, with controls for the second row passengers, and a heated steering wheel. LED lights including fog lights; even auto windshield wipers. So yes, it's expensive, but you are getting a lot of vehicle for the money, and it is among the most reliable vehicles on the road. Drawbacks? The most glaring is the gas mileage, which is atrocious and at the level of my old GMC 2500 HD pickup, but with only 24.6 gallons in the tank. I wish fervently the LC had the Tundra's 38 gallon tank, which would go a long, long way to alleviating range anxiety. This is a very heavy vehicle, and the 5.7L V8 - while so, so thirsty, on the order of averaging 12 mpg in mostly city driving - gets the LC moving smoothly and confidently when you need it to scoot, with lots of low end torque for going off road. To be the perfect overlanding vehicle, you really need more fuel. I get anxious just thinking about not being able to make it more than 250 miles if I'm way out in the mountains without running out of gas. The Yakima roof rack on the Heritage edition is a nice to have and looks awesome (better than without it), but it adds 6 1/2 inches to the LC's 74 in stock height - so parking garages need extra care - and acts like a wind sail, hurting gas mileage even more and producing wind noise above ~40 mph that's glaring in the otherwise serene LC interior. Thankfully it's easy to remove (I removed it alone) and appears you can pop off the front panel to let air flow through. The stock Dunlops are both A) expensive ($308/tire (!) online) and B) next to useless off road. I replaced them in the first week (I wanted KO2s, but the dealership I had an agreement with when I bought the LC could only get me Nitto Terra Grappler G2s, which I went for, and they've been good so far - as quiet as the stock tires but radically better off road and in the snow). The Heritage edition I purchased is the two row, which includes a tonneau cover and more room in the back (yes!) as well as attractive bronze wheels and contrast stitching (double yes!) but does away with the cooler in the center console (...might've been nice...). The media center is old. The graphics are blocky, though at 9in it's fine on the eyes and the UI is pleasant enough to use and just works. No Apple Carplay or Android Auto here. Regular old bluetooth has worked fine. The wireless QI charger is drip-drip slow, but that could be my phone's case. Finally, yes, this is a very expensive vehicle. It's Mercedes, Porsche, Lincoln/Caddie/BMW/Audi/Volvo level without the badge. Personally, that suits me. I prefer people who aren't in the know not knowing, and don't *want* the three-point star on my car. I didn't buy the LC to show off. I bought it to be comfortable with the peace of mind knowing I can drive across that mountain in the distance and it'll last my family the next 10 to 15 years without problems.

STILL THE BEST BY FAR!!!!!

Beach Bum, 05/17/2020

2020 Toyota Land Cruiser Heritage Edition 4dr SUV 4WD (5.7L 8cyl 8A)

We just picked up our second LC, and I'd love to tell you why. Compared to the other vehicles my spouse and I have owned (MB, Infiniti, Audi, BMW, Porsche, and other Toyota's) the LC is still our favorite. The first one we bought was a 100 series, and it was amazing to drive. It was everything you'd expect from and LC. Smooth, easy to drive, spacious with unmatched reliability. When …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, so we've included reviews for other years of the Land Cruiser since its last redesign.

See all 27 reviews of the Toyota Land Cruiser

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2021 Land Cruiser Highlights

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$85,665
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	14 MPG
Cost to Drive	$296/month
Seating	8 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	16.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	four wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Land Cruiser models:

Pre-Collision System: Automatically detects cars and pedestrians ahead, warns you about them, and brakes automatically if necessary.
Lane Departure Alert: Warns you through visual and audible alerts when you begin drifting out of your lane.
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: Automatically matches the speed of vehicles ahead when cruise control is activated. Generically called adaptive cruise control.

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2021 Toyota Land Cruiser Review

2021 Toyota Land Cruiser Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser 4dr SUV 4WD (5.7L 8cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Land Cruiser does Edmunds recommend?

2021 Toyota Land Cruiser models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

Still the best

Do I really need this capability?

2021 Toyota Land Cruiser Heritage Edition

STILL THE BEST BY FAR!!!!!

2021 Land Cruiser Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser 4dr SUV 4WD (5.7L 8cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}