2008 Toyota Land Cruiser Review
2008 Toyota Land Cruiser Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Nearly unbeatable combination of off-road capability and on-road comfort, powerful V8, many standard features, high towing capacity.
Cons
- Quality and capability don't come cheap, limited cargo space and third-row seat functionality.
What’s new
The 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser has been fully redesigned. Highlights include a more powerful V8 engine, enhanced on-road handling, a higher towing rating and new luxury and safety features.
Edmunds says
The redesigned 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser is an impressively well-rounded full-size sport utility. But buyers should make sure they're really in need of its extensive capabilities, as its price is considerably more than most rivals.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser 4dr SUV 4WD (5.7L 8cyl 6A) 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
$287/mo for Land Cruiser Base
Land Cruiser Base
vs
$201/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
The longest-surviving nameplate in the Toyota lineup, the Land Cruiser traces its roots to an earlier era when sport-utility vehicles were judged for their off-road credentials above all else. From those early days, the Land Cruiser has morphed through several generations. It's gotten bigger, more luxurious and, naturally, more expensive. Through it all, however, this iconic Toyota has maintained the constants of excellent off-road ability and a reputation for reliability and durability.
For 2008, Toyota is hoping for more of the same -- but better, of course -- for its fully redesigned Land Cruiser. The previous-generation SUV, though certainly capable, had been on sale since 1998 and was getting increasingly dated in terms of features and design. Compared to last year's model, the 2008 Land Cruiser has the same wheelbase but is 2.4 inches longer and about an inch wider and taller. The exterior has been freshened but is still conservative, and underneath is again a traditional body-on-frame design. The frame is considerably stiffer than before, and Toyota says the payoff is enhanced ruggedness, towing capacity and crashworthiness. It also works in conjunction with a new front-suspension design to improve on-road handling.
Last year's optional adaptive suspension is no longer available, though a new feature called KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System) debuts. KDSS automatically stiffens or loosens the front and rear antiroll bars depending on the driving situation, and the result is less body roll when cornering and enhanced wheel travel when traversing the rough stuff. There's also a new electronic "Crawl Control" mode that allows the Land Cruiser to maintain a fixed, ultralow speed on off-road terrain without any driver input. On the downside, Land Cruiser aficionados will be a bit disappointed to learn that ground clearance and approach, departure and break-over angles have all been reduced slightly on the new model.
The 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser has also gotten heavier by about 265 pounds, but no one will likely notice thanks to its new engine. It's an advanced 5.7-liter V8, the same one featured as the Toyota Tundra's top-shelf choice. It cranks out 381 horsepower and is connected to a new six-speed automatic transmission with full-time four-wheel drive and low-range gearing. The new engine also meets a stricter emission standard (ULEV) and returns slightly better fuel economy than last year's 265-hp, 4.7-liter V8.
Inside, Toyota has updated the cabin with a fresh design and enhanced features. For the first time, there's a heavy-duty four-zone climate control system, a surround-sound audio system and additional airbag coverage with an available pre-collision seatbelt preparation feature. Three rows of seating for up to eight people are once again standard, but the new model is just like the old one in that the third row is too cramped for anyone other than children. The third-row seat still doesn't fold flat, and maximum cargo space is no better than that of most midsize SUVs.
Toyota has done the right thing by staying the course for the redesigned Land Cruiser. No other SUV can boast such an impressive combination of off-road prowess and urban comfort while also having real heritage and a strong reputation for reliability and durability. However, following tradition has placed a limit on the Land Cruiser's appeal. Priced at more than $60,000, it's Toyota's most expensive vehicle and in the same price range as the highly regarded Mercedes-Benz GL450. One also needs to be realistic about usage. If you're planning on using your SUV mostly for family-oriented urban driving, less expensive yet roomier and more versatile crossovers like the Buick Enclave and Mazda CX-9 will do the job better. The 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser is a very impressive SUV, but an eyes-open approach to a potential purchase is essential.
Performance & mpg
All Land Cruisers have a 5.7-liter V8 engine that produces 381 hp and 401 pound-feet of torque. This power is sent through a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel-drive system with high- and low-range gearing. Properly equipped, this SUV can tow 8,500 pounds.
Safety
Standard safety features for the 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser include antilock disc brakes (with brake assist and multi-terrain programming), stability control and traction control, front and second-row side airbags, driver and front-passenger knee airbags, active front head restraints and full-length side curtain airbags with rollover detection. The optional advanced seatbelt system will retract the front seatbelts when the brakes are suddenly applied or when tire slippage is detected by the stability control system.
Driving
As with the previous-generation model, the 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser boasts considerable off-road capability. The big difference is with on-road handling. The new model corners flatter, feels more stable and has more responsive steering. Naturally, acceleration has improved considerably as well thanks to the new 5.7-liter V8. The Land Cruiser's Crawl Control also works very well. Uphill or down, one simply dials in the desired speed, takes their foot completely off the gas and brakes and steers in the desired direction.
Interior
The Land Cruiser can seat eight. The second-row seats can tumble forward, slide fore and aft, and recline. As on the previous model, the 50/50-split third-row seat folds up against the sides of the cargo bay. It folds up easier than before, but it still has a knees-up seating position that's suitable only for kids. Since the third row is no longer totally removable, the Cruiser's maximum cargo capacity is down this year to 81.7 cubic feet. The familiar two-piece hatch with mini-tailgate remains intact.
2008 Toyota Land Cruiser models
The 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser is a full-size SUV. There is only one trim level. Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, power and heated front seats, leather upholstery, four-zone automatic climate control, a 14-speaker JBL audio system with a six-CD changer and auxiliary audio jack, a sunroof, auto-dimming mirrors, keyless ignition and parking sensors. KDSS also comes standard. Many Land Cruisers will likely be fitted with the pricey Upgrade Package. It bundles a rear spoiler, a rear-seat entertainment system with a 9-inch screen, a navigation system with Bluetooth and a back-up camera, interior wood trim, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, heated second-row seats and a center console cooler box. Of all this package's features, only the navigation system and rear spoiler can be ordered as stand-alone options.
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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3 out of 5 stars3/5Above 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
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
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
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 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser.
5 star(75%)
4 star(19%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(6%)
1 star(0%)
16 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
Best SUV I ever had
Phil Wilson, 12/03/2008
2008 Toyota Land Cruiser 4dr SUV 4WD (5.7L 8cyl 6A)
This is my 3rd LC and so far this is the best and most powerful of the three.its fun to drive and my wife approves it to be the best of the LC I have own. I had an 05, 06 . It is well built and solid. I will go on a long trip anytime with this vehicle.
5 out of 5 stars
The Beast
WB, 11/04/2009
2008 Toyota Land Cruiser 4dr SUV 4WD (5.7L 8cyl 6A)
I just returned from a trip and drove 75-80mph 90% of the time and got 19.74 MPG! I was over 20 mpg for a while. I didn't believe the electronic readout that showed 19.4 when I stopped for fuel as the low fuel light had come on, I used 19 gals of fuel and still had 6 gals left and put 380 miles on it and I could've gone nearly 500 miles on a tank - WOW. Around town I get around 14-15 … MPG. But it weighs nearly 3 tons. This thing is solid and the vehicle I'd want to be in an accident in. I'd feel sorry for the other guy.
5 out of 5 stars
The beast!
wjb, 11/18/2010
2008 Toyota Land Cruiser 4dr SUV 4WD (5.7L 8cyl 6A)
This vehicle has far exceeded my expectations. It's sold as a rock. I feel sorry for anyone who gets into an accident with the vehicle as you would surely be the loser. It was made for inclement weather.
3.88 out of 5 stars
Nice SUV
Mark Slepicka, 08/21/2008
2008 Toyota Land Cruiser 4dr SUV 4WD (5.7L 8cyl 6A)
Stable on road and off with plenty of power and braking. Would like to see front console cup holder lighting for night time driving and overhead spotlight buttons lit also. I am getting 17.2 mpg city/hwy combined using premium. exterior sheet metal seems to be a little thin. I started to notice a clunk from the rear when starting from a dead stop and also when coming to a stop. I went to … my Toyota dealer and found out a (TSB) Technical Service Bulletin was issued on this problem. The fix was to replace the drive shaft under drivetrain warranty at no cost. After replacement of shaft i have had no further problem. Overall the new Land Cruiser is solid and performs well!
2008 Land Cruiser Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $64,100 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 15 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $287/month |
Seating | 8 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 16.1 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | four wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Land Cruiser include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
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