2009 Toyota Land Cruiser Consumer Reviews

Oh What a Feeling!

Written by: Vstrom-Will on 09/04/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Land Cruiser 4dr SUV 4WD (5.7L 8cyl 6A)

Review

Simply a magnificent machine! It operates as advertised, and the on road manners are very refined. Off road it lives up to its reputation. The cabin comfort level is unsurpassed IMHO. I truly like the understated exterior styling as it does not draw attention. The Country Club PKG is worth the extra $$. Mileage is exactly as advertised. Can hardly keep the little woman up front as she loves the entertainment system in the back.

Favorite Features

That it is an LC and lives up to every aspect of its pedigree IRT capabilities. The apparent simplicity of the interior. The Climate control, nav system, and especially the growl that it makes when really getting into the fun peddle! The transmission crawl control and 4WD systems are brilliant!

Suggested Improvements

Sell one without a sun roof, I am 6' 5" and could use just a little more room. Possibly a factory snorkel kit, and bumper with winch. It would also be nice to option it off the lot with more aggressive tiers. The final down side is that it hurts to smile so much every time I get in and drive it!!!

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Big Improvements

Written by: AES on 05/13/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Land Cruiser 4dr SUV 4WD (5.7L 8cyl 6A)

Review

Gave my 2002 LC to my dad after 218,000 carefree miles. Only had to replace the timing belt and water pump at 100 and 200. New vehicle is a huge improvement in terms of interior and ride quality. Memory seats finally! Also, back seats adjust which is great for the kids. On the performance side, I towed my boat this weekend with no problems 120 miles on the highway. Seems solid with 7,880 problem free miles thus far.

Favorite Features

Great video system in back, bluetooth and phone integration. Nicer seats than in the past. More places to stash stuff.

Suggested Improvements

Fuel economy dismal, not exactly a sporty vehicle. Outside mirrors could be larger. XM radio upgrade crazy expensive. Can we have a diesel please?

8 out 8 people found this review helpful

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You get what you pay for!

Written by: AEK on 03/16/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Land Cruiser 4dr SUV 4WD (5.7L 8cyl 6A)

Review

The 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser is as advertised. A classy but understated go-anywhere vehicle with all the creature comforts you'd expect in a $65K SUV. We looked at the Land Rover LR3, Lexus GX470, BMW X5 and several other vehicles but nothing matched our needs better than the Land Cruiser. Toyota reliability, a decent 3rd row seat, lots of technology and creature comforts all in a vehicle trusted around the world to get people through any kind of terrain and weather. If you want a large SUV that doesn't seem gigantic like the Sequoia or Lincoln Navigator, and some offroading or challenging environments are in your future, take a serious look at the LC. You won't be disappointed!

Favorite Features

Exterior and interior design. Luxury accommodations without the "bling." Educated consumers don't need to see a lot of chrome to know this is an elite SUV. 381HP Engine. Technology - keyless entry, keyless engine start, Bluetooth phone integration, NAV. Lots of A/C in all 3 rows helps in Arizona.

Suggested Improvements

It would be great if the 3rd row seats could fold flat but it's simply not possible in a vehicle with this kind of offroad suspension I guess. MPG is poor but to be expected when moving this monster. Other than that, it's perfect!

10 out 10 people found this review helpful

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What was Toyota thinking for interior?

Written by: 911skibum on 01/10/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Land Cruiser 4dr SUV 4WD (5.7L 8cyl 6A)

Review

I bought the 2009 LC for the new engine and transmission which are outstanding. The interior of my old LC was a light tan. The new interior is three different colors and is like sitting in a cave. Very bad design. Black dash? UGLY!!! The other BIG problem is that you cannot remove the 3rd row seats. Thus, you loose a lot of storage and hauling room. My old LC you could remove the seats in 2 minutes. There is no way to remove the 2009 seats. Toyota, what were you thinking? I haul skis, golf clubs, luggage, go to Costco, etc. I think most owners are like me and very rarely have passengers in the cramped 3rd row (made for kids). This makes no sense.

Favorite Features

Engine and 6 speed transmission. Nav system screen--bigger than my old LC, harder to use--250+ page book. 4 zones for HVAC are nice. Adjustable seat heaters are very good. DVD is good, but screen blocks rear view. Need to be able to look out rear. Backup camera in nav screen.

Suggested Improvements

See above for interior--it is an ugly color combination. 2009 Lexus has a light tan interior. The LC is a great vehicle except for the POOR interior design. Also third row seats can't be removed. No HID lights for Toyota's "Flag Ship". Dunlop tires on a $70K vehicle? How about Michelin

17 out 21 people found this review helpful

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Great improvements in the LC

Written by: 3rd landcruiser on 12/31/2008

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Land Cruiser 4dr SUV 4WD (5.7L 8cyl 6A)

Review

This is my third Land Cruiser and replaces a 2005. It is an excellent upgrade from the previous version. New powertrain and updated features are excellent, yet it remains quiet and smooth - in its own class among large SUVs. I hesitated some because I liked my 2005 so much, but with about 1000 miles - no regrets in making the switch.

Favorite Features

Powertrain, entertainment system (leaps ahead for the kids), nav

Suggested Improvements

If only MPG could be improved even more, transmission hunts just a little bit at slow speeds (compared to silkiness of 2005 model).

9 out 10 people found this review helpful

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