2009 Toyota Land Cruiser Review
2009 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, big list of standard features, high towing capacity.
Cons
- Doesn't come cheap, limited cargo space and third-row seat functionality.
What’s new
For 2009, the Toyota Land Cruiser receives standard privacy glass for the side and back windows.
Edmunds says
The 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser may cost a pretty penny, but its combination of impressive off-road ability and on-road comfort is rare.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2009 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 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser represents the newest version of the company's oldest nameplate. From its beginnings as a bulletproof (and rhinoceros-proof, for that matter) utility vehicle often seen in old "National Geographic" magazines to its current form as a luxurious yet still extremely capable SUV, the Land Cruiser has always been at the top of its game. Whether negotiating rugged trails or cruising comfortably on the highway, the latest Cruiser retains the model line's long-standing tradition of superior all-around capability.
Completely redesigned last year, the Land Cruiser kept its proven, rugged body-on-frame architecture while growing a few inches longer. Although curb weight increased by 265 pounds, a more powerful V8 with more than 100 additional horsepower (for 381 total ponies) more than compensates. A six-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive (with low-range gearing) round out the 2009 Land Cruiser's motive hardware.
The current Land Cruiser also sports a revamped front suspension design and a couple of high-tech features that improve handling both on- and off-road. Toyota's KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System) automatically stiffens or loosens the front and rear antiroll bars depending on the driving situation. The result is less body roll when cornering on pavement and enhanced wheel articulation (travel) when traversing bumps and ruts off-road. Furthering off-road ability is an electronic "Crawl Control" mode that allows the Land Cruiser to maintain a fixed, very low speed on hilly trails without any driver input.
As impressive as the Land Cruiser's off-road prowess is its ability to transport its occupants in luxury-sedan comfort. A heavy-duty climate control system with no fewer than four zones keeps the cabin temperature comfortable, while heated front seats, leather upholstery and a 14-speaker audio system help create an upscale ambience. On the downside, while the Cruiser is rated to carry up to eight passengers, the third-row bench is cramped enough that it's best left to little kids. Furthermore, that third row doesn't fold flat, and maximum cargo capacity is no better than that of most midsize SUVs.
There's not much out there that can challenge the 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser when it comes to combining off-road capability and daily-driver comfort with an enviable reputation for durability. But it'll cost ya -- priced at more than $60,000, the Land Cruiser is in the same price range as luxurious rides like the roomier Cadillac Escalade or the highly regarded Mercedes-Benz GL450. The Cruiser has the power and features to compete at this price point, however, and it's recognized the world over as one of autodom's iconic vehicles. If your heart is set on a full-size luxury SUV and you don't want to spring for the big-daddy Lexus LX 570, then the Land Cruiser is certainly worth a close look.
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.
EPA fuel mileage ratings stand at 13 mpg city/18 mpg highway and 15 mpg combined. Properly equipped, this SUV can tow 8,500 pounds.
Safety
Standard safety features include antilock disc brakes (with brake assist and multi-terrain programming), stability control, front and second-row side airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, full-length side curtain airbags (with rollover detection) and active front head restraints. The optional advanced seatbelt system will tighten the front seatbelts when the brakes are suddenly applied or when tire slippage is detected by the stability control system.
Driving
As expected, the 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser boasts considerable off-road capability, yet it doesn't come at the expense of on-road refinement and handling. When traversing rugged terrain, the Land Cruiser's Crawl Control works as advertised: Uphill or down, you simply dial in the desired speed (as low as 1 mph), keep your feet off the gas and brake pedals and simply steer in the desired direction, and Crawl Control does the rest.
Once you're back on the tarmac, the big Toyota rides like the civilized luxury SUV it's intended to be, soaking up bumps with refined composure. On winding blacktop, the Cruiser is relatively flat in the corners and feels surprisingly confident for such a large vehicle -- a lot of credit goes to the KDSS. Performance is also strong, with the 5.7-liter V8 furnishing plenty of thrust for passing, towing or effortless freeway cruising.
Interior
The Land Cruiser seats eight passengers in its finely wrought interior. The second-row seats can tumble forward, slide fore and aft, and recline. The third row, however, has a knees-up seating position that's suitable only for kids; moreover, while its 50/50-split design enables it to fold up against the sides of the cargo bay, it doesn't fold flat and it's not removable. Consequently, the Cruiser's maximum cargo capacity is limited to 82 cubic feet, a small figure for a large SUV.
2009 Toyota Land Cruiser models
The 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser is a full-size luxury SUV offered in a single trim level. Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, skid plates, running boards, auto-dimming mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, front and rear parking sensors, a leather-wrapped power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with integrated audio controls, driver memory functions, power heated front seats, leather upholstery, quad-zone automatic climate control, a sunroof and a 14-speaker JBL audio system with a subwoofer, a six-CD changer and an auxiliary audio jack. The aforementioned KDSS also comes standard.
Optional is the pricey Upgrade package. It bundles a rear spoiler, a rear-seat entertainment system, Bluetooth, a navigation system, a back-up camera, interior wood trim, 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 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser.
5 star(71%)
4 star(24%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(5%)
1 star(0%)
21 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.
4.13 out of 5 stars
What was Toyota thinking for interior?
911skibum, 01/11/2009
2009 Toyota Land Cruiser 4dr SUV 4WD (5.7L 8cyl 6A)
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.
4.88 out of 5 stars
You get what you pay for!
AEK, 03/16/2009
2009 Toyota Land Cruiser 4dr SUV 4WD (5.7L 8cyl 6A)
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!
4.75 out of 5 stars
Great improvements in the LC
3rd landcruiser, 01/01/2009
2009 Toyota Land Cruiser 4dr SUV 4WD (5.7L 8cyl 6A)
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.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser, so we've included reviews for other years of the Land Cruiser since its last redesign.
2009 Land Cruiser Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $64,755 |
---|---|
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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