2020 Toyota Land Cruiser Review

You know about Throwback Thursday and Flashback Friday. Well, the 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser pretty much lives every day as some sort of flashback. This big body-on-frame SUV is a throwback to 2008, which is the last time Toyota gave it a full redesign. Is rocking an SUV design that's more than 10 years old a good idea? It depends on what you want.

Capable of towing over 8,000 pounds and equipped with off-road hardware such as a locking center differential, the Land Cruiser is serious about being an SUV. Many of its competitors, especially in the luxury-three-row-SUV segment, are crossovers. They use car-based platforms that increase fuel economy and ride comfort, but they also limit towing capacity and off-road capability. The Land Cruiser makes no such compromises — and because it's so purposeful, the Land Cruiser is excellent at its stated purpose. It goes further off the beaten path than pretty much anything in its class.

On the downside, the Land Cruiser's old-school design results in serious drawbacks when it comes to on-road performance. Braking, steering and handling all suffer as a result of the Land Cruiser's size. And even though it's a relatively large vehicle, rear cargo space is lacking compared to the competition. What's more, the Land Cruiser's third row is rather small. Toyota now offers a two-row version of the Land Cruiser called the Heritage Edition, with some upgraded wheels and added exterior trim, but it's more expensive than the already-pricey base version.

In the end, we'd only recommend the Land Cruiser to buyers who want all the off-road capability it has to offer. Otherwise, it's a luxury SUV that's not as luxurious as lower-priced rivals, nor is it as modern or well-equipped. Check out vehicles such as the Audi Q7, the Land Rover Discovery or even the new Lincoln Aviator before you drive off the lot in a 2020 Land Cruiser.