Toyota Land Cruiser

The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of the lagest vehicles out there, with a reputation hewn from surviving and embracing the most difficult of terrains and climates.

It’s built to last, but that doesn’t mean it can’t come loaded with life’s little luxuries.

The Land Cruiser fraternity will have seen that it has had a mild refresh, but it’s a testament to this leviathan that it was right first time when the previous model was first launched late in the last decade.

Observers will notice changes to the car’s front bumper and grille, while it’s good to see the inclusion of high-power xenon headlights and LED daylight running lights. On closer examination the car’s side mirrors gain indicator repeaters and the car’s rear light clusters have also changed.

It’s under the skin, however, where the more meaningful changes have been made.

The innovation continues with the inclusion of improved 4x4-centric technology, such as user-adjustable crawl speed settings to help cope with particularly challenging terrain, a power steering system tuned to deliver more driver confidence and a camera system to help you get through tight spaces. Don’t forget, this is on top of the car’s already impressive height adjustable suspension system and solid transmission complete with five-speed auto gearbox.

For the UK, the Land Cruiser continues to use its proven 188bhp 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine, matched to a five-speed automatic transmission. The four-cylinder, 16-valve unit has been revised to meet Euro 5+ emissions standards, but with no decrease in performance and it will reach 62mph in 10.2 seconds (three-door) or 11.0 seconds (five-door).

In real terms this Land Cruiser carries on the brand’s long-standing tradition of being able to go anywhere with effortless precision and peace of mind. In the right hands it feels unstoppable. I’d hate to get in the way of one.

On the road no 4x4 this big will handle like a sports car, but this Land Cruiser performs better than you’d expect for something this size. What makes this generation more appealing is the fact that all the previous rough edges have been rounded off to compliment the car’s more luxurious cabin and market positioning.

Leather seating, multi-zone climate control, Toyota Touch 2 system satellite navigation and comprehensive entertainment system, cruise control, electric everything, seven seats and more storage space than you’ll ever need make for a compelling package.

At the back, the side-hinged tailgate opens to reveal a good size boot. When not in use the rearmost pair of seats can be quickly folded.

If this is starting to sound like a family-friendly car, then that is not by accident. The leather might not be toddler-proof, but there’s no reason why a Land Cruiser couldn’t replace a large estate car if your lifestyle or routine changes. And with such a comprehensive list of standard kit bordering on Lexus levels of generosity, Toyota’s no compromise approach extends well beyond its desire to be an off-road champion.

But the bottom line is that this car was built to master challenging environments and its abilities would be wasted in an urban environment. For that reason more than any other, this remains a niche product.

Sure, the Land Cruiser provides a cossetting experience for motorway journeys and you enjoy a sense of confidence and security in whatever environment you care to roam

It’s more than just another premium SUV; it will do all the usual SUV things, but it will also keep going when regular rivals cry enough. For more than 60 years it has been conquering the world’s toughest environments, from deepest jungle to Arctic wastes; and it’s equally at home facing up to the worst of the British winter.

At a glance

Toyota Land Cruiser Icon Auto (five-door)

Price: £47,495 (range from £34,995)

Engine: 4-cylinder diesel developing 188bhp

Transmission: Five-speed automatic driving all four wheels

Performance: 0 to 62mph in 11 seconds; top speed 109mph

Economy: 34.9mpg combined

CO2 emissions: 213g/km