Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser. It is extremely solid feeling and overall elegant look inside. But then for the money it’s hard to believe you’d expect any less.
The nav system is a bit klugey and not intuitive enough for my liking. However I have a limited time to get comfortable with the idiosyncrasies but I can only compare it to others that are much easier to use.
General Info:
Parts – n/a
Assembly – Japan
Class: – SUV
Cars: – 4Runner, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Camry Solara, Corolla, FJ Cruiser, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Land Cruiser, Matrix Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma, Tundra, Venza and Yaris.
With the ever growing number of potholes left unattended one has to wonder why Cal Trans is not fixing them. It’s not like we don’t pay huge gas taxes to take care of these dangerous conditions. Sounds like negligence to me. I’d be happy to hear from our road repair people for their side of the issue.
Handling & Performance:
A solid well built SUV requires heavy suspension so without a load the ride is stiff most noticeable on cement highways.
Styling:
Elegant interior but pretty unexciting exterior.
Fit and Finish:
Outstanding fit and finish. Again I expect that of any car or SUV in this price range.
Cost:
Speaking of cost this is pricey and the fuel economy is poor with estimated annual fuel cost of $4,102. Not a figure easy to ignore or forget. But if you can afford all the goodies that come standard for the price the fuel is not a real consideration. And if you decide to include all the options a long list of upgrades and navigation you can push the price up to nearly $74,000.
Conveniences and comfort:
I suspect the most positive memorable feature is the cooler space in the front console. Very cool for those long hot summer days. The most negative memory is split between poor fuel economy and poor Nav system ease of use.
Once again I have to tell you how much I like the “Smart Cruise Control”. You’ll recall that is the laser sensitive feature to keep you at a preset distance from the car in front of you.
Most recently Mercedes Benz has been advertising this wonderful feature. To begin with it helps you avoid following too close while helping you keep up with traffic flow when you set it just above the speed flow.
Recognized Competition:
Toyota Land Cruiser $64,755, GMC Yukon Denali $50-56,000, Chevrolet Tahoe $37-51,000, Chevrolet Suburban $40-53,000, Mercedes Benz GL-Class$58-81,000, Mercedes Benz G-Class $100-119,000, Volvo XC90 $37-51,000, Chrysler Aspen $35-37,000, Jeep Commander $29-46,000, Audi Q7 $44-59,000, Land Rover Range Rover $78-93,000, Land Rover LR3 $46,750. 2010 year models: Honda Pilot $28-40,000, Nissan Armada $37-52,000, Lincoln Navigator $54-59,000, Ford Flex $28-39,000, Infiniti QX56 $56-59,000, Ford Expedition $35-51,000, Lexus LX 570 $76,405, Cadillac Escalade $62-87,000.
Good News:
A delightful driving experience and if it’s in your budget range they haven’t left anything out.
Bad News:
A bit pricey and the fuel consumption sucks.
Standard Equipment:
5.7 liter 381 hp V8 engine, full time 4 wheel drive with 4-wheel traction control with dynamic suspension / hill start assist control, dbl wishbone coil spring independent front suspension and 4 link coil spring rear suspension, 4-wheel disc brakes, stability control with cutoff switch multi-terrain anti lock brakes and electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, front airbags and knee bags, front and 1st and 2nd row chair mounted airbags, all rows side curtain airbags, tire pressure monitor system, daytime running lights, 18” alloy wheels, Halogen headlights and fog lights, 8 passenger leather seats with power heated front seats, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, cruise control, moon roof, 4 zone climate control, 605 watt JBL radio with 6 disc CD with 14 speakers, satellite radio, power retractable mirrors, back up parking sonar warning, smart keyless entry, engine immobilizer with alarm, power tilt and telescopic steering column.
Gas Stats:
$2.98/ Gal avg. October 1, ‘09
for more information.
13 City and 18 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $64,755.
