If you look into the history of the Toyota brand, the Land Cruiser->ke1298 has been around for more than half a century. It has long proven how capable it is on whatever terrain you throw at it. Where a Range Rover would fall apart, crying out for for maintenance, the Land Cruiser would continue to do its job. When it comes to reliability, the Japanese sure do have some secret formula.

For the 2013 model year, Toyota gave the Land Cruiser a mild makeover. New styling elements were added upon an already awesome-looking machine. The interior too was overhauled, with more standard features than before, while a rather potent V-8 engine provided the muscle required to take on the worst of rugged terrains. Added safety features and driver aides all made it easy to drive.

For 2014, Toyota has made subtle changes to the Land Cruiser. It still boasts the 5.7-liter, V-8 engine and a handsome-looking exterior, but the automaker has now standardized all optional features into one attractive package. So, the 2014 Land Cruiser will be available in just one trim level.

Click past the jump to read our extensive review of the 2014 Toyota Land Cruiser

2014 Toyota Land Cruiser

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Toyota Land Cruiser
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 381 @ 5600
  • Torque: 401 @ 3600
  • Transmission: 6-speed automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The 2014 Land Cruiser carries over the same exterior as the 2013 model. This bold and handsome-looking SUV sure deserves a V-8, with its character of a brawny, all-terrain vehicle always ready to take the toughest route possible. The headlamp cluster with their horizontal daytime running lamps and twin-pod structure can be traced back to the previous generation. The wide grille with horizontally placed chrome slats remains unchanged, as well.

Wide wheel arches and those squarish wheel wells are a distinctive feature of the Land Cruiser. Much like the headlamp cluster the rear features a set of protruding taillights with virtually unchanged graphics compared to the last year's model. The characteristic rear haunch gives it a wide and masculine appearance when viewed from the rear.

2014 Toyota Land Cruiser - Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase

112.2 inches

Overall Length

194.9 inches

Overall Width

77.6 inches

Tread Width (Front/Rear)

64.6/64.4 inches

Ground Clearance

8.9 inches

Coefficient of Drag

0.35

Angle of Approach/Departure

30/20 degrees

Breakover Angle

25 degrees


2014 Toyota Land Cruiser - Standard Exterior Features

-18-inch, five-spoke high-gloss alloy wheels with P285/60R18 tires

- Halogen parabolic HI / HID PES LO headlamps with auto on/off feature

- LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)

- Integrated fog lamps

- Power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade and one-touch open/close with jam protection

- Smart Key System with Push Button Start and remote illuminated entry

- Rain-sensing variable intermittent windshield wipers and intermittent rear wipers

- Privacy glass on rear side, quarter and liftgate windows

- Roof rack

- Front and rear frame-mounted tow hooks

Interior

Much of the interior of the 2013 model has been retained on the 2014 Land Cruiser. You get leather-wrapped, heated and ventilated seats upfront with a memory function. The rear bench features individual folding seats and a center arm rest, and the rear bench also folds in order to gain access to the large loading bay. The middle row can be split 40/20/20 and can be reclined for a more comfortable ride. The seconds row slides forward by 4.1 inches to allow easy access for third passengers. In total, the Land Cruiser can carry eight passengers in comfort.

The interior features a triple-row, automatic climate control system with four-zone temperature control. For winters, the heater on the Land Cruiser is equipped with a ceramic element, which heats up air passing over it more quickly than the standard element.

Toyota also has added a list of standard features on the 2014 Land Cruiser that includes a Smart Key, push-button start, cruise control, moonroof, rear privacy glass, auto-dimming rearview and side mirrors, HomeLink universal garage-door/gate opening system and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.

2014 Toyota Land Cruiser - Interior Dimensions:

Seating Capacity

8

Headroom (1st/2nd/3rd rows)

38.3/38.9/35.8 inches

Legroom (1st/2nd/3rd rows)

42.3/36.0/28.4 inches

Shoulder room (1st/2nd/3rd rows)

61.0/61.1/62.3 inches

Hip room (1st/2nd/3rd rows)

59.8/58.5/56.6 inches

EPA Cargo Volume

Middle row folder,rear row removed- 81.7 cu.ft./Third row folder- 43.0 cu.ft./Behind third row- 16.1 cu.ft.


2014 Toyota Land Cruiser - Standard Interior Features

-10-way power-adjustable and heated driver's seat with power lumbar support; eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat with power lumbar support

-Four-zone automatic climate control with micro dust and pollen air filter with second-row control panel

-Auto-dimming rear-view mirror

-Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) controls

-HomeLink™ universal transceiver and Safety Connect™ controls

-Smart Key System with Push Button Start and remote illuminated entry

-TFT Multi-Information Display with Multi-terrain Select, parking assist sonar, steering wheel angle, Eco driving zone display,

-Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS), maintenance information and warning

-Rear-seat DVD entertainment system with 9 inch display,remote, 2 wireless headphones

-Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)

-Center console cooler box

Engine and Drivetrain

Pop-open the 2014 Land Cruiser's hood and things aren't much different from the 2013 model year. The 5.7-liter, V-8 engine still resides in the expansive engine bay. This V-8 develops a healthy 381 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 401 pound-feet of torque at 3,600 rpm. Thanks to VVT-i and other fuel-saving measures, the 2014 Land Cruiser is claimed to deliver 13 mpg in city and 18 mpg highway.

The 2014 Toyota Land Cruiser employs a full-time, all-wheel drive system and a six-speed automatic transmission. Thanks to the low-ratio front transfer case, the Land Cruiser can tackle the toughest terrains anytime of the year.

2014 Toyota Land Cruiser - Drivetrain Specifications:

Engine

5.7-liter, 8-cylinder, 32-valve V-type DOHC VVT-i

Output (HP @ RPM

381 @ 5,600

Torque (LB-FT @ RPM)

401 @ 3,600 rpm

Recommended Fuel

87-octane regular unleaded


Suspension and Brakes

The Toyota Land Cruiser is based around a body-on-frame chassis architecture, which may sound crude and out-of-date, but that's what make this SUV nearly "invincible." The rugged, built-to-last chassis is sprung, using independent double wishbones upfront and a four-link suspension setup on the rear.

A Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) adjusts the stabilizer bars to improve axle articulation on uneven terrain. This trick-independent setup with a complex system of coil-springs and stabilizer bars allows for higher approach and departure angles.

Large 13.4-inch discs up-front and 13.6-inch rotors are sufficient to anchor the heavy SUV over steep inclines. An anti-lock braking system (ABS) is standard along with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. All three systems work in tandem in order to assist the driver maintain control over the vehicle. 18 ]-inch rims shod with 285/60 rubber seem to work well with the setup.

Pricing

The 2014 Land Cruiser starts at $78,755 in its single trim level, with options that can drive the price into the low- to mid-$80,000s.

Competition

Nissan Armada

Nissan makes a V-8 powered Patrol for the lucrative Middle-East market. For the U.S., however, Nissan offer the Armada. This off-road SUV is powered by a 317-horsepower V-8 that returns 13 mpg in the city -- about the same kind of economy as the Toyota.

The Nissan Armada is available in three variants with prices starting at $37,240. On the top-spec variant, which costs about $50,000, you do get a rear-seat entertainment package.

Conclusion

Toyota went with the same styling for the 2014 model and we're okay with that. Also on the plus side, you now get a lot more standard kit than before. So yes, you do get more bang for the buck.