Toyota Land Cruiser 2009 Review

...but still seems to be a popular choice for a wide range of buyers, from hard-edged bushies to mums and dads who just need it to pop to Saturday soccer.

But in a time when smaller greener cars are becoming necessary, can the world’s most popular 4WD survive?

Drivetrain and chassis

The VX runs on a 4.5 litre Twin Turbo Diesel that puts out 195kW at 3400rpm and a substantial 650Nm at 1600rpm.

Transferring power to the wheels is a six-speed automatic transmission, electronically controlled with flexible lock-up torque converter on fifth and sixth gear, and Artificial Intelligence shift control.

Independent double wishbone front suspension — with gas dampers, coil springs and hydro-mechanical semi-active anti roll bar — combines with live axle, trailing arms a Panhard rod and gas dampers at the back.

Exterior

With its easily recognizable shape, the LandCruiser 200 combines practicality with a fairly aerodynamic body (for a 4WD) and a few other bits and bobs like a body-coloured rear spoiler, 17-inch alloy wheels and multi-reflector fog lamps to show off its sporty side.

At almost five meters long and nearly two meters wide, the LandCruiser has a kerb weight of over two and a half tones and a gross vehicle mass of 3300kg. The eight-seater has a towing capacity of 3500kgs and a 93 litre fuel tank.

Interior

Leather trim – including seats, gear knob and multi-function steering wheel - is standard in the VX diesel, as is wood grain dash, doors and centre console, floor carpet and full power front bucket seats.

The second row seats are rake and slide adjustable, and the three seater third row seats are side mounted and split fold.

The plush dashboard houses a six-stacker CD player and dual front zone airconditioning, and there is plenty of storage including a full centre console, map and door pockets and a number of cup and bottle holders.

Safety

Toyota’s Safe-T-Cell has specially designed crumples zones that provide a survivable area in the cabin in the event of a crash.

There is also a substantial airbag package as well as ABS, EBD, brake assist, stability control and traction control.

Pricing

The Toyota LandCruiser 200 VX Turbo Diesel starts at $94,750.

Driving

The Cruiser is almost an iconic vehicle. It started out with in 1954 as a competitor to the legnedary workhorse - the Land Rover. The FJ40 series introduce in 1960 was a fabulous vehicle and for many years and was the backbone of the farming industry. It used to be Land Rover v Land Cruiser arguments at the local pub rather than Ford Ute vs Holden Ute. But over the years, like many of its owners it has just kept expanding and become more indulgent with the finer things of life. It is now closer to the Range Rover... sort of.

If you lived in a post-apocalyptic world, this would be the vehicle for you. But if you live in the city and commute to an underground car park - do not buy one of these. If you have a 30' caravan or a trailerable full cabin cruiser and five kids - this is your ideal family car. However if you or your spouse are going to use it around the kiss-and-drop zone at your suburban school - do not buy one of these.

A Cruiser is essentially a 2.6 tonne, 1.9-metres high, 1.97-metres wide, 4.95-metre long assault vehicle. Driving one is like riding a motorbike - you need to concentrate that bit more and be extra careful. Not because you could get hurt but because you might run over that motorcyclist who is trying to ensure he is not in your considerable blind spot.

Performance, occupant safety and build quality can not be faulted — there is little to criticise and plenty to praise. It does everything it was designed to do extremely well.

Its success in markets and demographics that should not be buying it are not it's — or Toyota’s — fault.

So if you are a tradie who wants a quality workhorse with great appointments and levels of comfort, or a family who really does regularly use the 'van or boat, we wholeheartedly recommend the latest Toyota Land Cruiser. If you aren't do’nt buy one.

Verdict: 8.6 or 1.4 depending on which demographic you fall into.