The 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser

2013 Toyota Land Cruiser. Images courtesy of Toyota.

Shopping for used cars can be a frustrating process, which is why I'm beginning to offer some information on different models. If you're in the market for an incredibly capable and luxurious SUV, you can't really go wrong with the Toyota Land Cruiser (assuming it fits into your budget).

Toyota’s Land Cruiser is an four-wheeling legend, as it is one SUV that has always performed phenomenally well on rugged off-road courses. The 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser continues this tradition, adding in an extensive list of rugged off-road technologies as well as features to make the ride more comfortable no matter where your adventure takes you.

One huge advantage of the 2013 Land Cruiser is that previously optional equipment has now all become standard. The equipment list is extensive and covers a variety of both needs and wants. On the outside, the Land Cruiser comes with 18 inch wheels, auto-dimming and power-folding side mirrors, fog lamps, xenon headlights, automatic windshield wipers, privacy glass for the rear seats, roof rack and a sunroof. Convenience features include keyless entry and ignition, a DVD entertainment system, four-zone automatic climate control,  a cooling box in the center console, heated front and second row seats, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats and a power tilt-and-telescope steering wheel.

Anyone looking to take the 2013 Land Cruiser off the road will not be disappointed. A locking center differential and a ground clearance of 8.9 inches help it tackle a variety of off-road conditions.  A Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System also comes standard, which automatically adjusts the stabilizer bars so the vehicle drives with better stability both on the road and off.  The Land Cruiser also comes with a five-speed crawl control that acts kind of like a cruise control for off-roading (but at low speeds). Multi-Terrain Select allows the driver to change the vehicle’s stability and traction control settings based on the surface the vehicle is traveling on. An Off-Road Turn Assist system automatically puts the brakes on the wheels on the inside corner to help the vehicle turn more sharply, which helps drivers avoid large obstacles such as boulders. Toyota also outfits the Land Cruiser will hill-start assist, which keeps the vehicle from rolling backwards after being stopped on a hill.        

Electronic goodies are also extensive in the 2013 Land Cruiser. Drivers benefit from standard Bluetooth connection, adaptive cruise control, a backup camera, navigation with real-time traffic, voice controls and Toyota Etune smartphone apps that allow you to interact with the vehicle both when you are with the vehicle and are away from it. Standard is also the Lexus Safety Connect system, which not only helps you contact help in an emergency but also automatically calls 911 if the system detects the vehicle has been in a collision.

Power comes from a 5.7 liter V8 engine that produces up to 381 horsepower and 401 pound-foot of torque, giving the 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser the ability to tackle off-road obstacles with pleasure as well as tow up to 8,500 pounds on the road. Paired with a six-speed shiftable automatic transmission, the Land Cruiser attains an EPA estimated 13 MPG for city driving and 18 MPG for highway driving. A large 24.6 gallon fuel tank gives a driving range of about 442 miles of highway travel.

Basically, the 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser is like a luxury cruiser crossed with a Jeep. It's incredibly surefooted on trails, yet is easily contends with any luxury SUV out there. While it won't appeal to everyone, if those are two things you want mixed together, it's also comes with the bonus of bullet-proof reliability, making it a great vehicle to own.