Why Lease The Land Cruiser SW?
by: Fergus GrayFergus is a talented automotive writer specialising in automotive and sports content. He has a Level 3 qualification in content creation and previously worked for Boxxer and The Best of Bolton.
Toyota Land Cruiser SW Review 2023
The new Toyota Land Cruiser SW is an impressive addition to the SUV market, offering a blend of rugged off-road capability and refined on-road comfort. Drivers will appreciate its versatility and durability, especially in challenging weather conditions.
Rivals to the Toyota Land Cruiser SW include the Land Rover Discovery, Audi Q7 and BMW X5.
Our Toyota Land Cruiser SW review covers:
Toyota Land Cruiser SW Key Features
- Bold and robust exterior that's well-suited for off-road adventures
- Spacious and comfortable interior with high-quality materials
- 640-litre boot space
- Plenty of pulling power with a 2.8-litre diesel engine
- Offered in three or five-door variants and three two levels: Active and Invincible
Toyota Land Cruiser SW Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Durability
- Spacious Interior
- Off-Road Capability
Cons:
- Price
- Fuel Efficiency
- Infotainment System
Design, Practicality and Boot Space
The design of the Toyota Land Cruiser SW is a fusion of ruggedness and refinement. It features a bold and robust exterior that's well-suited for off-road adventures. The front end is characterized by a prominent grille and striking LED headlights. Its muscular body with pronounced wheel arches conveys a sense of strength and capability. The British English spelling influence is evident in the attention to detail, with well-crafted and tasteful design elements throughout.
Practicality is a key strength of the Land Cruiser SW. Its spacious interior comfortably accommodates passengers, and the rear seats provide ample legroom and headroom. The layout is well thought out, with controls that are intuitive and easy to access. The SUV offers a commanding driving position, giving you a clear view of the road ahead. The vehicle's four-wheel drive system and generous ground clearance make it highly practical for tackling challenging terrain, which can be particularly useful in various regions of the UK, including rural areas.
The Toyota Land Cruiser's rear hatch swings open sideways, which can be somewhat challenging to use when parked in tight spaces near a wall or another vehicle. However, once you manage to access it, you'll appreciate its 640-litre storage capacity and the generous opening created by the rear door. Additionally, the minimal load lip makes loading items a breeze. The Land Cruiser's elevated height means you won't have to awkwardly lean in while loading.
If you choose to deploy the third row of seats, which conveniently rise electrically from the floor, the boot capacity shrinks to a mere 120 litres. To put this in perspective, it's even less than what you'd find in a compact city car like the Volkswagen Up. For the three-door version, the luggage space is further limited, offering only 380 litres flexibility of the boot space, making it a versatile choice for users in the UK who have diverse storage needs.
Interior and Trims
In contrast to some competitors that boast luxurious interiors, the cabin of the Toyota Land Cruiser prioritizes functionality and durability over opulence. It may not exude a high-end sense of luxury.
The Land Cruiser features Toyota's Touch 2 infotainment system. However, it lacks the razor-sharp graphics found in similar systems in vehicles like the Land Rover Defender or Mercedes G-Wagon. Furthermore, the touchscreen in the Land Cruiser isn't as responsive as those in its competitors. Unlike some of its counterparts, it does not offer advanced voice recognition capabilities, although it does provide a range of convenient steering-wheel-mounted controls.
An appealing aspect is that all Land Cruiser models come equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. This enables you to mirror your phone's display and utilize many of its apps on the car's large screen. Beneath the infotainment system, you'll find controls for the four-wheel drive system, the centre differential lock, suspension settings, and stability control.
Basic Land Cruiser models come with leather trim for the steering wheel, handbrake, and gear knob. However, to enjoy a fully leather-clad interior, you'll need to opt for the top-of-the-range Invincible version. Even then, the overall quality and sense of luxury in the Land Cruiser's interior may not match up to the standards set by the Land Rover or Mercedes.
Power and Performance
The Toyota Land Cruiser's 2.8-litre diesel engine compensates for the gearbox's shortcomings. It boasts ample pulling power, making it an excellent choice if you regularly tow heavy trailers. However, this power comes at the cost of relatively high fuel consumption, with typical driving conditions yielding around 30mpg, which falls short of some alternatives that can achieve nearly 50mpg.
Driving the Toyota Land Cruiser in town can be a daunting experience due to its imposing size and somewhat unresponsive controls. Manoeuvring through busy streets can be challenging, although the vehicle's substantial build means it can handle speed humps without any trouble.
On the motorway, the Land Cruiser performs reasonably well once it reaches cruising speed. It maintains a relatively quiet ride, with minor wind noise around the wing mirrors being the primary concern. However, accelerating to highway speeds can be noisy due to the Land Cruiser's gruff engine. It may exhibit a bouncy ride over bumps and feel vulnerable to crosswinds. Additionally, the steering lacks precision and demands constant adjustments to stay within the lane.
The Toyota Land Cruiser truly shines off the beaten path and in rural landscapes. It can traverse terrains that many other SUVs would avoid, handling steep 40-degree gradients and fording water up to 700mm deep with ease. The four-wheel-drive system includes a low-range gearbox, particularly useful for towing, and features innovative suspension that can disengage anti-roll bars to maximize wheel travel.
Overall, the new Toyota Land Cruiser SW is a well-rounded SUV that caters to a wide range of preferences and needs. Its ruggedness, comfort, and advanced safety features make it a suitable choice for those in the UK who value versatility and reliability in their vehicles. Whether you're navigating city streets or venturing into the countryside, this SUV is a capable companion and a great leasing option.
Leasing vs Buying
The Toyota Land Cruiser SW is now available for purchase at a starting on-the-road price of £44,879.00*, or it can be leased with monthly payments starting from Price On Request.
If you're considering leasing a Toyota Land Cruiser SW, we proudly offer excellent car leasing services in the UK. Our leasing deals include a manufacturer's warranty, road tax, breakdown insurance, and free delivery to most areas of the UK mainland (excluding specific regions).
Leasing a Toyota Land Cruiser SW can often be a more financially advantageous option compared to purchasing outright, thanks to the fixed monthly payments, variable mileage options, low initial rental, and flexible contract durations.
It's important to note that the 'on-the-road' price mentioned includes a year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee, and a number plate fee. Please be aware that this price is accurate at the time of publication and is subject to change. To get the most up-to-date information, we recommend contacting your nearest retailer.
