TOYOTA LAND CRUISER UTILITY

What is it?

As motoring writers we’re quite often spoilt with high end cars that manufacturers like to lavish upon us, and I’m certainly not complaining, but every now again it’s good to get back to basics, especially when we’re looking at 4x4s that are going to spend the majority of their life working hard and getting filthy.

One of the reasons why a love my old 1996 Toyota Surf is that she’s basic, and therefore simple to repair. I don’t need leather seats that are too cold in winter and too hot in summer, neither do I need a fancy infotainment system when I have a radio, my iPhone and a power cord to connect between the two.

This is the reason why I was attracted to the Toyota Land Cruiser Utility, it has no bells or whistles, just practical stuff that you need, not want.

On the Road

You can be forgiven for thinking, that because it’s an Utility model, it’ll be a bit on rough side, but far from it, it’s very comfortable and softly sprung, there isn’t one single bit of harshness about it, at all. Imagine driving a Range Rover Classic, without being all roly-poly around corners.

The 245/70/17 tyres help deal with the usual pot holes you find around town, and offer better wheel protection than those rubber bands you’ll find on the higher Invisible models.

Get it on the motorway and you’ll be convinced you’re driving a higher spec model; it’s quiet, smooth and very much a Land Cruiser. There’s a bit of a whistle from the door mirrors at speed, but I’m only mentioning that because I have to find something to criticise!

As for pace, there are faster 4x4s out there, but being honest, the 2.8 litre 4 cylinder diesel has 174bhp on tap, and was ample. The smooth 6 speed auto box helps propel the ‘Cruiser to 60mph in 12.7 second, and onto 108mph.

Throughout my week I used it for everything from the weekly shop, driving to school, long jaunts and of course a bitof green laning, and it averaged 27.8mpg, which I thought considering its size, was pretty damn good.

Off Road

With a permanent 4WD system, centre torsen limited slip differential, high & low gear range and active traction control, do you really need a locking rear diff?

Toyota doesn’t think so, and I certainly didn’t need one as the ‘Cruiser crawled its way everywhere I pointed it, and without hesitation.

With the 2.8 litre producing 332lbf.ft from 1600rpm, it didn’t require much coaxing, and it was such a joy to take along some gnarly lanes as torque was instantly available, no matter what mode I selected.

As well as button for centre diff, the ‘Cruiser also has a ‘2nd Start’ button, that once activated, means the automatic gearbox will start from 2nd gear when pulling away from a standstill. This mode is mainly intended to assist when pulling away on a low traction surface such as ice or snow.

If you want to increase its off-road ability and expedition potential, there’s a decent after market out there in the UK ready to help you create your perfect 4x4. From suspension, winch bars, underbody protection to expedition ready roof racks, you’re spoilt for choice.

Interior

Opting for a base spec vehicle comes with an instant level of practicality, and in the case of the Land Cruiser it’s a welcomed relief. As a new owner you don’t have to worry about mucky boots, filthy dogs or recovery gear as there’s no leather or fancy additions to worry about.

Up front the driving position is second to none; you're perched high on comfy seats made with hard wearing fabric. Yes the dash is made from plastic, but so what? It’s solid and doesn’t rattle, and besides, how often do you sit caressing your leather covered dash anyway?

In the back there’s plenty of space for rear passengers, and when you need the extra space the seats fold almost completely flat.

Just because it’s the Utility model doesn’t mean poverty spec. either - you get as standard cruise control, smart entry & start, a 4.2” colour TFT multi-information screen, air conditioning and dusk-sensing headlights.

Safety-wise there are two stage driver and passenger airbags along with driver’s knee and front side airbags, electronic brakeforce distribution, Brake Assist, ISOFIX, Trailer Sway Control, tyre pressure warning system and hillstart assist control.

Overall it’s very well put together with plenty of cubby space. Even in the rear door panel you have two large compartments, one that houses tools should the need arise to help other motorists!

Let’s also not forget that the front cubby box is cooled via the air con so you can keep your butties, choccy bars and drinks cooled on hot days.

Conclusion

Dislikes? Not many. I’d like to see proper dials for the heater controls, and the rear wiper isn’t the best positioned for giving a decent rear view. Oh, and it’s only able to tow 3,000kg, so it will put off farmers and construction sites which is a shame, but other than that, what a 4x4!

It’s pretty close to being the perfect 4x4, it’s great to drive on and off road, there’s plenty of scope for it to be modified, it has huge residual value and of course it’s not just a Toyota, but it’s a Land Cruiser. I’ve written about this previously, you do get a sense of dependability with the Land Cruiser as everything feels solidly put together, and for a large 4x4 it’s a real joy to drive.

Quite honestly, if I had around £39k to spend on a new 4x4, there is absolutely no doubt that the Toyota Land Cruiser Utility would be at the top my shopping list.

Price of vehicle tested - £38,055 (+ Metallic paint £700)