The Toyota Land Cruiser was Toyota's first SUV manufactured in North America. Positioned at the upper end of the full-size sport/utility market, the Land Cruiser appealed to older buyers who desired a sophisticated, civilized vehicle that was as at home at the shopping mall as it was on sloppy, unpaved roads. It competed most directly against Land Rover's Range Rover and the big Chevrolet/GMC Suburban twins.
As Toyota's flagship 4-wheel-drive vehicle, the Land Cruiser was available in one model only, a 4-door with full-time 4-wheel drive. The one and only engine remained a 24-valve 4.5-liter dohc inline 6-cylinder, mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel drive was used to access through a 2-speed transfer case with a floor-mounted shift lever. A locking differential system, designed to keep the vehicle moving in extreme off-road conditions and deep sand or snow, was optional.
As expected of a vehicle designed to be Toyota's flagship 4wd vehicle, the Land Cruiser was loaded with standard features including air conditioning, cruise control and power windows, locks and mirrors. However, a number of luxury options were available to further cushion occupants from the world outside. These included a power tilt/slide glass sunroof, a third seat for 8-passenger capacity (later 7-passenger), aluminum wheels and leather interior. Functional options included 4-wheel antilock brakes and locking front and rear differentials.
Year-to-year changes[]
1995[]
The Toyota Land Cruiser remained a bastion of full-size luxury in the sport/utility world. After a few busy years of bringing new equipment on board, Toyota decided to take a breather: The 1995 Toyota Land Cruiser was a carryover model from the previous model year. The only change was an upgraded premium audio system. Later models were sold at a more expensive price, and were the last of Toyota's 1995 models to go on sale along with the Toyota Tacoma.
1996[]
The 1996 version is a carryover model incorporating a number of mid-'95 changes that added standard dual airbags, antilock brakes, a traction-enhancing Second-gear-start feature, height-adjustable front seatbelt shoulder anchors and a redesigned front grille and instrument panel. The sole change for 1996 is the addition of an optional Black Paint Package, which consists of black exterior paint as well as chrome outside mirrors and door handles.
This year, it competes with its new corporate cousin, the Lexus LX 450.
Retail prices[]
As of December 27, 1993:
- $35,298 (1994 Toyota Land Cruiser)
As of late 1994:
- $38,688 (1995 Toyota Land Cruiser)
As of January 26, 1995:
- $39,658 (1995 Toyota Land Cruiser)
As of October 1, 1995:
- $40,258 (1996 Toyota Land Cruiser)
Gallery[]
