The Land Cruiser doesn't offer the interior room of the full-size American
sport-utilities. And if it's equipped with the third seat, getting into
it will require athletic ability. Seating comfort is really good in front,
reasonably good in the middle, marginally acceptable for adults in the
back. Front and center seat passengers benefit from very generous headroom.
For all passengers, step-in height is on the high side, as you'd expect
with all that ground clearance.
The driver is faced with a comprehensive set of instruments and controls.
It's a definite Toyota family look--a little plain, but certainly functional.
There is only one cupholder in front, augmented by a console cubby that
can double as a drink repository.
Access to the rear is through a liftgate and tailgate, and even with
the optional third seat in place there's plenty of grocery room in back.
The center seat is split and each half can be folded forward against the
back of its respective front seat.
The optional third seat is split down the middle, but exploiting it
to expand stowage is less than a snap. To gain cargo room you fold one
seatback forward, pick up the whole unit from the center and fold it up
against the side, then hold it while hooking the end of a strap (attached
under the seat), over the overhead grabhandle with your free hand. Then
do the other side in similar fashion.
One thing about the inside: This thing is built as tight as a drum and
once inside it feels like the doors are welded shut. Like all Toyotas,
it's exceptionally solid goods.
The Cruiser is a substantial vehicle but it's not a monster, and will
probably feel fairly modest in size, for all its mass. Ride comfort is
good; it's a great vehicle for a long highway drive, providing all-day
comfort and a strong sense of security.
Performance is mild, because 212 hp can do only so much with 5000 pounds.
But the engine is smooth and quiet and its overall response is more than
merely acceptable. Fuel economy probably isn't a big concern if you're
willing to step up to this price, which is good, because moving all this
iron gives the Cruiser a full-size thirst.
Handling, within the context of size, height and weight, is sure, stable
and precise, albeit ponderous. Off-road or on the slippery stuff, the Cruiser
is simply awesome.
As for the differences between the Cruiser and the LX 450, we prefer
the Cruiser's firmer suspension tuning. If you encounter a pothole or similar
one-wheel bump, the Cruiser is better at minimizing annoying side-to-side
motions, and conveys a generally better sense of control and stability.
But the distinctions are small, and the Lexus is more luxurious inside.
Take your pick.