Toyota has revised the Land Cruiser, but despite improved fuel economy and emissions it’s still a poor tow car.
The 2.8-litre engine has 332lb ft of torque, which you’d think would be enough for decent performance. However, the big Toyota lumbers from 30-60mph in 19 seconds, accompanied by loud clatters of complaint from under the bonnet.
It’s the Land Cruiser’s stability which really lets the car down. It’s the only car in this year’s test to fail to complete the lane-change test, even at the slowest of the three planned speeds.
Stability is better at speed, but it’s not up to the standard of the best big 4x4s. There’s some slight looseness at 60mph, and movements become more pronounced at 70mph. The Al-Ko ATC stability system confirmed the impression of the drivers.
The Toyota partly redeems itself in the hill-start test. The handbrake needed to be pulled on firmly to keep car and caravan still, but otherwise it comfortably pulled to the top of the hill and had no trouble reversing a short distance up the other side.
If you need genuine off-road ability, or value reliability above all else, then the Land Cruiser has some appeal. But for a two-tonne 4×4 with a near-£50k price tag, it’s a very weak tow car.