Launched in 1951 as the Toyota BJ, the legacy of the Land Cruiser began due to the need for military-type utility vehicles following the Korean War. 70 years later, this iconic vehicle has evolved many times but has always remained as legendary as ever. In celebration of the model’s longevity, Toyota has introduced a special commemorative variant. As some may expect, this new version is exceptionally rugged and seems built to tackle every terrain.
On The Road
If there are two simple words that can be used to describe the Anniversary Edition of the Land Cruiser, solid and heavy are the first that come to mind. With every movement, you can feel that this vehicle has been built to last. Bumps are swallowed with ease and steering is quite easy (although the turning circle is very wide). When it comes to its power, the 4.5 litre V8 is a real monster and you will find that 120km/h is reached with ease. However, for speeds above this, the Land Cruiser cries out for a 6th gear that is unfortunately absent.
On The Inside
Taking a peek inside the Land Cruiser, we can see that while the interior has been modernised over the years, it is still rather rudimentary. Some may find this disappointing but this simple style is in line with the vehicle’s rough exterior. All the basics are here including an effective aircon that uniquely comes on when the driver turns the fan speed to three. At its best, the interior of the Anniversary Edition can be considered comfortable and functional.
Key Features
- ABS
- Toyota Display Audio
- Toyota Connect Enabled
- Day & Night Rearview Mirror
- Halogen Headlights
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the Toyota Land Cruiser 70th Anniversary Edition is a powerful vehicle that has been purposefully designed to take its driver on exciting adventures. Although, it must be noted that this model has been built for the outdoors and it doesn’t make sense as a daily runner. If you are searching for a vehicle that will be used primarily on roads with the occasional off-road escape, you will be better off considering the Toyota Hilux.