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2016 Toyota Land Cruiser Review: Capable But Costly
2016 Toyota Land Cruiser: Overland Luxury at a Premium
Bottom Line: The 2016 Land Cruiser delivers exceptional off-road capability and Toyota reliability, but its $85,000 price tag puts it in direct competition with luxury brands that offer more refinement, better fuel economy, and modern features.
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What's New for 2016
The 2016 model year brings several important updates to Toyota's flagship SUV:
- Transmission: New 8-speed automatic (replaces 6-speed)
- Safety Tech: Standard forward collision warning with automatic braking
- Exterior Refresh: Updated front fascia with LED lighting
- Infotainment: New 9-inch touchscreen with Entune system
- Convenience: Added blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
Performance and Capability
The Land Cruiser's proven 5.7L V8 remains unchanged but gains a new transmission:
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| Engine | Transmission | Horsepower | Torque | Towing Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.7L V8 | 8-speed automatic | 381 hp @ 5,600 rpm | 401 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm | 8,100 lbs |
Strengths
- Legendary Toyota reliability and durability
- Exceptional off-road capability with advanced 4WD system
- Strong towing capacity for class
- Smooth power delivery from refined V8
Weaknesses
- Abysmal fuel economy (13/18/15 mpg)
- Clunky transmission behavior when cold
- Outdated suspension design vs competitors
- Premium fuel not required but recommended
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Interior and Comfort
The Land Cruiser's cabin offers space but lacks luxury polish:
- Seating: Standard leather for all 8 seats
- Entertainment: Dual 11.9" rear seat screens with wireless headphones
- Materials: High-quality but conservative design
- Ergonomics: Excellent visibility with commanding driving position
Reality Check: While spacious, the Land Cruiser's second-row seats lack under-seat foot space, and the third-row is only suitable for children. The folding mechanism for rear seats is outdated compared to modern SUVs.
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Cargo and Practicality
The Land Cruiser's utility is hampered by antiquated seat designs:
| Configuration | Cargo Space | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Behind 3rd row | 16.1 cu ft | Similar to class average |
| Behind 2nd row | 43 cu ft | Seats don't fold completely flat |
| Maximum (seats removed) | 81.7 cu ft | Requires physical seat removal |
Technology and Safety
Notable Features
- Standard Safety: Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control
- Infotainment: 9-inch touchscreen with navigation (no Apple CarPlay/Android Auto)
- Audio: 14-speaker JBL premium system
- Missing: No 360-degree camera or semi-autonomous driving features
How It Compares to Rivals
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| Model | Starting Price | Horsepower | MPG (city/hwy) | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Land Cruiser | $84,820 | 381 hp | 13/18 | Off-road capability, reliability |
| Land Rover Range Rover | $85,945 | 340 hp | 17/23 | Luxury interior, air suspension |
| GMC Yukon Denali | $69,520 | 420 hp | 15/21 | Value, Magnetic Ride Control |
| Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 | $69,625 | 362 hp | 18/23 | Driving dynamics, luxury features |
Pricing and Value Proposition
The Land Cruiser comes fully loaded at $84,820 (plus $395 for Blizzard Pearl paint). Key considerations:
- Pros: No options list means no surprise costs, legendary Toyota build quality
- Cons: Priced like luxury brands without the prestige or refinement
- Resale: Exceptional long-term value retention (65% after 3 years)
- Cost of Ownership: Poor fuel economy offsets some reliability advantages
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Expert Take: The Land Cruiser makes the most sense for buyers who prioritize off-road capability and plan to keep their vehicle for 10+ years. For typical luxury SUV shoppers, the Range Rover or Mercedes GLS offer better value at this price point.
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Final Recommendation
The 2016 Land Cruiser is best suited for:
- Overland enthusiasts who need ultimate reliability in remote areas
- Large families who prioritize durability over luxury
- Buyers who keep vehicles long-term and value resale
Most shoppers will be better served by:
- Luxury seekers: Range Rover or Mercedes GLS
- Value buyers: GMC Yukon Denali
- Fuel-conscious: Range Rover Td6 diesel
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Klash
Last Updated On Oct, 06-2025