Toyota Land Cruiser- Streamlined SUV offers rugged luxury for on and off the pavement.
Living in and around 85086 makes us bona fide desert dwellers and our backyard is truly an oasis for those who love the outdoors. As an adventure-seeking kid, my family and I would explore the desert or venture north to our rustic cabin that could only be reached if you had a four-wheel drive truck with plenty of ground clearance. One thing separating my childhood from that of my own kids is that I would have to get out of my dad’s Ford Bronco and manually lock the hubs.
The Toyota Land Cruiser was born in 1957 and designed to be a utilitarian off-road beast, but in recent years it’s evolved into a vehicle that can still take on nearly any terrain, while boasting luxury and refinement all at the same time. On a recent test drive, I took a step back in time and explored some pretty cool places in a 2016 model. My itinerary for the week included the Table Mesa Recreation Area, Devil’s Bridge Trail in Sedona, and a quick stop at the Black Mountain BMX track to see how the vehicle would deliver along various terrains. Let me just tell you, this SUV is pretty and tough-as-nails.
Most other four-wheel drive SUVs on the road can’t compare to the Land Cruiser’s off-road features. Its Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) and full-time four-wheel drive Torsen limited-slip locking center differential sets it apart. I was also impressed with the enhanced multi-terrain monitor that allows drivers to visually see front, side, or rear views, so you don’t have to get out of the vehicle to check the surroundings. Plus, the crawl control feature made climbing the steep hills at Black Mountain BMX a piece of cake.
The Land Cruiser has a smooth, luxurious ride and it’s not shy on the interstate inclines. Combined with the brand’s first eight-speed automatic transmission, the 381 horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine produces 401 pound-foot of torque at 3,600 rpm, giving the Land Cruiser powerful acceleration and quick response time.
With eight-passenger available seating, the Land Cruiser provides larger families or carpool moms’ peace of mind with the Star Safety System, which is standard on all Toyota models. Road trips are made simpler with a rear-seat DVD entertainment system featuring two individual 11.6-inch display monitors, RCA jacks, and separate HDMI input for individual playback. With the middle and third rows folded, the Land Cruiser provides 81.7 cubic feet of cargo space allowing plenty of space for gear, school projects, or a ton of groceries.
Overall, I can see why the Land Cruiser has an unmatched loyalty that other SUVs can’t touch.
STATS
Price as tested: $83,825
Seating: 8
Engine: 5.7-liter V8
Horsepower: 381
Fuel economy: 13/18 mpg city/highway
What I loved: Getting the thumbs-up from hikers on the way to Devils’ Bridge Trail!
TRAVEL WITH THE TOYOTA LAND CRUISER
Table Mesa Recreation Area: Near New River, this site is a popular place for off-road trails and target shooting. From Phoenix, travel north on Interstate 17. Take Exit 236 and turn west. Turn north on the frontage road that leads into the Recreation Area. on.doi.gov/2hJUJd7
Devil’s Bridge Trail #120: Devil’s Bridge is the largest natural sandstone arch in the Sedona area. From Phoenix, travel north on Interstate 17. Take US 89A and continue through Sedona to Dry Creek Road (FR152) at the west end of town. Turn right on Dry Creek Road and drive for two miles to where FR152 forks and take the right fork (leaving the paved road). This road is rough; high-clearance vehicles required. About 1.3 miles up this road turn right to Devil’s Bridge Trailhead and parking lot. bit.ly/1KknVST
Black Mountain BMX: Come support your local USA sanctioned BMX track on Feb. 17 through 19 for the Winter Nationals weekend of racing and watch as expert riders, such as local resident Nate Banghart, fly through the air on their bikes. This is an event you don’t want to miss. 24024 N. 11th St., Phoenix.
blackmountainbmx.com
