New 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser Debuts Online, With Pricing

• Competes with: Land Rover Range Rover
• Looks like: The big fish that would swallow a RAV4
  
• Drivetrain: 381-hp, 5.7-liter V-8 with six-speed automatic; four-wheel drive
• Hits dealerships: October 2007

Car companies usually release new models at major auto shows to get the most exposure possible. Supposedly, today’s online reveal of the all-new 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser is in advance of an auto show in Australia next month, but we’re guessing Toyota just didn’t want to unveil its behemoth SUV in the U.S. right now, when it’s seen as such a green-friendly company.

We’re not slighting this new Land Cruiser, though. The outgoing model had plenty of fans, and we’ve gotten quite a few emails in anticipation of the 2008 version. Nearly everything has been redesigned, from the chassis to the suspension to the bruising 381-hp, 5.7-liter V-8 that we loved in the new Tundra pickup. It takes regular gas and tows up to 8,500 pounds. There’s a six-speed automatic transmission with a manual mode. Mileage is rated at 13/18 mpg city/highway, compared to the aging 2007’s 275-hp V-8 and its 13/17 mpg using less-stringent EPA testing standards, meaning mileage has actually gotten even better than the numbers suggest.

Both the exterior and interior have been retooled nicely, though they’re still a bit on the boring side, and the price gets a bump too — up 12% from last year to $63,200, not including destination charge. The new Land Cruiser is longer, as well, to make more room for the three rows of seats that fit eight people. More photos below.

Comments

Man, they made it ugly. Everything rear of the A-piller is tragic in my oppinion, and the rear lights look like they came off of an impala. The Interior is nice though- the satin finished wood is gorgeous.

Man, they made it ugly. Everything rear of the A-piller is tragic in my oppinion, and the rear lights look like they came off of an impala. The Interior is nice though- the satin finished wood is gorgeous.

Ugly doesnt begin to describe it.

For that money by a Cadillac or a Land Rover.

Overall, I like it, but only slightly...
For $63K, Toyota should have made the Landcruiser look distinct, instead of merging styling cues from cheaper Toyotas... the looks are rugged, but a familiar rugged look borrowed from the Tundra, it should have been something completely distinct... But still, looks like a good entry into the class, and I'm sure it will be satisfying for most owners, but still, the styling leaves much to be desired..
Still loving my 2006 RAV4, tho...

Hm, another aircraft carrier for the road, as if there isnt enough of them.

What the heck is with all these new vehicles costing many thousands of dollars, yet none have side molding? Dings, dents, and scrapes will make these costly vehicles look like crap in a few years.

For the price of a 07 LX470, whoever buys this is a symbol of "I got money to burn, and who gives a ****!"

Why would anyone want to buy this? You could find a number of other SUV's that look far better! If I had this kind of money to spend, I'd want something a little more expressive without being overboard -- in typical Toyota fashion, this one is staid.
When I first saw the nose, I thought it was ugly (too bland). After looking at the rest of it, the nose is the best thing going for it. The rear is downright awkward, the sides are ok (but the lines are too soft and round). Not very appealing.

It hasn't been released yet and already looks dated. I'm a big Yota fan and this dissapoints me.

The rear end reminds me of the Griswold Family Truckster in National Lampoon's Vacation. Toyota can do a lot of things. Designing a good looking car, is not one of them however.....

Well I was planning to trade in my 05 LX470 when the new ones come out....but if the next LX looks anything like this junk, I will be keeping it for a long time.

63K for a Toyota?

If im not mistaken, you can get an Audi Q7 4.2 with alot of options for less...and Audi is a luxury brand. Toyota is not.

if they want to sell it with a starting price of 63K, this thing better be a land boat. that means no hard plastic like in the Rav4 and Hilander (which runs for 41K, well-equipped BTW).

it really just looks like Toyota took the Rav4 and blew it up (like they did with the highlander). Who knows what the new sequoia is going to look like; its going to be even bigger.

I think some of you guys are forgetting that all Landcruisers were designed as go anywhere off road vehicles, dependable, and built to last. An Escalade couldnt compare to a Landcruiser based on those factors...looks aside.

A class of two: It and the Range Rover. This vehicle cannot be compared to some chintzy Q7 or Blingy Escalade. That's not it's purpose in life. Kudos to Toyota for keeping it simple.

Come on now, guys. If you know anything about the Land Cruiser, you should know it is not to be compared to Q7, or any on road based SUV. Like LM has said, it can be compared to Range Rover.

This one is over priced and Ugly. I would buy a Landrover LR3 over it anytime. And for the price difference I paid for all the fuel I would use while I owned it.

If this is to fight the Rover. Go back and start over. It's the SequoiaCruiser. Go for it. Put the shifter back on the steering column.

They just made plastic an endangered species with this one.

Lets just say that that thing trying to look pretty and going off road with no side molding is going to look like total crap. Small rocks chip away at the paint. Owners of these won't want to use them for their true purpose. If anything this is fail and should be compared against gitzy Cadillacs and the Q7

Well, styling will always be in the eye of the beholder and one always needs to give new designs some time. However (except for the Land Rover) there is really no comparison between the LC an the rest of the SUV world. I've seen them in service from Ethiopia (standard issue vehicle for the UN) to Argentina. You are buying more than style and gadgets (though it is loaded with the latter). In many countries, where a roadside breakdown can be life threathening (either the heat, the locals, or both) the Land Cruiser is the vehicle that drivers are willing to bet their life on. My '05 leads a pampered life compared to most of the Crusiers I've seen, yet I drive it on the backroads of New Mexico or on Texas freeways in confort and with confidence. Those who don't understand what it the LC is probably won't fork over the money for one anyway (not matter how cool it looked) so I doubt Toyota is to worried about selling them - they have legions of loyal owners. Even the die hard LC owners who lament this or that styling queue (like those tunnel things on the instrument panel) will test drive a few other brands, realize beauty is only fender deep, and buy another Cruiser. And let's not forget resale value. Comapre the LC with other SUVs out there (like the Land Rover) and you will see where true value lies. Still, I expect those new tail lights will take awhile for me to warm up to (but that is the guy behind me's problem).

I’ve been waiting for news on this Land Cruiser since you guys showed the LX570 a few months back. Personally, I love the front end of this new Land Cruiser more so than the LX570. The Land Cruiser’s front fascia is more masculine and yet still conservative. People buy Land Cruisers for many reasons (Incognito luxury from a Toyota brand, reliability, dependability, legendary off road capability, etc.). This new Land Cruiser is more powerful than its predecessor and yet more fuel efficient as well; kudos to Toyota for making that happen. Though the Land Rover Range Rover looks classy, the Land Cruiser and the LX 570 appeal to those that do not want something too flashy. Besides, did you know that the current generation Land Cruiser/LX 470 owner’s median household income is in the 400k’s? Also Dave, do you know if the upcoming Land Cruiser/LX570 will require as many man hours to assemble as the current model? I was told that was one of the reasons why it’s so much more expensive than a Sequoia.

PS: Ok, it does have some Highlander bits and pieces here and there, but that’s because the Land Cruiser represents the epitome of SUVs in the family. I do miss some body cladding on these large SUVs, I think that would’ve made it a bit more distinctive. Also, the third row of seats in any SUV should ALWAYS be an option. I think there are owners out that could care less about that extra row of seat, but will instead opt of more “U” in the SUV and a cargo cover.

Too expensive and too bland, very Toyota.

It's butt ugly! Did the designers go on extended vaction? Who's spending $63K on this turd?

Acutally, isn't the real world-off-roader the Land Cruiser Prado (aka GX470)?

A Toyota lover/defender would love it only like it's mother can.

I see people posting that are obviously clueless as to what a Land Cruiser is. While it may be a bit bland or ugly, know that nobody ever bought a Land Cruiser for its looks. Comparing a Land Cruiser to anything made by Land Rover is ridiculous. The quality, reliability, and dependability of a Toyota Land Cruiser are what you are paying for. If you are one of those people that buy a car for its looks, you should probably be on TMZ.com.

It has the Toyota trademark black warts on all the door handles, and huge D-pillar blind spot. Yay, Toyota!

Black wart? You mean the smart key button to lock the door from the outside with keys in the pocket? I think it's much better than the slapped on number pad that Ford still used that looks like it's glued on with super glue, half the time not even aligned properly.

http://donaadsen.com/Images/Picture/2005/January/keylesspad(2).jpg

http://www.genuine-ford-parts.com/images/keypad.jpg

$63,000, isn't that too much for THAT? Good luck with THAT Toyota!

$63,000, isn't that too much for THAT? Good luck with THAT Toyota!

People seem to think this isn't a niche vehicle. Toyota sold 2,189 of these between Jan-Aug of 2006. They aren't Tahoes or Escalades. The Sequoia covers that market.

the Q7 chintzy? wow.

price was the comparison, and that you can get a car that is from a luxury brand for less than one that is not from a luxury brand.

Its still a Toyota. They can add all of their bells and whisles, but its still a Toyota. Because Toyota is not a premium, luxury brand, chances are these wont sell.

BTW, the Q7 can eba decent off roader. its no Wrangler or X-Terra, but it still is capable.

Yes, I mean the smart key buttons. Other manufacturers (I believe Acura, Infiniti, Mercedes, and BMW) have figured out how to make them less conspicuous. It's no different than how GM can't figure out how to paint their OnStar antennas, and Ford can't figure out how to paint their backup sensors.

Almost all of those smart key buttons are black- they are rubber buttons for crying out loud. And the back up sensors from ford are painted- I have them on my Five Hundred. Does anyone actually look at these cars in person?

am i the only one that notices that this "new" Toyota doesnt have seats that can be removed, or even center hearests?

*headrests*

It appears the center headrest extends up from the middle of the 2nd row seat (what's the armrest console on the lower half). I dont think it's 8-passenger, so there isn't one in the third row.

That middle second row seat is not for long-term comfort.

Finally, most of these luxury/off-road vehicles don't come with removable seats. SUVS aren't for carrying stuff, what are you kidding!?! They're for looks! HA

Get a pick up or Minivan if you want actual cargo-carrying capability.

I didn't realize Ford had started painting their backup sensors. They didn't used to on their minivan.

The smart key buttons wouldn't be so ugly if they weren't on every single door handle. Nonetheless, other manufacturers have figured out how to make them more aesthetic.

The design is typical Toyota, BORING!!! I would rather shell out a little more and get a nicer and sportier looking Land Rover. That's if I could affort one in the first place.

Looks good, striking resemblance to the new highlander except bigger. I hope they will continue with the double rear doors for the Saudi and Africa models as they did on the outgoing model. Interior is unlike any toyota i've seen so far - the buttons, the wood trim, the door handles, etc..
If only I had $63K,..how much is the lexus gonna cost?

I finally saw the '08 LC at the Texas State Fair. It does look quit a bit nicer in person than in any of the photos I've seen. It was on a display platform so I did not get too see the interior. Body fit and finish is very fine, the grill and lights look impressive. A bit funky at the rear end but not so odd as the photos suggest. When you see them side by side, the LC is distinctive from the Highlander due it's size and glass area. Wish I could post pictures here to show it. Overall, I think people (especially current LC owners) will warm up to it when they see it.

I have to say I haved owned my 08 Landruiser for about 30 days now and I love it...For those crying about the $ 63,000 price it is worth every dime so far. I love the new look and it drives like no other SUV I have ever had... I have had so many compliments it is amazing...Had a friend spend 68,000 on a Range Rover and he is in the Service shop every other week...I have been driving SUV's for years and have by far love the LandCruiser the Best. T. Peele, Woodbridge VA

I drive a 1999 Land Cruiser with 130K miles on it. Love IT. LC are not for looking good. They are made to get you where you need to go, through rain, sleet, snow or whatever nature sends. Go buy one and drive it for a month. You'll never drive anything else

I drive a 1999 Land Cruiser with 130K miles on it. Love IT. LC are not for looking good. They are made to get you where you need to go, through rain, sleet, snow or whatever nature sends. Go buy one and drive it for a month. You'll never drive anything else

I purchased an 08 Landcruiser 5 weeks ago. I traded in my 2000 LC and also have a 2004 LC. I didn't think it got any better than my 2004 LC. Boy, was I wrong, Toyota has really outdone themselves. This SUV is GREAT!!! The greater power, handling, and features galore are fantastic. I tow a large boat which was a bit of a problem with my 2000 LC. Not so with the greater power & towing capacity of the 08 LC! I love the looks inside & out and could not be more happy. I don't care what others may think - I am not a poser & don't care to impress with some pimped-out SUV e.g. Escalade.
I also don't care that some folks may think that my $7,500 Rolex looks like a Seiko. If you want quality second to none buy a LandCruiser. If you want to impress the masses - buy the pimped-out Escalade. If you really want to impress - try wearing a half dozen gold chains while driving the Escalade.

Well the new Land cruiser 08 looks more like a vehicle designed in hurry cuz it has lost its traditional looks. For a person interested in LC 08 would first c itz exterior. My view is that the Land Cruiser 1996-1998 model was the best also called cruising. toyota must hurry and take immediate steps to change the shape of Land Cruiser particularly from back

The Land Cruiser is considered the top of the SUV food chain at Toyota, but there are reasons to question that with the latest version. First, by looking at the photos they appear to have dropped the distinctive split clamshell tailgate, one of the more expensive but charming features of previous generations. You could fold down the bottom like a pickup tailgate and have a place to sit, or just open the top to bring home long boards from the lumber yard. It was a feature copied from American station wagons of the 40s and 50s, back when the Land Cruiser used a licensed copy of the Chevy stovebolt six engine. Well, they got rid of the six cylinder in the 90s, and now the tailgate. But they still have the solid rear axle setup, which also harkens back to the old days. While it's a rugged design, the truck can't ride as nice as one with an independent rear suspension. That brings us to the new Sequoia, in which Toyota dropped the solid axle and went to an independent rear suspension for '08. If you buy the new Land Cruiser it will be a very durable vehicle with great off road prowess. But you can save $15,000 by purchasing the Sequoia and get a vehicle with the same engine, larger interior, better suspension, and arguably better looks.

Unfortunately, Toyota is getting caught up in their own marketing. They believe the world will beat a path to their door because it is a Toyota and therefore, they can cheapen it and cut costs while still raising the price 12%, in one year, during a recession, no less!

Large expanses of cheap-looking plastic, no exterior mldgs. etc. You may be blinded by the Toyota nameplate but I see it for what it truely is... a huge disapointment and an insult to loyal Toyota owners everywhere. Frankly, I feel violated.

I have a 2005 LC and when it dies, sadly, unless Toyota gets competitive again, there won't be another dependable but ugly, over-priced, striped down Toyota in my garage. Toyota sales are down 44% for a reason. Perhaps this is a good example of why.

For the freshman period in story profession is facultative those who would discipline the grouping to "tag" every cause with an implantable microchip. The very RFID profession can also be utilised to "tag" every point that is to be sold. Erstwhile this is through every financial dealing will be mortal to content by those who command the cashless grouping.
Every propagation has had those whose drive has been to instruction the mankind, and ours is no exception. The disagreement is, that in our day this can be through, not by personnel or law index, but by controlling every mortal's knowledge to buy and cozen.
We gift soon see the consummation of Revealing chapter 13, verses 16-18.
This has never before been realistic.
==============
Marry