2012 Toyota Tacoma

Updates to 2012 Toyota Tacoma to help maintain the top position in kelasnya.Tacoma will be updated styling inside and out, plus a few new high-tech entertainment features.

2012 Toyota Tacoma

Reputation for solid build quality and excellent reliability are also putting a lot of Tacoma is equivalent to a full-size competitors. For 2012, Tacoma was also seen in the arena to take the lead in electronic cars, Toyota Entune add new services to the list of options. This includes Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, HD radio, satellite radio, text / e-mail reading, and iHeartRadio Pandora streaming, and real-time traffic info (among others). If all that was not enough, the price tag significantly lower than those big trucks have helped seal the deal.

The 2012 Toyota Tacoma is also better than some competitors left in the middle segment of the pickup. Honda Ridgeline is an interesting choice of cleverly designed for personal use, but do not have a lot of pick-up burliness buyers demand. Ford and Dodge had withdrawn from the entry segment and the GM was so underwhelming at the time they might as well head for the exit as well. That leaves the Nissan Frontier because the only serious competition Tacoma. Frontier is equally capable trucks and muscular-looking, but the interior is not as extensive or subtle. Add all of them and Toyota Tacoma pick-up is one of quite a few interesting media to give either the name of downsizing.

Test driver said that the X-Runner trim, Tacoma is by far the sportiest compact pickup truck. When equipped with the TRD off-road package, is very capable when taken off-road, and on-road handling is not bad. But the review such as brakes, which feel soft and mushy, and they universally pan a small jump seat behind the Access Cab.

Buyers who do not plan to haul heavy loads or towing and try to save money out the door will find a 2.7-liter four-cylinder option is acceptable. However, it's not particularly fuel efficient than the V6 brawnier, which is the better choice for both work and play thanks to an abundance of low-range attraction. We think it's definitely worth the extra money.

Toyota Land Cruiser 2012

Toyota Land Cruiser was launched in 2012. Since first dekanalkan of 2007 Toyota Land Cruiser has undergone many changes and look more ferocious. In terms of exterior parts are retained and the changes made in the front bumper, headlights with LED, chrome grille with a larger, and taillights. fitted over the side mirror turn signal. He looks more handsome with alloy wheels 18 "and 20". Looking cabin, got a new graphics on the instrument panel and TFT screen which is placed between the meter cluster. The new cabin trim colors combined in a higher quality material.

Equipped with new technology is a multi-terrain camera. A total of four cameras placed around the car to monitor road conditions. The picture is displayed by a monitor located in the dashboard. The driver can also choose the multi-terrain select system, modifying the traction control and brake settings to deal with cobbled streets, mud, or sand. Also attached Craw Control feature that works like cruise control for low speed - while passing off-road terrain.

Which became standard equipment list on the Land Cruiser 2013 is very broad: the rear seat DVD player, rain-sensing wipers, Bluetooth, washer lights, leather steering wheel, rear spoiler, heated rear seats, adaptive cruise control and all will be displayed in every Land Cruiser new. . Toyota says that the standard content added value of more than $ 8,700 when it comes to the 2011 model.
2Seperti previous years, 2012 Land Cruiser is powered by a 5.7-liter V-8 with 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. Toyota SUV accommodate eight people and has ten standard airbags.

Toyota Diji Concept

Toyota Motor Corp. issued a new concept that Toyota Diji on display at the Geneva International Motor Show in Switzerland in March.

Offering the ultimate in personalization, TOYOTA diji can display messages and other information on both the exterior and interior of the vehicle, with the same ease as downloading the application. The whole body of the vehicle used as a display area, with the body color and content changed at will.

Vehicle interior are equally able to function as a display area. It can be tailored to suit the driver. Navigation information seamlessly blended into the interior thanks to augmented reality technology. A hologram 'navigation concierge' can provide residents with information and guidance to drive through the vocal interface.

The driver does not have to sit behind the steering wheel to operate diji Toyota, a number of functions can be accessed remotely via a smartphone or other mobile communications devices. An update function ensures network drives, and multimedia control system vehicles are always equipped with the latest software.

But it does not end there: The diji TOYOTA can also be connected to the surrounding vehicles and infrastructure, which enables it to detect other vehicles, such as potentially dangerous in the blind spot in advance, or to get in touch with a friend who was driving nearby.

Toyota calls it a "full-city study of hybrid cars," so the FT-Bh is not destined for production. However, Toyota's goal is to create a Runabout, fuel-efficient low-cost urban areas that do not rely on expensive materials or complex manufacturing, but rather to use existing technology to make the hybrid affordable to the masses - something that would be suitable for Europe.

The new 2012 Toyota RAV4 SUV

The new Toyota RAV4 of 2012 is of a modern Crossover all models for 2012, the Toyota RAV4 remains one of the better choices on family size for daily transport and needs. But looking at the appearance of a conservative, traditional, faux-rugged SUV, you might not expect that at all.

Although the new Toyota RAV 2012 but there is no change in the audio features of the new touchscreen interface is available and the suite of Internet-streaming Toyota Entune teknologi.Sistem sound has been completely revamped, and all models now include Bluetooth hands-free connectivity. Audio system with new display, Bluetooth music streaming are included, while the Limited model with the HD Radio iTunes tagging, text-to-voice capability, and XM satellite radio added. Also covered are the Toyota Entune suite of services, with a variety of data services and applications such as Pandora streaming.

In 2012, the Toyota RAV4 crossover SUV is offered in three trim levels: base, Sport and Limited. Five seats are standard, but the Limited can be had with an optional third row that can contain an extra set of children.

Although the RAV4 does not look modern in appearance, it is entirely up to rival the class in performance. Base 179-horsepower, 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine smooth and responsive and has enough power to keep most drivers happy, while the 269-hp, 3.5 liter V-6 is optional and thus, have the ability to sprint with a hot rod-like authority or perform amazing fleeting. All RAV4 models come with, Äîfour speed automatic transmission with four-cylinder, five speed with V-6. In both cases, the RAV4 is offered with either front or four wheel. Optional AWD system uses electronic control to send power to the rear when slippage is detected ahead, and offer the 50/50 is still divided with 4WD Lock mode.

Antilock disc brakes, stability control, traction control, whiplash-reducing front headrests, front seat side airbags and full length curtain side airbags are standard on every 2012 Toyota RAV4. Vehicles equipped with a V6 and / or optional third-row seats also come with hill-start assist and hill-descent control.

In Edmunds brake testing, four-cylinder RAV4 stop from 60 mph in 125 feet - the average distance to the compact crossover.

Interior RAV4 offers a clean design with large, simple controls and plenty of storage space. Overall interior quality is acceptable, but most competitors are now making RAV interior look too substantial and budget oriented. Some rivals also come with additional standard equipment.

However, the Toyota RAV4 is a model of practicality. The rear reclining chairs and can be slid forward and back to optimize passenger space or cargo capacity. Normal seating capacity is five, while the optional third-row seats to seven lumps. Although the seat is intended only for children, at least strong enough and wide for them.

To configure the RAV4 for cargo, all you need to do is flip a lever in the cargo area second-row seats to fold flat. Honda now offers this feature in its CR-V, but in the process, lose the ability to slide the second row of the front and rear - the ability RAV4 continues to offer. With all seats down, there is an impressive 73 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The load floor is also quite low for this class, which minimizes the tension loading groceries a week or ease the dog to climb aboard. However, Toyota rear door can be an inconvenience when you park on the street, because it has a hinge on the right side, the opposite of what you want for the loading side of the road in the United States.

In government crash testing, the RAV4 received an overall score of three stars (of five). It got three stars for overall frontal crash protection and four stars for side crash protection as a whole. In crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, RAV4 ranked at the top "Good" in both frontal-offset and side impact crash tests. It achieved the second best ratings of "Acceptable" on roof strength test.

2012 Toyota Prius Hybrid

Toyota does not mess around with  2012 Toyota Prius. 2012 version of the hybrid car is rumored to have a twofold keiritan level of the current Toyota Prius. 

If the Toyota Prius which is now able to claim fuel save as much as 32.6 km / liter by 2012 the Toyota Prius can achieve 61 km / liter.The hybrid car uses two fuel that can be combined ie, gasoline and electricity. Once the rechargeable battery fully, the Prius can travel 26.4 miles just using batteries. The battery on the 2012 Toyota Prius already uses Lithium-ion material which is more efficient than the Material Nickel-Hydrogen Battery Materials Based Prius into the present.

An MPV, 2012, v Prius Prius equipped with such features under the hood. We mean, he has a 98 hp (73 kW / 99 PS) 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that will be powered by 80 hp (60 kW / 81 hp) electric motor and nickel-metal hydride battery pack. Hybrid technology will allow the combined output of 134 hp (100 kW / 136 PS). This arrangement will help v Prius boasts a fuel economy rating estimated 42 mpg city / 38 mpg hwy, and we felt that was something that first we have ever seen.

Similar to the previous model standard, v Prius also comes with a fairly large size, measuring 181.7 inches, 69.9 inches and 62.0 inches tall. Furthermore, it will also come with a standard 16-inch alloy wheels as in the previous case. 109.4 inch wheel base size, and it could mean that the Prius v will have a little extra legroom and 34.3 cubic feet of space for cargo.

Even under full throttle, PHV is still far from being fast, with a 0-to-60-mph of 11.3 seconds, according to Toyota, compared to 9.8 seconds for a model non-PHV. Blaming the heavier battery and its hardware support adds about 330 pounds for the slower times. But then, the Prius never been and never will be about driving fun, it is about the maximum fuel economy. At the end of the day, evidence of PHV but not in the proverbial pudding neatly displayed on the dashboard. During the town-and-loop highways short, we are supported entirely by electricity about 39 percent of the time, and we average 56 mpg, according to the reading in the car.

Two things to note here: First, the car fuel economy readouts famous optimist. Second, heavy routes in the hills and includes several miles of highway driving, where we often exceed 80 mph. So although the 56-mpg figure may not be entirely accurate, even with a 10-percent margin of error, we recorded an impressive economy for our use. 

After our job, our partners take the helm to drive the route the city and spent nearly two-thirds of the time on feed electrons, bringing overall fuel up to 68 mpg for the trip, an increase of more than 50 percent during the last test the numbers that we see in the Prius.

A cursory look at the interior statistics is enough to convince you of the utility added V Prius Liftback for his brother. With the rear seats in place you've got 34.3 cubic feet of storage on the way home, expands to 67.3 cubes when you fold the seats flat. That's more space than the current Ford Escape and Nissan Rogue and easily eclipses the standard Prius 21.6/39.6 'cubic feet. But the way you access the luggage space is where the compromise entered.

Because pak nickel-metal hydride batteries mounted beneath the cargo area, loading area is unusually high for a vehicle of this size. We are, after all, talking about a five-passenger mini minivan, and when compared to something like the Mazda5, it's easier to get things in and out of the trunk when the load floor height is closer to the knee.

2012 Toyota Corolla Review Specs

The latest product from Toyota is the Toyota Corolla 2012. The new Toyota Corolla will be released the end of the year, but the anticipation has been felt since the this day . 2012 Toyota Corolla is one of the most successful series created by the Toyota Company. The fans are hoping that the Toyota Corolla brand new 2012 Toyota Corolla will bring something new, and Toyota hopes to dominate the car market with new products.

2012 Toyota Corolla overall visual experience only minor changes. Visually: headlights (wider), grille, bumper and lights (LED). So little, the shift is almost no impact on the sedan. If this visual is now 2011 and the old Corolla new 2012 line, receive a fine. 

Toyota Corolla 2012, can be used for various purposes, but the main goal of the year 2012 Toyota Corolla is a good family car. The 2012 Toyota Corolla will use a 1.8 liter engine with 28 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway; which is why the 2012 Toyota Corolla is considered as one of the best family car fuel economy out there.

The 2012 Toyota Corolla also uses a five-speed transmission systems operated hand, for a four-speed automatic transmission system, in 2012 Toyota Corolla rated 26 miles per gallon in the city and 34 miles per gallon in the coming highway.In 2ZR-FBE families, which translates into engine with dual variable valve timing (Dual VVT-i), which operates the intake and exhaust valves of the combustion chamber, while a simple command (VVT-i) acts only on the entry.

Remember, the new engine is only available in versions XLi and the 2012 Toyota Corolla Gli itself will be able to produce about 132 horsepower at 6000 rpm, while that of 2012 Toyota Corolla is equipped with 2.4 liter engine can produce about 158 ​​horsepower at 6000 rpm. As you can see, in 2012 Toyota Corolla is a family car is really good, so every time you want to buy a new car, the Toyota Corolla in 2012 could be your answer.

ABS brakes automatically sense when a tire has stopped rotating under extreme braking, and will modulate the brake pressure to allow the tire to rotate. This increases the vehicles ability to turn while braking. Stability control automatically senses when the vehicles handling limits have been exceeded and reduces engine power and / or APPLIES select brakes to help Prevent the driver from losing control of the vehicle. Front-impact airbags for the driver and passenger have been designed to protect the head during a frontal crash.

Side impact airbags for the front seats have been designed to protect the torso during a side impact collision. Overhead airbags are used to protect the occupant's heads in the event of a side collision or rollover. Seatbelt pretensioners automatically tighten seatbelts to place the occupant in the optimal seating position during a collision. Anti-whiplash head restraints actively React to rear collision forces and craddle the occupants head in an effort to Reduced the likelihood of a whiplash injury.

The vehicle is equipped with an ignition disable device That Will Prevent the engine from starting if the correct original manufacturer key is not used.

2012 Toyota Camry Review

Toyota finally launched the new 2012 Toyota Camry. This 2012 edition have developed a lot of external and internal design changes and looks more elegant and futuristic.

The exterior is mainly on the bumper look big and tall and light design looks more integrated into the rear bumper grill depan.Dengan parts designed and elegance as well as wider rear lights are more besar.Pada intreriornya part, clearly visible change in the dashboard that uses fiber wood with an elegant design and the addition of some more modern features. Upholstery color combination with the dashboard is completely customizable, so that the 2012 Camry interior look more dynamic.

2012 Toyota Camry has a better performance engine with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence technology (VVT-i). When technology is combined with four cylinders and 2.5 liter capacity, this car has a better level of vibration and noise management has improved. The new car also has a 178 hp with fuel economy system. The trip has a 25 mpg (city) and 35 mpg (highway). With a six-speed automatic transmission, making this car comfortable to drive.

2012 Toyota Camry also has more power option. If the user wants to have a car with big power, they can choose toyota camry with a DOHC 24 valve V6 engine with 3.5 liter capacity which includes dual VVT-i. This machine is capable of producing 268 hp, along with six-speed automatic transmission that has a system of fuel economy with 21 mpg (city) and 30 mpg (highway). Both models will be equipped with high security features such as airbags and the Toyota Star Safety System with ABS, EBD, TRAC, and Brake Assists system.

The 2012 Toyota Camry comes with a battery of standard safety features, antilock brakes with Including brake assist, stability control, front-and rear-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, and knee airbags for both driver and passenger, the latter new for 2012. A blind-spot monitoring system is also available.

2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review

2012 Toyota highlander comes with disc brakes and standard ABS, stability and traction control, side-impact airbags for front seat passengers, full length curtain side airbags, driver knee airbag, side and front active head resistance. Hill-start assist are also standard. All-wheel-drive models also get a hill-descent control.

In terms of safety, Highlander won the overall value of four stars (of five), with four stars for frontal crash protection and five stars for side-impact protection. In tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highlander received a "Good" rating (highest possible) in both frontal-offset and side impact tests.

2012 Toyota Highlander is not all about looks and storage space. Crossover line that has become known as the unification of space and comfort with the power and performance. Toyota offers a choice of crossover fans between four-cylinder and six cylinder gasoline engine and electric gas hybrid models as well. Four-cylinder models equipped with 2.7 liter engine that offers an impressive 187 horsepower with 186 pounds feet of torque. It should offer an economical option that Toyota fans do not skimp on power. Six-cylinder models, on the other hand, is a 3.5 liter engine and has a very respectable 270 horsepower with 248 pounds feet of torque.

The 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid models are shipped with a six-cylinder engine and equipped with electric motors at each wheel. These motors provide Highlander 2012, all wheel drive is standard on the hybrid model. While hybrid vehicles are known for having a pretty weak engine, Highlander 2012 offers an eye-opening 280 horsepower, which means that it can compete with hybrid gas-powered siblings. Hybrid models have a self-charging system that allows it to run on electric power alone but can also be run on a combination of gas and electric power. In the current climate of high fuel costs, hybrid crossover with this kind of power is a welcome addition to the automotive market.

The 2012 Toyota Highlander features one of the better-looking cabin in the segment, and this is especially true of models of top-of-the-line Limited. Gauges and controls boast easy and familiar layout, so that later won to be used. This cabin also offers exceptional visibility from most angles.

There is no lack of space in the front seats and second row, but legroom is tight in the third row, and thus, it is only suitable for young children. Models such as the Flex fare better in this regard. On the plus side, the second row seats slide forward and the Highlander in the back to change the ratio of legroom with a cargo capacity, and the seat also reclines for greater comfort. 40/20/40-split this unique chair design, which has a removable center section that stows neatly in a special compartment under the center console, making it easy to access way-back seat even with a pair of child's car seat strapped into the second row.

If you have a haul cargo, the Highlander offers 95.4 cubic feet of space with the second and third row seatbacks folded down. This is the figure of a stronger and better than many competitors, but the GM full-size crossover offers even more.

2012 Toyota Prius

2012 Toyota Prius was born, becoming the first Toyota hybrid car. Since then, of course, Toyota and Lexus hybrids have been taken to the streets, because it has a lot of almost every other car manufacturers. But the 2012 Toyota Prius thanks to a different (if not sexy) styling and industry-leading fuel economy is still unofficial greenmobile for Toyota and the world.

Toyota Prius certainly be the first to make the next big leap in fuel efficiency for 2012 with plug-in went the new Prius PHV, or "plug-in hybrid vehicles."

There is great news for the 2012 Prius in the audio / infotainment, with the new standard system for the Prius Two, Three and Four model. Two Prius, the new display features a touch screen audio system with 6.1-inch screen. AM / FM CD player unit offers MP3/WMA playback capability with six speakers, USB port for iPod ® connectivity, auxiliary input jack, Bluetooth ® hands-free phone and audio streaming capabilities. The display also provides information on the vehicle and allows the driver to adjust vehicle settings.

Three Prius adds navigation and Entune, plus an integrated backup camera screen, SiriusXM Satellite Radio capabilities, HD RadioTM with iTunes ® Tagging, advanced voice recognition and text-to-speech text to be programmed and customized responses. Toyota Entune system is a collection of popular mobile applications and data services, with three years of free access. Once the smart phone is connected to the vehicle using Bluetooth wireless technology or USB cable, which is operated Entune features using the vehicle controls or, for some services, with voice recognition. Entune offers mobile applications for BingTM, iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, ® OpenTable, and Pandora ®. Entune data services including user fuel prices, sports scores, stock, traffic and weather.

For 2012, Prius Four covers the eight-speaker JBL system coupled ® GreenEdgeTM and eight-channel JBL amplifier. GreenEdge technology significantly reduces the power draw on the vehicle, which can help improve fuel economy. Deluxe Solar Roof Package when ordered to, Prius Four that the system is further enhanced by the Head-up Display and Premium HDD Navigation System, which uses an exclusive seven-inch touch screen with split-screen capability.

Prius C is equipped with the latest generation of hybridization 1.6-liter four-cylinder powered by an electric motor. This engine can provide power 99 hp (74 kW100 PS). Prius C also has a nickel-metal-Hybride 144 volt which allows the vehicle for short distances.

The base MSRP for the Prius v are $26,400 for the Prius v Two model, $27,165 for the Prius v Three, and $29,990 for the Prius v Five. The Prius v will arrive at Toyota dealerships in late October. Resd more about 2012 Toyota Prius prices

Toyota Avalon 2011 - Auto Shows

In between deflecting questions about runaway Camrys and Priuses that don’t stop, Toyota found time at the Chicago auto show to unveil the 2011 Avalon, which goes on sale this spring.

In truth, there's a lot of old Avalon here; the sheetmetal and interior are new, but the running gear and platform are the same. The new car features the same 3.5-liter V-6 engine that makes 268 hp, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Toyota says that the car hits 20 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway on the EPA cycle.

As expected, the exterior design—the work of Toyota’s CALTY studio in California—was torpor-inducing, but the new interior is very clean and neat, featuring a simplified center stack and the segment's only reclining rear seat. Myriad driver distractions are available, including Bluetooth music streaming.

The Avalon comes in two levels: standard and upscale Limited. Even the base car gets standard leather upholstery, an eight-way power driver's seat, dual-zone climate control, a rearview camera, and 17-inch aluminum wheels. All Avalons get a full array of airbags and electronic safety aids, including an override for the gas pedal when the brakes are pressed. The latter, of course, is a feature that would have saved Toyota's bacon if they had thought of installing it a model before 2011.

As yet, there's no word on Avalon pricing, but don't expect it to stray far from the current model's when it hits the showroom floors.

(BY MARK GILLIES, PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEVIN HILLGER AND THE MANUFACTURER )

Toyota Land Cruiser (2009) CAR review

It’s almost 60 years old, five million have been sold throughout the world and, with this all-new model – cue drumroll – the UK will add, well, around 1200 units to that tally annually. You’re unlikely to see one over here, then, so take a good look at the all-new Toyota Land Cruiser while you can.

It looks familiar…

Evolution’s certainly the name of the game here, the new car looking much like the one that’s been around since 2003. Headline changes for spotters include a bigger front bumper with integral fog lamps, a new grille with vertical bars, revised headlights and rear LED taillights, plus more aggressively flared wheelarches.

The dimensions remain much the same, partly because there was always plenty of interior room, partly because Toyota didn’t want to swell the exterior dimensions for fear of reducing off-road manoeuvrability. So, it’s 45mm longer and 10mm wider than its predecessor while maintaining the same wheelbase and rear overhang. If you’re serious about your off-roading, you might be interested to know that the approach angle is 32 degrees, the ramp breakover angle 22 degrees, the departure angle 25 degrees.

The V8 Land Cruiser (introduced in 2008) continues to be offered here, but Britain will only take this bodystyle in five door, 3.0-litre TD trim – a seriously big four cylinder.

If it’s so similar, what’s the point?

Toyota’s aim has been to build on the Land Cruiser’s rugged, go-anywhere DNA, while also making it a far nicer drive on the road.

So, body-on-frame construction remains – it’s tougher, and, says Toyota, the separate body better resists the twisting forces exerted by serious off-roading than a monocoque does – and there’s all manner of acronyms to bail you out when the going gets tough: an LSD for the centre diff, A-TRC (Acitve traction control) MTS (Multi-terrain select), multi-terrain ABS.

However, there’s also extra sound insulation in the A, B, C and D pillars, plus the door sill and roof. There’s extra sound deadening inside too, an acoustic windscreen (a layer of film between the glass helps refinement) and extra attention has been paid to keep wind noise down. And it works. Once you’re up to speed and making only small adjustments to the throttle you’ll notice precious little wind-, tyre- or road noise.

I sense a ‘but’ coming on…

I prefer the word caveat, but yes. Accelerate hard and the engine becomes far more vocal, and it’s not particularly quick off the mark either. The Land Cruiser also rides with a lolloping gait, has very light and slow-witted steering and, while it’s generally composed, there’s too much thumping about over ripples and pockmarks for our liking.

However, the standard five-speed automatic shifts smoothly and, if you spec the top LC5 trim level, you’ll get three-way adjustable dampers that help to quell the roll and better absorb the bumps – although the sub-30mph ride still fails to impress.

What’s this business about specs?

You can choose from LC3, LC4 and LC5, the former being the bare bones poverty spec, the latter offering both the most luxurious interior appointments –rear seat entertainment system, sunroof, electric seat memory – and the really serious off-road kit – multi-terrain select, crawl control, locking rear diff, steering angle display and active height control for the rear suspension. You can’t, sadly, spec the most basic car with the best off-road kit.

Whatever the spec, it’s more Mitsubishi Outlander in here than Land Rover Discovery. The plastics and controls are pretty cheap and everything just looks a bit dated, even if it is comfortable (another caveat – the Lexus RX seats are far more comfortable) and easy to see out of and place on the road thanks to its chunky square corners.

And what the big Toyota lacks in quality it makes up for in practicality. It has seven seats, and six-feet-tall adults can easily sit one-behind-the-other in rows one, two and three. Yes, the third row is a bit more compromised – you sit higher so your view out of the windscreen is marginal and headroom is much tighter – but it’s not a squash for full-sizers.

You can also lay all of rows two and three flat in all sorts of different configurations for when you’re lugging big loads around. Got something long and narrow plus four passengers? Drop one seat in row two and another in row three and away you go. And with all the seats up there’s still room out back for a couple of suitcases.

What’s it like off-road?

Absolutely amazing. Truth be told, this writer hasn’t much in the way of off-road experience, but I drove down a river, up steep, chalky hills clogged with mud and bordered by trees, and teetered down hillsides I probably couldn’t have walked down, and all without incident. The Hansel and Gretel sat-nav that keeps track of where you’ve gone even when you’re off-road, and the central screen that shows what you see through the windscreen plus the trajectory of your front wheels (LC5 only) – it’s so easy to lose track of where you’re pointing in really slippery conditions – deserve particular praise.

In an hour I reckon I did more than what 99% of 4x4 owners would do in a lifetime, and did it all while relying entirely on Toyota’s technology, not my skill.

Verdict

We were impressed by the Land Cruiser, but it’s easy to understand why we see so few in the UK – the Land Rover Discovery is just the better bet. We can’t really verify which car is better off-road, but we have driven the Landie and Toyota on off-road courses and both 4x4s simply shrugged everything off, and so will be equally adept at dealing with everything a UK owner will throw at them – even those who do regularly stray off-road.

Perhaps the Land Cruiser’s body-on-frame ruggedness would come into its own in the Outback or the Middle East, and I know which name I’d rather trust in a life-or-death situation, but this excellence is largely wasted in the UK.

What you’re left with is a 4x4 that doesn’t look or feel as plumply, premiumly, safely special as the Discovery either inside or out, isn’t as nice to drive and costs similar money.

A good effort, but soundly beaten in our market.

(By Ben Barry)