The Morning Call and Mcall.com's view

If there’s one sport utility vehicle that isn’t a johnny-come-lately, it’s Toyota’s Cruiser. Having started out in 1950 as an adaptation of the Willys Jeep, it was first imported to the U.S. in 1958 and it outsold Toyota’s car line through 1965.

But it’s only in the last few years that the comfort level of Land Cruisers have matched their tough, reliable image. The latest iteration corrects that deficiency, making this large land crusher a smooth way to stomp through the woods to grandma’s house.

The engine enhances this feeling. For too long, Land Cruisers have had to make do with a six-cylinder engine. Now comes a Lexus-smooth 4.7 liter double-overhead-cam V-8 with 230 horsepower and 320 pound feet of torque. This will move this mastodon to 60 mph in under 10 seconds and makes it much more competitive with other large land bruisers.

In typical Toyota fashion, the engine is a smoothie, making its presence felt with good power at all speeds without raising a ruckus. It’s very refined. So is the suspension, which does an admirable job balancing ride comfort with agility. Although not car-like, the ride is so close you’d almost think you weren’t riding in a truck.

The Cruiser sends that power to all-four wheels all the time through a two-speed four-wheel-drive system hooked to a four-speed automatic. The system sends power where it is needed, but a locking differential is also available to ensure an even front-to-back split power-wise.

Stopping power was really good, with four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes working even in four-wheel-drive low-range mode. New features for the 2000 model year include Electronic Force Distribution, which measures braking force in emergency situations. The device checks to make sure that all four wheels are turning at the same rate and then applies more braking force to one wheel if needed. Also available is ActiveTRAC, a more advanced traction control system that takes the drive force from one slipping wheel and distributes that power to the other three wheels. A new vehicle skid control also helps to ensure the driver remains in control.

All the sophisticated electronics in the world won’t overcome the laws of physics. This explains the truck’s cornering ability.

Basically the body leans enough to dispel any notion that the ride is any sportier than a family car. But bump absorption is at the luxury level lending the Land Cruiser’s cabin a feeling of serenity.

The cabin and controls are first rate. What a difference a decade makes.

The gauges are clearly visible and are complete with oil and voltage readouts. The stereo is mounted high, three rotary controls below it control the climate control system. Cabin storage is good, with lots of space for stuff, but the center console is very wide.

Rear seat passengers are comfy as well. Like the front seats, the rear seats are chair high and comfortable. The seat bottoms are a little short, but that’s true of most Toyotas. The seat folds flat for carrying cargo. A rear third seat is available as an option. A cargo net, power point and a split tailgate make for flexible cargo carrying options.

Comfort and convenience features are average. A six-disc in-dash CD player, full leather seating and a sunroof were all added as standard equipment for 2000. The 1999 test vehicle included heated seats, power windows and door locks, power heated mirrors, AM/ FM cassette/CD, power point, security system with engine immobilizer, automatic headlamps, fog lamps and an outside temperature gauge.

The extra standard equipment goes a long way towards making this vehicle a reasonable buy. The 1999 vehicle seemed skimpy considering its $4x,xxx base price.

But Toyota also makes a Lexus version of this vehicle with a pricetag that approaches 60 large ones. Looked at in that light, the Land Cruiser is less expensive. Compared against a Lincoln Na vigator, well…

If you do buy the Land Cruiser over the Lexus take the difference in price and put it toward a Corolla. Test mileage never got above 15 mpg in highway driving, 13 mpg in city driving. Ouch!

But the Land Cruiser and its land crushing brethren are about image and the security of all-wheel-drive. That along with a sophisticated engine and creamy ride make this big beast one of the tops in its crowded field.

>> Toyota Land Cruiser

Vehicle type: Large 4-door sport utility vehicle
Engine: 4.7-liter DOHC V-8
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 112.2 inches
Length: 192.5 inches
Curb weight: 5,115 pounds
Cargo volume: 20.8-90.8 cubic feet
Tires: PP275/70R16
Ground clearance: 9.8 inches
Towing weight: 6,500 pounds
Test mileage: 14 mpg
Fuel type: Premium
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