The Toyota Land Cruiser, which was first launched in Japan six decades ago, receives a raft of visual and equipment updates for the 2013 model year. As a result of the updates, almost every feature that was previously an option on the Land Cruiser will henceforth by standard.
Visual changes begin with new 18-inch aluminum wheels, a redesigned front grille and fascia, new HID headlights, and new LED running lights. There are also restyled mirrors, additional chrome trim on the doors, new taillights, and a new Pearl White paint color. Updates to the cabin encompass new perforated leather upholstery, a higher-quality wood trim, new instrument cluster decoration, chrome-trimmed air vents, two more power outlets, a heated steering wheel, and new instrument cluster lighting.
The list of equipment that becomes standard on the 2013 Land Cruiser is extensive: a rear-seat DVD player, rain-sensing wipers, Bluetooth, headlight washers, a leather steering wheel, rear spoiler, heated rear seats, and adaptive cruise control all will be featured on every new Land Cruiser. The 2013 model also scores an updated navigation system with Toyota’s Entune connectivity suite, as well as a Multi-Terrain Monitor that displays front, side, or rear camera views for easier maneuvering off-road. Finally, there is a new Multi-Terrain Select setting that lets drivers tailor the traction-control system to different surfaces. On mud and sand, for instance, it would allow more wheel slip than usual. Toyota says that the added standard content is worth over $8700 when equipped on a 2011 model.
As in prior years, the 2013 Land Cruiser is powered by a 5.7-liter V-8 engine with 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. The Toyota SUV seats eight people and has ten standard airbags.
Thanks to the additional standard equipment, Toyota has increased the Land Cruiser's price tag for 2013 by $8835 to a base price of $78,765, which includes the $810 delivery fee. Sales of the 2013 model will begin later this year; production of the 2013 model began last month.