• Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Auto Trends Magazine

Car reviews, industry news, & advice.

V8 engine

Iconic SUV: 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser

March 13, 2017 by admin 5 Comments

Toyota’s longest playing nameplate is also its most expensive model.

2017 Toyota Land Cruiser
The 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser is available in one trim: CE.

The very first Toyota Land Cruiser was introduced in 1951, a Jeep-like vehicle built under contract to the US military for use in Korea. Based on the original Willys theme, the first “Toyota Jeep BJ” was larger and more powerful than its American counterpart.

Years later, the Land Cruiser is still being made, although what is offered today is nothing like the original. The current model, introduced in 2008 and refreshed since, induces a more safari-like look, although its ride, interior trappings, and build quality underscores why Toyota charges more than $85,000 to customers.

The 2017 Land Cruiser is available in one well-equipped trim, CE, and offers no packages. There exist a few accessories you can add, including an accent stripe ($149), special Blizzard Pearl paint ($395), and remote engine start ($499), to name a few. Thus, your final price might top $87,000, including a $1,195 destination charge.

You simply won’t discover a more expensive Toyota than the Land Cruiser.

2017 Toyota Land Cruiser

Which brings me to another point: since the current model rolled out, a Lexus LX version has hit the market. Add about $5,000 for the Lexus and you have an equivalent model. I drove the LX last summer; my review can be found here.

If you desire to purchase a new Land Cruiser, be prepared to work with your dealer to order one. Not all dealers carry this vehicle, especially in places where winter driving isn’t an issue. Toyota sells about 250 Land Cruisers each month or about the number of Camrys it sells every four hours. LX sales are nearly double that of the Toyota, which may mean customers feel it is worth the extra investment to obtain the luxury cachet.

The Land Cruiser is a traditional body-on-frame SUV and that means it is based on a truck body, not a car platform. Although pricier than the Sequoia by as much as $40,000, the Land Cruiser is nearly a foot shorter overall. Both models are based on an earlier Tundra platform, but for the Land Cruiser it was shortened and strengthened accordingly.

2017 Toyota Land Cruiser

Toyota pulls out all the stops when equipping the 2017 Land Cruiser, including fitting every model with 18-inch split-spoke alloy wheels, projector beam headlights with automatic on/off and auto leveling as well as headlight cleaners, LED daytime running lights, fog lights, accent lights and rear lights, and heated and power-operated side mirrors.

You’ll also find aluminum running boards, front and rear tow hooks, front and rear mudguards, skid plates, and a color-keyed rear spoiler. A power tilt and slide moonroof with a sunshade is standard.

Inside, the Land Cruiser offers room for eight in a 2-3-3 layout. Behind the front bucket seats is a 40/20/40 split-folding bench seat with a 50-50 split-folding bench seat following in the third row. Every seating position behind the front row comes with folding headrests.

The cabin is big although not as cavernous as you would find in the Chevrolet Suburban or Ford Expedition. Instead, it is nearer in size to the GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe.

You’ll find plenty of high-end materials throughout the cabin, starting with the semi-aniline leather seats, the leather-wrapped steering wheel, and the leather-trimmed shift lever with a wood-grain style inlay. The door inlays are also dressed in leather.

2017 Toyota Land Cruiser

The front seats are power operated and provide lumbar support as well as heating and ventilation control. As the driver’s you sit at a command position at all times — the seat moves back and forth, but its downward placement is minimal. Personally, I would prefer to have the option to sit somewhat lower. Other than that, the driver’s seat is comfortable.

A power tilt and telescopic steering column with a heating function; full power accessories; keyless entry with push-button start; multiple consoles, storage bins, and door pockets; and 12 drink and cup holders are included. Every model has a 14-speaker JBL audio system with a subwoofer along with a nine-inch color display panel, HD Radio, satellite radio, related apps, a backup camera, Siri Eyes Free, and Bluetooth.

Standard safety features are many and reflect in part this model’s high value. But it also underscores Toyota’s safety commitment up and down the product line. And that’s why by the end of this year, nearly all Toyota models will come equipped with Toyota Safety Sense-P (TSS-P), a suite of safety features.

TSS-P includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, automatic high beams, and dynamic radar cruise control. The latter system automatically maintains space between the Land Cruiser and the vehicle immediately in front, adjusting the SUV’s speed downward as needed.

2017 Toyota Land CruiserYou’ll also find 10 standard airbags, including driver and front passenger knee airbags. Trailer-sway control, hill start assist control, and front and rear parking assist sonar are included. Incidentally, what you won’t find from either of the major crash testing entities — the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — are crash test results. The Land Cruiser is too costly to test and because of its size, it provides an ideal and the safest environment for passengers.

I’ll have to disappoint a few of my readers immediately by admitting not once did I take the Land Cruiser off road. Time was the most important reason why — to take the Toyota to a place where I could march across an open field or climb a craggy hill meant traveling a great distance to where I could accomplish these feats. Absent that, I relied exclusively on my on-road driving and experience driving other Toyota 4×4 products such as the Tacoma and Tundra to state the obvious: the Land Cruiser is a true 4×4 beast.

If you do have the opportunity to take this Toyota off-road you’ll find that it comes outfitted with a solid rear axle for flexibility and durability. This model has a permanent four-wheel drive system with a locking center differential. Under the hood is a 5.7-liter V8 engine with 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Weighing just under three tons at 5,815 pounds, the powertrain is entirely suited for the Land Cruiser. As such, you can expect fuel economy of 13 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway according to the EPA.

2017 Toyota Land Cruiser

Toyota claims the Land Cruiser has a fording depth of 27.55 inches. That’s about 8 inches taller than your typical Subaru or Jeep Wrangler — yes, Jeep no longer claims a 30-inch depth rating for the Wrangler as this Jalopnik story claims. Of course, crossing any body of water means using your brain and taking it real slow. Got that?

Around town, the Land Cruiser is quite a spectacle. Its formidable comportment projects an assertive stance, but its polished visage means it looks entirely in place on Fifth Avenue or Rodeo Drive. Or at the foot of your circular drive.

As for investing in the Land Cruiser, this means turning away from its almost twin, the Lexus LX and the prestige that comes with the Lexus marque. Other models such as the Land Rover Range Rover, Cadillac Escalade, and Mercedes GL-Class bring their own attributes, but when it comes to a time-tested name, the Toyota Land Cruiser is at the top of the pack.

2017 Toyota Land Cruiser
2017 Toyota Land Cruiser
2017 Toyota Land Cruiser
2017 Toyota Land Cruiser
2017 Toyota Land Cruiser

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2017 SUVs, 4x4, eight-speed transmission, Lexus, Lexus LX 570, Toyota, Toyota Land Cruiser, V8 engine

Second Look: 2017 Genesis G80

March 9, 2017 by admin 4 Comments

All-wheel drive and the luxury to go with it.

2017 Genesis G80.
2017 Genesis G80.

The Genesis G80 is a midsize luxury sedan, designed to take on such models as the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Cadillac CTS, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and the Lexus GS. Up until last year, we knew this vehicle as the Hyundai Genesis, but as of 2017, Genesis is now its own brand.

Thus, last year’s Hyundai Genesis is now this year’s Genesis G80, while the Hyundai Equus was replaced by an all-new G90 model. Consider the G80 as a refresh of the previous Genesis sedan model, adding more standard equipment as befits a luxury marque.

The 2017 Genesis G80 is offered in seven model or package choices: Standard 3.8 RWD ($41,400), Standard 3.8 AWD ($43,900), 3.8 Premium Package RWD ($46,150), 3.8 Premium Package AWD ($48,650), 3.8 Ultimate Package RWD ($50,350), 3.8 Ultimate Package AWD ($52,850), and a 5.0 Ultimate Package AWD ($54,550). Add $950 for destination.

My initial Genesis G80 visitor arrived in November, a V8-powered rear-wheel drive model. Three months later a G80 AWD model showed up, powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine. For now, all-wheel drive is available only with the V6, but a V8 AWD option is in the works.

2017 Genesis G80.

2017 Genesis G80

The G80 wades into the luxury arena much in the same way a swimmer enters the water surrounded by sharks. Its starting price undercuts the competition by $5,000 to $11,000 or more, but the lower price point isn’t the only factor Genesis uses to win new customers.

Indeed, the Genesis brand carries over the lengthy 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty offered by Hyundai and builds on that with valet service, roadside assistance, and free maintenance — each service for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. Complimentary connected car services and satellite TravelLink is included in that critical timeframe too — typically matching the lease term for these models.

Notably, each warranty and service feature is something luxury shoppers want (and expect) when investing in a particular brand — here, Genesis not only shows up, but it shows off.

2017 Genesis G80.

The Look and Feel of Luxury

Besides my two recent G80 visitors, I had a pair of Genesis sedan models prior to the brand transformation. The G80 is nearly identical to the previous Genesis, but with no signs of “H” or Hyundai badging. The winged Genesis logo is in place, underscoring what the new brand is all about.

What is familiar about the G80 is everything else from its long, elegant visage to its hexagonal grille with six horizontal bars. Wrap-around headlamps, LED accent lights, and LED fog lamps complete this sedan’s frontal presentation.

From the sides, Genesis opted for a more conservative approach, eschewing the dramatic lines and body sculpting found in such Hyundai models as the Sonata. That said, a distinctive character line at the door handle level adds interest along with rocker panel trim, and creased wheel wells. Furthermore, standard 18-inch alloy wheels add flair and distinction to this midsize luxury sedan.

From the rear, you’ll find a trunk lip spoiler. Large wraparound combination lights, reflectors and dual exhaust ports are also present.

2017 Genesis G80.

Quiet, Luxurious Cabin

I enjoy luxury cars in this class for a number of reasons. That they actually seat five people without compromise is one of those reasons.

Sporty, firm bucket seats are up front, offering generous shoulder and hip bolstering. The split 60-40 fold-down rear bench seat includes a fold-0down center compartment with storage and two cup holders. As much as I like the third seat placement option, folding the middle position provides near limo-like comfort.

All G80 models are dressed in full grain leather with contrast stitching. Seat surfaces are smooth, comfortable, and easy on the body. Available genuine wood trim dresses the lower dashboard and can be found on various inlays in the cabin. Chrome trim and soft touch materials are also present.

The G80 features a long list of standard equipment, including 12-way power-operated front seats, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel with a tilt and telescopic function, an 8-inch touchscreen center display, full power accessories, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, satellite radio, and a hands-free trunk.

Choose the premium package ($4,750) and you’ll also get a power tilt and slide panoramic sunroof, a rearview camera with parking guidelines, wood and aluminum trim upgrades, a 14-speaker Lexicon audio system, power rear sunshade, and manual side window sunshades. You can also choose the ultimate package ($4,200), what brings in upgraded leather, head-up display, a 9.2-inch color display with navigation, and a 17-speaker Lexicon audio system. All told, my test model retailed for $53,800, plus destination.

2017 Genesis G80
2017 Genesis G80

Safety Features and Ratings

All G80 models are equipped with nine airbags, including a driver knee airbag. The usual anti-lock brakes, and stability and traction control, are also present.

You also get automatic emergency braking, what works in tandem with smart cruise control and lane keep assist for stop pig this sedan if you don’t apply the brakes on time. One of my favorite tests of this feature takes place on high-speed roads with the occasional traffic light. As the sedan approaches the intersection with traffic stopped, it begins to slow down and come to a full stop. Not once did I have my foot away from the vicinity of the brake pedal, however. Just in case….

All models also come with blind spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded the 2017 G80 with its Top Safety Pick+ award, its highest honor. Similarly, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has bestowed its top five-star crash test rating on the Genesis.

2018 Genesis G80.

Your Choice of Engines

The G80 line and the Genesis sedan before it has always been marked by two engine choices: a 3.8-liter V6 with 311 horsepower and 293 pound-feet of torque or a 5.0-liter V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode and paddle shifters.

2017 Genesis G80.All-wheel drive certainly does make a difference for the G80 in the usual areas — twisty roads and wet surfaces. A dry week made it impossible for me to accurately gauge the sedan’s responsiveness, but it is safe to say that torque distribution is realized when conditions warrant.

Although performance is sufficient with the G80’s V6, I must admit wanting that extra bit of power a V8 supplies. But that means trading off available all-wheel drive for rear-wheel drive only. Beginning in 2018, optional all-wheel drive rolls out across the product line.

Also coming in 2018 is a third engine choice: a 3.3-liter, twin-turbo V6 engine with 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. Available with the all-new G80 Sport trim, the new powertrain offers a tantalizing middle ground, while also giving Genesis a performance line it needs. I’m not about to say it’ll take it to the BMW M Line, Cadillac’s V-Series, or other performance lines offered by the luxury brands, but it is a step in the right direction.

Parting Thoughts

The new-for-2017 Genesis brand certainly has its work cut out for it. With two models to start, more product choices are needed. Next up is a compact G70 sedan, followed over the next few years by three more model lines. Clearly, Genesis intends to expand its footprint to offer a fully competitive line of vehicles.

Genesis will have to sell the brand to traditional luxury buyers and that’s never an easy thing. One reason why the brand was created was to offer separation between Hyundai and Genesis, much in the same way you have Toyota/Lexus, Nissan/Infiniti, and Honda/Acura. But those brands have years of experience behind them in a market where consumers are unkind to anything less than the best.

As for the G80, it provides an affordable gateway to the Genesis brand, a well-equipped model with all the trappings you would expect from a midsize, luxury sedan.

2017 Genesis G80.
2017 Genesis G80.
2017 Genesis G80.
2017 Genesis G80.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 8-SPEED TRANSMISSION, all-wheel drive, Genesis G80, GENESIS G90, Hyundai, luxury sedan, rear-wheel drive, V6 engine, V8 engine

  • « Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • …
  • Page 4
  • Page 5
  • Page 6
  • Page 7
  • Page 8
  • Page 9
  • Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Social Media

Visit our social media pages:
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Pinterest

Where is Matt Currently Published?

CARFAX (new car reviews)
NAPA Know How Blog
On the Road Again

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries RSS
  • Comments RSS

Pages

  • About
  • Automotive Brochures
  • Contact
  • Write
    • Style Guide

Categories

Recent Posts

  • The Next-Generation Chevrolet Equinox
  • Cute Ute: 2018 Ford EcoSport
  • Maxima Fighter: 2018 Toyota Camry XSE
  • At the Spring 2018 Charlotte AutoFair
  • Amped Up With a 2018 Nissan Leaf
  • New Pickup Truck Shopping Tips
  • High Country Chevy Silverado Delivers a Premium Package
  • Revived Lincoln Aviator Set to Take Flight
  • All-Wheel Drive Surprise: 2019 Nissan Altima
  • GMC Introduces Off-Road Sierra AT4 Line
  • Toyota: 2019 Corolla Hatchback Returns
  • Electric Avenue: BMW 740e
  • Cadillac Exclusive: Twin-Turbo V8 Engine
  • Generation Two: 2018 Buick Enclave
  • Grand SUV: Ford Expedition Platinum
  • PHEV: 2018 Mini Cooper Countryman
  • New! 2018 Lincoln Navigator Black Label
  • Rolling Classic: 2018 Chevrolet Suburban
  • The Electrified 2018 Volvo S90 T8
  • Luxury Elevated: Range Rover Velar
  • Quick Stop: IIHS Begins Rating Rear Crash Prevention Systems
  • Unpacking the 2019 Volvo XC40
  • Premium Midsize SUV: 2018 Toyota Highlander
  • Automated Driving? IIHS Researchers Detect Ambivalence
  • Enhanced Performance: 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe RST
  • Live! From the 2018 Chicago Auto Show!
  • Highlights of the 2018 Jeep Wrangler
  • Bestseller: 2018 Nissan Rogue
  • How to Keep Children Safe in a Crash
  • President Trump’s SOTU Address Touts $1.5 Trillion Infrastructure Investment
  • Waymo Expands Commitment to Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
  • Genesis to Separate From Hyundai Showrooms
  • Limited Time Only: Jaguar F-TYPE 400 SPORT
  • At a Glance: 2019 Ford Edge ST
  • Hyundai Veloster N: Namyang Performance
  • At a Glance: 2019 Kia Forte
  • New Toyota Avalon Demonstrates Commitment to a Languishing Segment
  • Refreshed Jeep Cherokee Includes New Turbo Engine
  • The Next Centennial: 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • Happy Centennial: 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • New 2019 Ram 1500 Includes Mild Hybrid Drivetrains
  • Ford Ranger Fun Facts
  • Steady as She Goes: 2018 Volkswagen Passat
  • America’s Top 10 Selling Vehicles in 2017
  • All Terrain and the 2018 GMC Acadia
  • How to Buy a Repo Vehicle
  • Super Steed: Ford Performance Enhanced Mustang GT
  • Check Engine Light On: How to Diagnose (OBD-II)
  • Behind the Wheel of the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
  • Zoom-Zoom: 2018 Mazda3 Hatchback
April 2018
S M T W T F S
« Mar    
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
2930  

Copyright © 2018 · News Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in