2008 Toyota Land Cruiser

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Several features are unusual within its class, though, including a powerful four-zone climate control system (a boon for the model's Middle East and North African customers…Texas , too) and variable-speed power window controllers. All the usual premium SUV features are either standard or available, including a sonar backup aid and rearview monitor; pre-collision system; navigation system; rear-seat entertainment system; Smart Key entry and ignition; remote start; satellite radio; and a 605-watt, 14-speaker JBL audio system. A cooler box is also available for the center console.

The Land Cruiser will start at a MSRP of $63,200, and Toyota Motor Sales anticipates that a fully loaded one will come in at just under $70,000. That's a significant price jump from the 2007 model, but it does have increased standard equipment, the trick Crawl Control system, and more power and torque to offset the sticker shock.

The only lingering question now is, why not get the Lexus version, the LX570, which expected soon? It's anticipated that the LX570 will have much of the same hardware, with a more lavish interior and more standard luxury features. Plus you get the far superior Lexus dealership experience.

Toyota says that the type of customer is entirely different, with the Land Cruiser tending more toward the gearhead adventurer crowd and the Lexus bringing the running-board-and-flashy-wheels crowd, but among the former, how many do you know who can afford one new?

That aside, we can say for certain, for those who can afford it, that the built-to-last Land Cruiser really feels worth it.

2008 Toyota Land Cruiser

Base price: $63,200; est. $68,000 as tested

Engine: 5.7-liter V-8, 381 hp/401 lb-ft

Drivetrain: Six-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel drive

Length x width x height: 194.9 x 77.6 x 74.0 in

Wheelbase: 112.2 in

Curb weight: 5690 lb

Fuel economy (EPA city/hwy): 13/18 mpg

Safety equipment: Electronic stability control, active traction control, Crawl Control with Downhill Assist Control (DAC), and Hill Start Assist; driver and front passenger active front headrests; driver and front passenger knee bags, first and second-row outboard thorax side airbags, three-row roll-sensing side-curtain airbags; multi-terrain anti-lock braking with Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Brake Assist, Intuitive Parking Assist

Major standard equipment: Automatic climate control with independent rear system; power heated front seats; leather-trimmed upholstery; running boards; fog lamps; moonroof; Smart Key system; garage door opener; power windows/locks; tilt/telescoping steering wheel; cruise control; rear wiper and defogger; 605-watt, 14-speaker JBL sound system with six-disc changer

Warranty: Three years/36,000 miles

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