The Toyota Land Cruiser, the original go-anywhere, do-anything premium sport-utility vehicle, gains significant mechanical, exterior and interior enhancements for 2003. A new five-speed automatic transmission coupled with an increase in power improves responsiveness, and a new variable gear rack-and-pinion steering system makes maneuvering in tight-quarters easier.

New safety enhancements for the Land Cruiser include next-generation airbag sensors that accompany multi-stage driver and front passenger airbags and newly available front and second-row side-impact side curtain airbags.

In front, a new chrome-styled grille and new bumper enhances the 2003 Land Cruiser. Rear styling is distinguished for 2003 by new badging and clear-lens turn signals.

"What began 50 years ago as a rugged utility vehicle designed for the world's harshest road conditions has evolved into one of the most capable, comfortable and refined SUVs in the world," said Don Esmond, Toyota Division senior vice president and general manager.

Inside, the 2003 Land Cruiser features a new dashboard design with elegant looking metallic trim on the center cluster. A power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, rear seat audio and steering wheel audio controls join the lengthy list of standard equipment, including a leather-trimmed interior with seating for eight and power-adjustable heated front seats.

A new optional rear DVD entertainment system plays movies over a 6.4-inch wide-format overhead screen that flips down from the headliner above the second seat row. The DVD player is mounted in right rear quarter panel.

Rugged, Powerful and Smooth

The Land Cruiser DOHC 4.7-liter V8 engine gains five horsepower for 2003, now at 235. With 320 lb.-ft. of torque peaking at 3,400 rpm and 80 percent of it available at an only 1,100 rpm, Land Cruiser makes an excellent tow vehicle that can pull up to 6,500 pounds. The Land Cruiser is certified as a Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV).

The new five-speed automatic transmission replaces the previous four-speed, allowing for a reduced final-drive ratio, from 4.30:1 to 4.10:1. The new variable gear rack-and-pinion steering system makes it easier to maneuver the Land Cruiser in very tight places. The tooth spacing on the gears of the rack become wider toward the end of the rack, reducing steering effort at high steering angles.

The Land Cruiser is built on a tough chassis with nine crossmembers set into box-section side rails. The resulting chassis stiffness translates into a smooth ride and the ability to handle rough driving conditions. The double wishbone independent front suspension and four-link rear axle with coil springs balance smooth on-road driving with the ruggedness needed for off-road driving.

New standard 275/65R17 tires are lower in profile than the 70-series tires used last year. An 18-inch wheel/tire package with 275/60R18 tires is newly optional for 2003, and, like the standard wheels, includes a full-size spare.

Ready for Any Road, Paved or Not

Full-time four-wheel drive with a locking center differential works in concert with traction control (TRAC) to handle rough going, on- or off-road. The four-wheel drive system splits the power evenly between front and rear. By pushing a button on the console, the center differential locks, allowing the Land Cruiser to traverse especially rough or slippery terrain. The driver can shift into low range to negotiate steep off-road inclines.

With a minimum ground clearance of 9.8 inches and generous approach, departure and ramp break-over angles, the Land Cruiser can tackle tough trails with confidence. Steel skid plates protect the front suspension, transfer case and fuel tank.

The four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS) operates even in low-range four-wheel drive. As road surface roughness increases, ABS intervention decreases. The system responds to steep slopes, as well, preventing early activation to allow the driver more control.

The standard Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) system helps keep the vehicle going on its intended course by detecting front-wheel slide and rear-wheel slide during cornering and attempting to control either condition with throttle intervention and/or by braking individual wheels. An Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) feature optimizes brake pressure at each wheel for greater control under braking, especially when cornering.

The Brake Assist safety system is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking. If the driver has not stepped hard enough on the brake pedal to engage the ABS, the system supplements the applied braking power until pedal pressure is released.

Roomy, Versatile and Civilized

The roomy Land Cruiser seats up to eight passengers. A reclining 60/40 split second-row seat and a foldaway/removable 50/50 split third-row seat ensure versatility for just about any need. With the third seat removed and the second seat row folded, the Land Cruiser provides 90.8 cubic feet of cargo room. The third-row passengers benefit from rear power quarter windows.

For all its rugged capability, the Land Cruiser is an extremely civilized highway vehicle. Asphalt sheeting throughout the cabin structure ensures low noise levels, making it all the more pleasurable to listen to the standard JBL Premium sound system. The 3-in-1 AM/FM/ETR/cassette/CD audio system includes an in-dash six-disc CD changer. Its maximum output of 300 Watts plays through seven speakers.

The optional multi-function navigation system package moves the six-disc CD changer to the console and adds a DVD head unit that accommodates both map discs and DVD movies. (Movies play only when the gearshift is in the Park position.) The seven-inch LCD screen displays navigation functions and controls for both the audio and climate control systems.

The vehicle that conquered uncivilized terrain in 150 countries is not lacking in civilized features today. The Land Cruiser comes equipped with all the amenities expected in a premium SUV. Its predecessor models survived the harshest climates on Earth. Today, Land Cruiser comforts its occupants with automatic climate control that includes an independent rear automatic climate control system.

In addition to the major comfort features, Land Cruiser offers a host of conveniences, including steering wheel audio controls, one-touch up/down power windows with pinch protection, power door locks, a multi-information display, a HomeLink? universal remote garage door opener, heated exterior mirrors, automatic on/off headlamps with daytime running lights, cruise control, multiple 12-volt power outlets and a security system with engine immobilizer. Like the windows, the power tilt/slide sunroof has a one-touch open/close control with pinch protection.

Toyota's 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle limited warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60 months/60,000 miles and corrosion perforation for 60 months with no mileage limitation.

 
Toyota@Off-Road.com