Review of the Toyota Land Cruiser VXR Grand Touring S
Introduction
Few can doubt the Toyota Land Cruiser's exceptional off-road capabilities. Over the years, it has established itself as a leading large SUV. Today, we are reviewing the most luxurious, fully-equipped, powerful, and currently the most expensive version of the Land Cruiser, priced at 330,000 AED. Let me introduce you in detail to the Toyota Land Cruiser VXR Grand Touring S.
Exterior Design
The Grand Touring version of the Land Cruiser attempts to market this powerful machine as both an off-road vehicle and a spacious family SUV for seven passengers, suitable for city driving. With the Grand Touring version, the Land Cruiser has received enhancements to its exterior design, including:
- New front bumper with chrome accents
- LED headlights and indicators
- LED fog lights
- 20-inch alloy wheels
At the rear, the vehicle features:
- A lower bumper design
- A chrome exhaust cover
- LED taillights
As is customary with the Land Cruiser, the trunk opens in two sections. The upper section opens electronically with the key, while the lower section is manually opened with hydraulic assistance. This dual-opening design makes accessing items in the trunk easier and prevents items from falling out. Additionally, there is a 220-volt power outlet in the back, and the trunk space can be easily expanded by folding down the second and third-row seats if needed.
Interior Design
Let’s start with the third-row seating. Accessing this row is simple through the folding of the second-row seats, providing ample space for entry. The space is very good and suitable for adults, offering comfort during short trips. Of course, it’s excellent for children, equipped with cup holders and air conditioning vents in the roof.
The second-row space is also very spacious and comfortable for three adults. In the VXR Grand Touring version, rear passengers enjoy:
- Two 10.1-inch multimedia screens
- Bluetooth speakers
- Air conditioning vents in the center of the vehicle
- Controls for dual-zone temperature settings
- Air conditioning vents in the roof
The Land Cruiser received its last major update around 2016, making the interior design and features, particularly the infotainment display, appear somewhat dated. However, the design remains simple, and all buttons are large and clear.
As for the materials used in this version, we have leather seats in the front with electric controls, leather on the doors, and some areas on the dashboard. The upper part of the cabin in front of the driver features soft-touch materials, but you will also find some plastic components. Being a Toyota, the build quality is high, and all these parts are designed to last more than 10 years with continuous use.
Specifications and Technological Features
The Toyota Land Cruiser in this version is equipped with a remote start system, though there is no physical key to start the engine. The vehicle features keyless entry and start from within.
It also includes a 9-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, with a customizable main display. This screen controls navigation, multimedia, and a four-zone climate control system.
Below the screen, there are buttons for direct access to:
- Main display
- Navigation
- Information display
- Multimedia
- Bluetooth connection
- Screen settings
We also have an SD card slot for updating navigation system information, and below the dashboard, there’s a wireless charger for mobile devices.
The center console is a testament to the excellent cooling we get from the air conditioning system, as it uses cold air to cool any beverages placed inside.
Driving Experience
The Land Cruiser currently offers three engine options:
- 4.0-liter V6
- 4.6-liter V8
- 5.7-liter V8 (the engine in our VXR model)
This engine produces 362 horsepower and 530 Nm of torque. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and offers five different driving modes:
- Eco
- Comfort
- Normal
- Sport
- Sport Plus
With all these specifications, the Land Cruiser Grand Touring delivers a smooth driving experience on paved roads.
Regarding fuel consumption, Toyota states in the brochure that the rate is 8.2 km/l. However, after using the vehicle for five days, I achieved a rate of 4.5 km/l. I need to adjust my driving habits if I want to save on fuel.
Conclusion
The Toyota Land Cruiser remains one of the top choices in our markets when it comes to a seven-passenger SUV with exceptional off-road performance. With a version like the VXR Grand Touring that we tested, it is among the few vehicles that combine high capabilities off-road with great comfort for all its passengers. To remind you, the price of the Land Cruiser VXR Grand Touring we tested is 330,000 AED.
