Toyota Land Cruiser Best and Worst Years (Top Picks!)

The Toyota Land Cruiser is a beast in towing and has incredible off-road skills.

But, as we would anticipate from the Toyota name, it is also a dependable car, which is why it has long dominated the automotive sector.

That doesn’t mean it doesn’t have issues, though. So let’s examine its top and bottom model years.

VIDEO: Here’s Why The Toyota Land Cruiser 80 Series Is An SUV Icon

Toyota Land Cruiser Best and Worst Years

The finest and worst years for the Toyota Land Cruiser are not universally agreed upon. However, according to MotorBiscuit, if you want a more tough off-roader, you should search for a 1995–1997 model, while Land Cruisers from model years between 2000–2004 and after 2006 is a better option if you want more comforts and luxury. The Land Cruiser is a high-end luxury SUV, so maintenance and repair costs can be high. Despite this, it is essential to note that the Land Cruiser is generally regarded as a dependable vehicle. According to Marietta Toyota, regular upkeep is essential to ensuring the longevity and dependability of the car, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections. To avoid additional harm and pricey repairs down the road, CarParts advises using high-quality parts and fluids when replacing or repairing components and taking care of any problems or repairs right away.

When Was a Toyota Land Cruiser Most Reliable?

The Land Cruiser’s most dependable model years are these. So if you’re worried about how long a Toyota Land Cruiser would last, these model years would be preferable.

Toyota Land Cruiser 2009

If you have limited money to spend on an SUV, this car is a great option. It is a reasonably priced car with all the amenities you want in an SUV. 

However, if fuel economy is a worry for you, you will be let down. You might spend more on gasoline purchases with a city consumption rate of 13 miles per gallon. 

It has security features like airbags, electronic stability control, and safety devices to protect drivers and passengers.  

The SUV provides everyone with an excellent riding experience. 

Its powerful V8 motor provides speed without strain. A fantastic vehicle that provides a pleasurable experience without breaking the budget is the 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser. 

Toyota Land Cruiser 2002

The 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser is a member of the Land Cruiser family from an earlier generation, and one of its standout characteristics is its excellent fuel efficiency. 

The 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser is an excellent option if you have little money to spend and performs admirably.

The 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser has all the required safety features, showing that the maker could have done better on security. 

Driving a 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser is a pleasurable event you will remember for a long time. 

Toyota Land Cruiser 2019

The new Toyota Land Cruiser is comparable to the 2008-released model. Its superb design has drawn millions of fans worldwide. 

With 16.1 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row, this car has a reputation for having a lot of space for carrying things. When the third row is folded, 43 cubic feet of cargo room are available. 

When the second and third rows are folded, you have a spacious 81.7 cubic feet of cargo room to yourself. 

The 2019 model is one of the Toyota Land Cruiser lineup’s most potent SUVs and varies from the original model. 

The SUV has several features, including a plush interior that ensures you appreciate the ride. Unfortunately, some drivers have complained about heavy steering columns and brakes being too sensitive. 

By RepairPal, this car was rated 11th among 16 other full-size SUVs. Additionally, it earned a 3.5 out of 5-star rating overall. 

Toyota Land Cruiser 2021

The Toyota Land Cruiser of 2021 is a better, more powerful variant of the earlier model. 

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, one of the bigger SUVs known for its toughness, is a beast on the road and a wild vehicle off it.

This Toyota Land Cruiser is ideal for winter travel because of the snow.

The car has several high-tech elements that guarantee a safe ride. For example, besides having enough room for cargo, the optional third row can be folded to add more passenger area. 

However, this vehicle received an above-average rating from RepairPal, receiving 3.5 out of 5 stars for general reliability. 

Toyota Land Cruiser 2012

If you enjoy driving an off-road capable car, the 2012 Toyota Land Cruiser is a fantastic option. 

Its all-wheel drive system can handle any rugged terrain, and the car’s safety features will keep you secure in an emergency. 

The luxurious interior of the 2012 model gives off an air of sophistication and opulence. 

This car has an annual repair cost of roughly $845, higher than average. 

Toyota Land Cruiser 2020

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser is a luxurious SUV that exceeds most enthusiasts’ hopes.

The retro seats in this car provide an exceptionally smooth ride and a high level of luxury. 

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser has many fun features, like stability control and safety features. 

The entertainment system is a drawback, but the rest of the technology is top-notch.

Its fuel economy rating of 15 miles per gallon is also average. Under the car’s hood is a V8 engine, a unique element that provides speed. 

Which Toyota Land Cruiser models should you steer clear of?

If reliability is important to you, there are better choices than these Land Cruiser models.

First, you can look into the manufacturing location of Toyota Land Cruisers.

Toyota Land Cruiser 2000

The 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser variant should be avoided. 

It is the worst car on the market because it receives the most customer complaints. 

The 2020 model’s body design, bumpers, and underbody all add to the issues owners have with it. 

The chassis and bumpers have been the subject of at least seven complaints. 

Servicing brakes and a failing powertrain are two more problems that owners of this model encounter. 

Toyota Land Cruiser 2011

Despite its dependability, the 2011 model’s sensors have issues. 

Some owners have expressed concern about their motors stopping suddenly. Unfortunately, these devices frequently experience unplanned failures, producing false alarm signals. 

The hood-open indicator may occasionally be illuminated even when the hood is closed. 

Toyota Land Cruiser 2005

Every time an issue with the 2005 model’s motor occurs, blue smoke is produced.

The first shift of the 2005 model is also infamous for transmission issues. 

Toyota Land Cruiser 2008

The Toyota Land Cruiser’s eighth version has some peculiar issues. Customers lament the abrupt failure of their vehicle’s air conditioning system. 

The best option is to replace the air conditioning lines because they rust quickly and tend to do so rapidly. 

There are documented issues with the car’s key fob. People who reside in climate-vulnerable areas must spend more on maintenance. 

Toyota Land Cruiser 2013

The 2013 model’s headlights were improperly fixed by the maker, which is why there are lighting problems with it. 

This results in the headlights breaking down, which can be hazardous when they do. 

Driving at night while your headlights are off is difficult and dangerous, particularly if you can’t see the car in front of you. 

It is essential to fix the shaky headlights swiftly.  

Toyota Land Cruiser 2015

The 2015 Toyota Land Cruiser is one of the later versions, but the sound system is another feature that could break down anytime.

If you like listening to songs and audio files or receiving phone calls through Bluetooth, you may be in for a rude shock when the system fails.

There is only a single report about this issue, and it is unlikely you will face the problem of sound system failure. 

Toyota Land Cruiser 2016

According to Car Complaints, the 2016 model has the highest reports of problems.

These include

• Air conditioning failure
• Transmission issues, and
• Heater and interior accessories failure

Other problems are

• A howling noise while owners are about to park
• Shuddering to shift, and
• Rough shifting. 

Toyota Land Cruiser 2017

The 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser is renowned for its drivetrain issues; most customers have complained about the awful driving experience. 

Avoid purchasing this model, as it comes with unnecessary repair expenses.  

Finally, you should avoid the two worst years of the Toyota Land Cruiser: the 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser and the 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser. 

Both are renowned for their high maintenance fees, or you will experience more problems at lower mileage. 

The 2005 model has more engine problems and complaints than other models in the Land Cruiser lineup. 

The drivetrain difficulties, structure, and brakes of the 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser are part of the complaints from customers. 

How Safe Is Toyota Land Cruiser?

The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) crash tests gave the 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser a 5-star safety grade.

The Land Cruiser received a score of in this area of the ANCAP tests for child occupant protection of 88%, or 43.60 out of a possible 49 points.

The Land Cruiser is regarded as a secure car in general.

Reliability of Toyota Land Cruiser

Toyota Land Cruisers are renowned for their dependability and toughness. Since it first entered production in 1951, the Land Cruiser has continuously demonstrated its dependability.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser has a projected reliability rating of 83 out of 100, according to U.S. News & World Report. In addition, the Land Cruiser is rated as having above-average dependability by Consumer Reports.

Therefore, the Toyota Land Cruiser is regarded as a dependable car.

How to find the best deals on a Toyota Land Cruiser?

You can start by searching online markets like CarGurus and Autotrader to find the best prices on a Toyota Land Cruiser. You can browse used Land Cruisers on these websites and check rates from various sellers.

On Toyota’s official website or through Edmunds, you can also look for any current discounts, rebates, or rewards being provided. To prevent expensive repairs, it’s also crucial to research the most typical issues specific to the Land Cruiser’s model year.

Then, you can finally bargain with the seller to get the most terrific deal on the Land Cruiser.

Tips for maintaining your Toyota Land Cruiser

It’s crucial to plan regular maintenance visits if you want to keep your Toyota Land Cruiser in good condition. On the Toyota website, which offers information on features and Toyota replacement parts, you can find Toyota owner manuals and warranty data.

To save money on maintenance, you can also research the most typical issues specific to the model year of your Land Cruiser. Your car will last longer if you regularly inspect and replace the oil, air filter, and other fluids.

In addition, the most outstanding performance and dependability of your Land Cruiser can be achieved by using only genuine Toyota components and accessories for repairs and replacements.

How Can You Tell Whether Something Is a Lemon?

Purchase a vehicle history report.

There is no better initial step when purchasing a used car than to obtain a car history report. Two well-known services offer this information for little money: Anyone looking to purchase a used car will find the information provided by CarFax and AutoCheck extremely helpful.

The reports let you know the number of past owners, whether or not it had any accidents, how frequently it required maintenance, and the current title.

The final section is among the most crucial since it contains the lemon label, which attests that the car followed the correct legal procedures to be designated as a lemon.

However, in some areas, dealers must inform a customer if the vehicle is a manufacturer buyback, which is a reliable way to determine whether a vehicle has a lemon title.

However, it is the responsibility of the buyer to conduct a thorough investigation into the vehicle’s history.

Therefore, consumers may need help if they accidentally purchase a secondhand lemon because they must inspect it first.

Owner Background

You can view the owner’s history on the vehicle history report, which should indicate whether the manufacturer has purchased the vehicle back.

While owners can claim a car is a lemon in a legal dispute and ask the automaker to buy back the problematic vehicle, that is a guaranteed technique to determine if the car was labeled a lemon.

You can also determine if the vehicle was sold or traded before it was given a lemon tag if the prior owner may have missed an issue. It also implies that the car’s persistent issue must be apparent.

Repair Record

Look carefully at the vehicle’s repair record and try to identify any recurring issues. Recurring problems in cars with lemon histories are simple to spot. You can determine whether the issues with the car are minor wear and tear concerns, such as those with the clutch or brakes, or a more severe problem.

Check to discover if the repairs were necessary or carried out even when the car was brand new. It can assist in determining whether the car is a lemon or if an incident like a collision or modification caused a misdiagnosed issue.

Are the repairs significant or minor? A severe repair would deal with the drivetrain or suspension, whereas a superficial one would address non-driving-related issues like window or seat controls.

Severe repairs would be more challenging, but handling a car might not be a hassle if a car was considered a lemon for a less severe cause.

The report also shows whether repairs are being made at a dealership or a general shop. Like you would with any used car, examine the vehicle’s general condition and health and determine whether routine maintenance has also been carried out.

This will assist you in deciding whether or not you should consider purchasing this car.

Inspection before purchase

Is the car still a good investment? You should get a pre-purchase inspection if the flaws are not too concerning or if you believe the automobile may have been incorrectly labeled as a lemon.

A mechanic can determine whether the problems are repairable and why the car was considered a lemon.

A technician can assist you in determining whether or not a recurring issue is indicative of more severe problems or worries about the quality of the vehicle.

Their satisfaction with the car might help determine if it is a worthwhile investment or a lost cause.

Toyota Land Cruiser FAQ’s

Which year makes the Land Cruiser the best?

In other words, you should search for a 1995–1997 Toyota Land Cruiser if you want your vehicle to be more of an aggressive off-roader. However, Land Cruisers with model years between 2000 and 2004 and after 2006 are the superior option if you want more features, a more potent engine, and a little more day-to-day luxury.

What is the all-time most dependable Land Cruiser?

For a number of reasons, the 80 Series Landcruiser has established itself as one of the finest four-wheel drives ever. They are capable, dependable, and, albeit subjectively, very attractive right out of the package.

What year Land Cruiser is in high demand?

The 100 Series Land Cruiser, which premiered in 1998 and was produced until 2007, is the more desirable model. These models are much more comfortable on lengthy drives thanks to their sophisticated independent front suspension.

Old Toyota Land Cruisers: Are they dependable?

How dependable is the Toyota Land Cruiser? With a reliability ranking of 83 out of 100, the Land Cruiser is regarded as a trustworthy SUV. The Land Cruiser is mainly known for its dependability, providing a comfortable ride in cities and tough off-roading.

How durable are Land Cruiser engines?

According to Phong Ly, CEO of iSeeCars, “the iconic and indestructible Toyota LandCruiser is designed to last at least 25 years and is relied upon in many developing countries where off-road driving is the norm.”