2008 Toyota Land Cruiser

At first glance, the Land Cruiser doesn't reveal its off-road ability. It's missing the big aggressive tires of the Hummers and Wrangler, and while it has skidplates, it lacks the ground clearance that some competitors have. But don't let the looks fool you (or should we say bore you), because the Toyota quietly carries a big stick. That stick comes in the form of 401 lb-ft of torque under the hood from its 5.7L V-8. And more often than not, big power under the hood can allow judges to not only have fun in the high-speed, hillclimb, and sand sections, but also propel a 3-ton pig of an SUV through rocky trails and silty dirt washes.

At 5920 pounds, it's a three-ton rolling road dent. But crack the throttle, and the Land Cruiser goes from lead sled to rocket sled in the time it takes to awaken its 381--5.7-liter Tundra V-8-based--horsepower.

The Land Cruiser is seen as being behind the curve in an ever-changing market and continues to face strong competition within its own company: It's smaller and older than the Sequoia, yet more expensive.

It's been tested to endure the blistering heat of that region and is equipped to handle just about anything thrown its way.

The Land Cruiser, with its incredible reliability and capability, is the iconic vehicle that helped Toyota gain its first foothold in the world automobile market.

The Land Cruiser cements its reputation as the "King of Off-Road" with systems and features that also make it the "King of On-Road.

For optimal heating performance, engineers equipped the Land Cruiser with an auxiliary positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater. The PTC heater consists of a PTC element, aluminum fin, and brass plate. When current is applied to the PTC element, it generates heat that warms the air that passes through the unit.

The Land Cruiser is designed to transport people and gear over any kind of road or primitive trail, in any kind of weather, with speed, comfort and security.

The Land Cruiser's high-utility, capability-driven design comes at a price. Building multiple-use potential into a single vehicle requires more expensive materials, extensive developmental testing, and more engineering innovation.

It is normal for four-wheel-drive vehicles to require unscheduled repairs due to greater complexity, and exposure to dust, water, and vibration. However, in the case of the Land Cruiser, we would be surprised to encounter many significant problems beyond long-term maintenance.

To drive a Land Cruiser is to feel secure and in command. Especially on long trips, the Land Cruiser is relaxing to drive.

In everyday driving, the Land Cruiser feels and behaves just like any other well appointed, full-size SUV.

The 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser is distinguished by a rare mix of effortless highway performance, everyday comfort, and authentic, industrial-strength four-wheel-drive capability.