The new Toyota Land Cruiser inspires confidence. When you climb up into its well-appointed but thoroughly functional cabin you are instantly reassured by three things. First, the badge on the steering wheel: TOYOTA. The maker’s mark is spelt out in full and, perhaps to emphasise its heritage (dating back as a model name to 1951), without the familiar and more contemporary three-ellipse design seen on the rest of the range.
Second, as you glance down at the array of buttons and switches in the console you may be doubly assured that this old-school four-wheel drive vehicle has all the differentials, disconnects, stability assistance, traction control and mud mode that will help any driver, be they professional or idiot amateur, get out of trouble on any terrain. There’s a reason why Land Cruisers and Toyotas of similar types tend to be the vehicle of choice of humanitarian agencies and terrorist insurgents alike. The ultra-sturdy ladder frame, relatively primitive suspension and excellent ground clearance add substance to the perception of capability.
