Toyota Land Cruiser V8 Sahara

Description

Toyota Land Cruiser Sahara

The 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser Sahara is part of the Land Cruiser 200 series and is one of the most capable and luxurious off-road vehicles on the market. Known for its rugged durability, advanced features, and luxury, it is designed to perform in both extreme off-road conditions and as a refined on-road cruiser.

Key Specifications of the 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser Sahara:

1. Engine and Performance:
   • Engine Type: 4.5-liter V8 turbo-diesel
   • Power Output: 200 kW (268 hp) @ 3,600 rpm
   • Torque: 650 Nm @ 1,600–2,400 rpm
   • Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission
   • Drivetrain: Full-time four-wheel drive (4WD)
   • Fuel Economy: Approx. 9.5–10.0 L/100 km (combined)
   • Towing Capacity: 3,500 kg (braked)
2. Dimensions and Weight:
   • Length: 4,950 mm
   • Width: 1,980 mm
   • Height: 1,880 mm
   • Wheelbase: 2,850 mm
   • Kerb Weight: 2,715 kg
3. Exterior Features:
   • Wheels: 18-inch alloy wheels
   • Lighting: Full LED headlights with auto-leveling, fog lights, and DRLs
   • Roof Railing: Chrome roof rails
   • Tow Bar: Tow bar standard for towing
4. Interior Features:
   • Seating: 7 seats with leather trim (heated and ventilated front seats, 2nd-row captain’s chairs)
   • Infotainment: 9-inch touchscreen, satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay (from mid-2017), DAB radio, and premium sound system (JBL)
   • Climate Control: Dual-zone automatic climate control for the front, manual climate control for the rear
   • Storage: Large boot capacity with 3rd-row seats folded
   • Interior Materials: Leather and wood grain trim for an upscale feel
5. Off-Road Features:
   • Multi-Terrain Select: Choose between multiple terrain modes for the best performance on surfaces like sand, mud, rock, and snow.
   • Crawl Control: Low-speed off-road cruise control for climbing and descending difficult terrain
   • Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS): Active sway-bar system to improve wheel articulation for off-road performance
   • Multi-Terrain Monitor: Cameras that provide a 360-degree view of the vehicle’s surroundings, essential for off-roading and parking.
6. Safety Features:
   • Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P): Includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision system, lane departure alert, and automatic high beams.
   • Park Assist: Front and rear parking sensors, and a reversing camera.
   • Airbags: Front, side, and curtain airbags for all three rows
   • Stability Control: Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRC)
   • Brakes: ABS with EBD, brake assist, and hill descent control

Toyota Land Cruiser V8 Sahara Performance and Driving Impressions:

The 2017 Land Cruiser Sahara provides a smooth and comfortable ride on highways, yet it excels in tough off-road conditions. Its V8 turbo-diesel engine delivers ample power for both towing and off-road capability, with a strong torque curve that makes it easy to crawl over obstacles. Its Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select are essential tools for serious off-roading, giving drivers confidence in navigating rocky paths, steep hills, and muddy conditions.

On-road, the Land Cruiser feels solid, though due to its size and weight, it isn’t the most nimble vehicle in tight city traffic. However, its cabin is well-insulated from road noise, and the adaptive suspension ensures that ride comfort is maintained despite the vehicle’s heavy off-road capability.

Review Highlights:

Pros:

• Outstanding off-road capability: The Land Cruiser Sahara is among the best in terms of off-road performance, with exceptional traction, suspension, and stability.
• Luxury Features: The interior offers a premium feel, with leather seating, quality materials, and an intuitive infotainment system.
• Towing Capacity: With a towing capacity of up to 3.5 tons, it’s a capable workhorse for both recreational and commercial uses.
• Reliability: Toyota’s reputation for reliability holds true here, with the Land Cruiser being known for its durability in extreme conditions.

Cons:

• Price: The Sahara trim is expensive, even for a luxury SUV. This may be a barrier for some buyers considering its hefty purchase price.
• Fuel Economy: While the V8 turbo-diesel is efficient for its class, the fuel economy is still relatively high, especially in urban driving.
• Size: The Land Cruiser is large and can feel cumbersome in tight spaces or in city driving, particularly when parking.

Verdict:

The 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser Sahara is a formidable vehicle that blends luxury with off-road dominance. It’s an ideal choice for those who require a highly capable off-roader with a high level of comfort and safety features, whether for long-distance road trips, towing, or rugged adventures. While it’s certainly a premium-priced option, its long-term reliability, excellent off-road performance, and luxurious cabin make it a standout in its class.