I finally got to take a long test drive in the new Land Cruiser, the mid model. Short story is I liked it much more than I expected, and it drives very much like the current comparable Defender, albeit significantly 'lighter' feeling. Overall feeling is much less substantial than a RR.
Overall fit and finish and material quality, exterior and interior, are what you would expect from a Japanese built Toyota; excellent. Ergonomics, control placement and ability to find a good driving position were also very good, the seats have one of the widest adjustments I have experienced. The dash layout is good by current standards (but I am a steam gauge loving Luddite), or maybe less bad is a better description. It has toggles switches and buttons for the key climate controls, which is a plus as I prefer controls that one doesn't have to constantly look at to use. The seats had too much vinyl for this category but at least it was good vinyl. I believe partial leather is an option, but I do not believe full is.
Drove well, little touchy on throttle and the same for brakes. The steering is a bit light and had very little feel, but was tight and precise, but feels like one is turning a rheostat instead of a mechanical device...but I am comparing to what I usually drive. This is fine for a DD.
Rode a bit stiffer than I thought, again Defender like. No rattles, etc. On feature I like is the smaller wheels and relatively higher profile tires vs. many current vehicles. Still feels light.
Overall I liked it a lot and it may be my next DD. While I am a Rover fan, have had great experiences with mine over the years, and I am cross shopping the Defender. However, I know a few folks who have bought LR products over the past ~2 years and have heard about issues with the current offerings.
Surprised at this though, unusual to see 100% single COO on any vehicle.
Overall fit and finish and material quality, exterior and interior, are what you would expect from a Japanese built Toyota; excellent. Ergonomics, control placement and ability to find a good driving position were also very good, the seats have one of the widest adjustments I have experienced. The dash layout is good by current standards (but I am a steam gauge loving Luddite), or maybe less bad is a better description. It has toggles switches and buttons for the key climate controls, which is a plus as I prefer controls that one doesn't have to constantly look at to use. The seats had too much vinyl for this category but at least it was good vinyl. I believe partial leather is an option, but I do not believe full is.
Drove well, little touchy on throttle and the same for brakes. The steering is a bit light and had very little feel, but was tight and precise, but feels like one is turning a rheostat instead of a mechanical device...but I am comparing to what I usually drive. This is fine for a DD.
Rode a bit stiffer than I thought, again Defender like. No rattles, etc. On feature I like is the smaller wheels and relatively higher profile tires vs. many current vehicles. Still feels light.
Overall I liked it a lot and it may be my next DD. While I am a Rover fan, have had great experiences with mine over the years, and I am cross shopping the Defender. However, I know a few folks who have bought LR products over the past ~2 years and have heard about issues with the current offerings.
Surprised at this though, unusual to see 100% single COO on any vehicle.