Landcruiser 200 series: how good is the Toyota's v8 4WD?

Landcruiser 200 series Overview

The Toyota Landcruiser 200 series is among the long-running land cruiser line-up. Unfortunately, the time is almost up for the v8 powered Toyota 4wd wagon which is as reported. Based on the reports, Its production is said to end in the first half of 2021. However, Toyota is preparing for the final edition of the 200 series which will be the last batch. This will be the end of the Toyotas v8 twin-turbo diesel engine which will be replaced by a v6 engine. in next line-up, will be the Toyota land cruiser 300 series which is reportedly to launch in the second half of 2021.

The Toyota land cruiser 200 series v8 diesel is available in 4 variants:

Entry-level GX
Mid-range GXL
A land cruiser VX
A flagship Sahara

Styling/exterior

In the 2020 Landcruiser 200 series, the styling hasn’t changed that much compared to the previous models. In fact, it’s the same big aggressive, imposing four-wheel-drive wagon. In the dimensions part, the 200 series measures 4990mm long, 1980 mm wide and 1970 mm high. The wheelbase measures 2850mm.

Engine, performance, transmission

Many refer to the Toyota Landcruiser 200 series as the v8 because of the badge they see at the 5th door. Actually, the v8 badge represents the 4.5-litre twin-turbo diesel v8 engine that powers the 4WD. It is also paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel-drive system. The Toyota land cruiser v8 engine delivers a massive 200 kW and 650 nm of torque; the numbers aren’t that bad for such a big imposing 4wd wagon like the 200 series.

landcruiser 200 series Fuel economy

When it comes to the fuel consumption, it is listed as 13.4 litres per 100km. this is on a combine cycle. The 200 series packs two fuel tanks, the main tank and the sub tank where they both have a capacity of 93 litres and 45 litres respectively. Both tanks fuel capacity totals to 138 litres.

Interior, comfort, cargo

Despite the land cruiser looking big on the outside, under the cabin it packs a small interior. The Sahara is a seven-seater and having 3 rows, the space is really limited. Inside the cabin, it’s really comfortable thus even getting into the third row it’s not a difficult task. This is because the doors open wide enough plus the 200 series has aside step that helps you get in there. The third row doesn’t offer a lot of space for adults but it usually a perfect zone for kids. The rest of the cabin looks premium, with leather inserts on the seats and around the interior and some wood grain highlights on the steering wheel and parts of the dashboard.

Additionally, inside the cabin, you will get ventilated front seats and both heated front and second-row seats. In terms of the cargo space, Toyota hasn’t specified the actual figures on that. But with the third-row seats folded, the cargo capacity is listed as 1276 litres.

Infotainment

Talking about the top range 200 series, on the dash you will find a 9.0-inch touchscreen, which is easy to navigate. 11.6-inch digital screens are also fitted at the back of the driver and front passenger seats. In the Sahara, there’s quality sound from the entertainment systems, thanks to the nine-speaker audio system. Additional features include; a wireless smartphone charger, four-zone climate control air conditioning and a moon roof.

Safety features

Safety features in the 200 series model are purely unquestionable. In fact, it deserves a five-star rating for this. Safety features include driver assist technology which has the blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, multi-terrain monitor and parking sensors. Plenty of airbags are available in the car which totals to ten.