Why Are Toyota Land Cruisers So Expensive? (Even in 2024!)

Updated: | Author: Tyler Hilgeman | Affiliate links may be present.

Are you one to venture off the beaten path? Do you desire a premium and reliable off-road experience? Are you also looking for a family vehicle?

The Toyota Land Cruiser is a great combination of luxury and off-road prowess. It continues to be a popular and reliable vehicle. However, it has a hefty price point with the recent version costing around $86,000. Due to the quality of the build, the demand, and the decreasing supply, the Land Cruiser continues to be an expensive buy.

How Much is a Toyota Land Cruiser on Average?

A new 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser will cost you about $86,000. Land Cruisers hold their resale price pretty well to the point that you will be paying around $65,000 for a used 2016 version and around $19,000 for a 2005 version!

That is one of many draws of why Land Cruisers have been so popular. You can buy a new one and use it intensely and then resale it for a pretty good price.

How Many Miles Can a Toyota Land Cruiser Last?

Toyota Land Cruisers are built to last. Not only that but they are built to last in harsh conditions as well. As a result, Land Cruisers have been known to last around 200,000 to 300,000 miles!

Some even consider the 100,000-mile mark as “just getting started” for a land cruiser. There have been some who have driven their Toyota Land Cruiser for 400,000 to 600,000 miles! That’s getting into semi territory!

Why Are Land Cruisers So Expensive?

Hypothetically speaking, if you had the choice to ride in a tank or a regular car, which would you choose? I think it is safe to say that most of us would choose to ride in a tank. The good news is it does not have to be a hypothetical scenario.

Land Cruisers are often said to be built like a tank because they typically last for 200,000 to 300,000 miles, they have a reinforced steel frame, they have shatterproof glass, and there are even bulletproof versions!

Not only that, but they are arguably the most reliable and best off-roading SUV out there. Furthermore, they were originally built for US military use. They have also been extensively tested in the brutal conditions of the Australian outback and have held up well.

After considering all that, you may be starting to see why the Land Cruiser is so expensive. But there is one more important aspect to consider. Toyota Land Cruisers are not only built like tanks, but they are also considered to be a luxury vehicle.

So, not only can you ride in a tank-like SUV, but you can ride in a weird combination of class and functionality.

The Functionality Aspect

Toyota Land Cruisers are built to withstand and transverse rugged terrain. The 2021 Land Cruiser, for example, comes with a powerful 5.7 L V8 engine that has 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque!

It comes with four-wheel drive and has an eight-speed shiftable automatic. It can also haul up to 8,100 lbs. and has a payload capacity of 1,320 lbs.

It also comes with multi-terrain select modes, limited-slip differential, and crawl control. Plus, it has a multi-terrain monitor which gives you multiple camera views.

Then there is the aspect of space. It can seat up to eight people—which makes it a great option for road trips. Plus, it has a max cargo volume of 82.8 cu. ft.

Lastly, there is the safety aspect to consider. Considering that it is built for off-roading, it has a steel frame that can act as a roll cage and a reinforced body.

As you would probably expect, it has skid plates to protect you and the car. It also has a total of eight airbags!

It comes with modern technologies like blind-spot monitoring, smart stop technology, rear-cross traffic alert, etc.

All in all, the Toyota Land Cruiser is a formidable vehicle in performance, convenience, and safety.

The Luxurious Aspect

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser has a nice and comfortable interior. It has a four-zone automatic climate control system to provide comfort for long car rides.

It has the popular keyless entry system for convenience. It comes with a heated steering wheel and mirrors.

With its powerful engine, it might be assumed that it is a noisy vehicle, but it is actually pretty quiet inside which allows for easy communication and an all-around enjoyable experience.

Overall, the Toyota Land Cruiser is a beautiful and comfortable car to ride in with many modern conveniences included.

The Reason Why Toyota Land Cruisers are So Expensive

The Toyota Land Cruiser became popular because of its functionality and reliability. Since then, it has retained its functionality and reliability but has also adopted a luxurious and comfortable interior.

As a result, Land Cruisers have become surprisingly expensive and sought after by everyday citizens and governments alike. However, Toyota announced that it will not offer its 2022 version in America.

As you might have guessed, this caused a buying surge of Land Cruisers in America and thereby increased the Land Cruiser’s value.

Why Are Old Land Cruisers So Expensive?

Because the 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser will not be offered in America, old and used Land Cruisers are becoming rarer and rarer. As a result, they are becoming more valuable.

Because of that, Land Cruisers have become an even better investment as they are not only holding their value but are increasing in value in some instances.

As any economist knows, high demand and low supply equals higher and higher prices.

Are Land Cruisers Worth It?

If you don’t plan to go off-roading, then there is no point in paying the high price for a Land Cruiser. In other words, if you don’t need a tank, don’t get a tank.

On the other hand, if you plan to go off-roading, then a Land Cruiser may be a great investment due to its reliability and off-road prowess.

On top of that, if you have a family, then the luxurious interior and comfortable ride make it a good choice for a combination of family and off-road use.

Plus, considering that a Toyota Land Cruiser tends to run for 200,000 to 300,000 miles, it is worth the investment.

Cheaper Land Cruiser Alternatives

If you are looking for cheaper Land Cruiser alternatives, I don’t blame you. But you will lose out on some features.

Jeep Wrangler

A 2022 Jeep Wrangler will cost you around $32,000 and will give you an off-road experience along with many modern conveniences. While it is not considered a luxury vehicle and is not built like a tank, it is still a fun off-road vehicle with a nice interior.

Toyota 4Runner

While the Toyota 4Runner may not be the most comfortable ride, it is a great off-road vehicle and will cost you around $40,000. The Toyota 4Runner is a truck-based SUV and is considered to be a reliable car.

If you are looking for a primarily off-road experience, the Toyota 4Runner is a great affordable option.

Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator is a bit more pricey at around $80,000. However, it has a lot of power and a beautiful interior.

It has a V6 turbocharged engine which supplies ample power to the vehicle—allowing it to go 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds!

It also has a spacious interior with a total of 103.3 cu. ft. of cargo space. Plus, unlike the Toyota Land Cruiser, it has the latest technologies integrated into the car.

While it does have a lot of power, it is more of a luxurious vehicle than it is an off-road vehicle. As a result, the Land Rover would be the better option if you want a capable off-road vehicle.

Ford Bronco

The 2022 Ford Bronco stays true to its impressive off-road capabilities and has an affordable price point of around $32,000.

While the Ford Bronco is not considered a luxurious vehicle, it is not overly uncomfortable to drive. However, its focus is on its off-road capabilities.

It has various off-roading settings like rear and front locking differentials. As any good off-roading vehicle has, it has a protected underbelly and four-wheel drive.

Overall, the Ford Bronco is a great affordable choice for those who want an off-road experience.

Nissan Pathfinder

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder has a $35,000 price point. It is more of a well-rounded car. It is not considered luxurious or an off-road vehicle. However, it has a comfortable and spacious interior as well as a V6 engine.

So, if you are looking for a nice SUV with some “kick” to it, then the Nissan Pathfinder may be the car for you.

Final Thoughts

All in all, if you have the money and want a good reliable family vehicle along with impressive off-road capabilities, then the Toyota Land Cruiser is a great option. Plus, its value in the U.S. is only increasing as it gets rarer and, as a result, a Toyota Land Cruiser can also be a good future investment.

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About Tyler Hilgeman

Tyler is an automotive and DIY research writer. He revels in saved money from DIY jobs and screeches at “cheap” estimates from auto body and mechanic shops. Part of his life’s work is to create a better world where automobiles are more understood and appreciated for who they are (R.I.P. My Beloved Toyota Camry — “Betsy” 1998-2021).

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