Toyota
Toyota 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser
The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser is a full-size luxury SUV with a decades-long reputation for mechanical longevity and serious off-road capability.
### Overview
Rare and expensive, the 2021 Land Cruiser is Toyota's flagship SUV — a large, full-frame vehicle favored more for its rugged off-road capability than as suburban family transport. It is the final model year sold in the U.S., making it the last of the iconic 200 Series generation on American soil. Most vehicles are designed for a 10-year life cycle; the Land Cruiser is reportedly engineered for a 25-year cycle — a distinction that defines its entire value proposition.
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### Pros
- **Legendary Longevity:** Owners report these vehicles "run forever, almost never break down" — with some putting as many as 300,000 miles on a single Land Cruiser while it's still going strong. - **Serious Off-Road Hardware:** The Land Cruiser comes equipped with a two-speed transfer case, locking center differential, an off-road turn assist function, Hill Descent Crawl Control, differential locks, a multi-terrain monitor, and multi-terrain selection control — making it genuinely capable on technical trails, not just gravel roads. - **All-Inclusive Standard Equipment:** Every Land Cruiser comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense, V8 power, 4-zone climate control, heated/vented leather seats, a 14-speaker audio system, and Crawl Control — the only extra cost is an optional rear-seat entertainment system. - **Strong Resale Value:** With only roughly 3,000 sold in the USA annually, Land Cruisers hold their value exceptionally well — and being the final U.S. model year only reinforces that collector appeal over time.
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### Cons
- **Poor Fuel Economy:** The Land Cruiser's 14-mpg combined rating is dismal even for this class — a Chevrolet Suburban with a 5.3-liter V8 gets an estimated 17 mpg, and a Ford Expedition with a 3.5-liter V6 is rated at 19 mpg. - **Dated Interior Tech:** The interior looks and feels dated by comparison to competitors at this price, and it doesn't include Android Auto or Apple CarPlay — a notable omission at nearly $90,000. - **Inefficient Cabin Packaging:** For such a large vehicle, interior space isn't packaged very efficiently — the third row is cramped, and its 50/50 split seats fold up against the sides of the cargo bay rather than into the floor, consuming cargo space. - **High Entry Price:** The Land Cruiser begins at an MSRP of $85,665 for the base model, placing it in direct competition with more technologically advanced luxury SUVs that offer more refined on-road dynamics for the same money.
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### Who It's For
This is the right vehicle for buyers who prioritize **durability and long-term ownership value above all else** — overlanders, remote-area travelers, and those who genuinely need a go-anywhere SUV they can rely on for decades. Owners describe it as the only vehicle that can accommodate a large family plus all their gear while comfortably cruising highways and safely tackling trails across multiple states. And though its MSRP is high, when you consider Toyota's traditionally high retained value, you might come out ahead after three or four years of ownership.
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### Not Right For
Buyers who primarily drive on pavement and want modern cabin technology — Apple CarPlay, a digital instrument cluster, or ambient lighting — at this price point will find better value in a Cadillac Escalade, BMW X7, or even a Toyota Highlander.
Key features
- Full-size luxury SUV; top-tier longevity; very high probability of exceeding 250k miles; off-road capable
Seen at 2 retailers from $4500.00 to $5000.00 as of 2026-07-17. Prices change — check the retailer for the current price.
Few vehicles at any price point match the Land Cruiser's documented track record of reaching 250,000 miles and beyond.
What stands out
- Exceptional long-term reliability, with a well-documented history of high-mileage durability that few rivals can match.
- Genuine off-road capability backed by a sophisticated four-wheel-drive system and decades of engineering refinement.
- Spacious, well-appointed interior that competes with dedicated luxury SUVs on comfort and feature content.
- Strong resale value — Land Cruisers hold their price unusually well compared to the broader SUV segment.
What to weigh
- Base price sits at the top of the full-size SUV market, making it one of the most expensive entries in its class.
- Fuel economy is poor by modern standards, as the V8 powertrain prioritises capability and longevity over efficiency.
- The interior design and infotainment system feel dated relative to European luxury SUV competitors at similar price points.
- 2021 was the final model year for this generation in the US market, so dealer stock and new-vehicle availability are limited.
Great fit if
- Buyers who prioritise long-term ownership and want a vehicle likely to remain reliable well past 200,000 miles.
- Those who need genuine off-road performance without sacrificing everyday comfort and practicality.
- Owners who view the purchase as a long-term investment, given the model's historically strong resale retention.
Skip it if
- Shoppers focused on fuel efficiency or lower running costs — the V8 is thirsty in everyday driving.
- Buyers who want the latest infotainment and driver-assistance technology, where newer rivals have a clear edge.
- Those on a tighter budget, as purchase price, insurance, and fuel costs all sit at the higher end.