2002 Toyota Land Cruiser

Smaller in dimensions than the newer Sequoia, Toyota’s most costly full-size sport utility vehicle has a history that dates back to the company’s early days in the U.S. market. It is the slowest-selling member of the company’s SUV group, with only 15,509 Land Cruisers sold during 2000 - and that figure represents a slight drop from the previous year.

The Toyota Land Cruiser and the Lexus LX 470 share the same basic design and major components, but Lexus’ SUV has more standard features and additional luxurious furnishings. A third-row seat, automatic rear climate control and a HomeLink transmitter are new standard features for 2002. Among the few Land Cruiser options are a JBL sound system and a navigation system with a DVD player.

Exterior

The Land Cruiser’s overall length is 192.5 inches, which makes it about 6 inches shorter than the Chevrolet Tahoe and a foot shorter than the Lincoln Navigator. The Land Cruiser rides a 112.2-inch wheelbase, is 76.4 inches wide and stands 73.2 inches tall. Access to the cargo area may be achieved through a window that flips up and a tailgate that drops down.

Interior

Seating for five occupants used to be standard, with two front buckets and a split three-place bench that folds to hold more cargo. The formerly optional three-place rear seat is now standard for 2002, so the Land Cruiser’s seating capacity bumps up to eight - though children fit in the third row better than adults. The split rear seat also folds outward for additional cargo space.

Cargo volume is 91 cubic feet. Standard equipment includes leather upholstery, automatic climate control, a six-CD changer, power sunroof and remote keyless entry.

Under the Hood

The Land Cruiser uses a 230-horsepower, 4.7-liter V-8 engine and a four-speed-automatic transmission, which team with permanently engaged four-wheel drive; the Lexus LX 470 uses the same powertrain. A limited-slip rear differential and traction control are standard. Standard equipment includes antilock brakes and Vehicle Skid Control, Toyota’s electronic stability system that applies brakes to individual wheels as needed.