Comparison - Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class 2017 - vs - Toyota Land Cruiser 4dr 2017

The Land Cruiser received one of its most comprehensive updates for 2016 since the current model was introduced in 2008. The Land Cruiser received a new grille with LED running lights, a new eight-speed automatic transmission, a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) and an updated dashboard and center stack incorporating the latest generation of Toyota’s Entune multimedia interface.

The 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser is a full-size premium three-row SUV offered with standard four-wheel-drive, with seating for up to eight passengers.

The Land Cruiser offers a single engine and powertrain, Toyota’s familiar 5.7-liter V-8 with 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Although some would question the Land Cruiser’s place in Toyota’s lineup, especially with the lower-priced and larger Sequoia SUV, for some, there is no substitute for the original. As it has been for the last several decades, the Land Cruiser is the ultimate expression of Toyota’s off-road capability, with a generous helping of leather-lined luxury. Unlike the Sequoia, which offers three trim levels, the Land Cruiser offers minimal options, and comes basically one way: Fully equipped. Its starting price of more than $84,000 ensures rarity.

Pros
Vault-like solidity
Premium features
Legendary and deserved reputation for off-road capability

Cons
Numb on-road manners
Thirsty fuel consumption
Shocking price tag

The 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser has impressive off-road abilities and pleasant on-road manners. The third-row seats and cargo space are unimpressive, but overall this big SUV remains a top choice.

The Toyota Land Cruiser carries over unchanged for 2017.

The Toyota Land Cruiser is an automotive icon — its reputation for all-terrain capability and durability goes back 60 years. More recently, luxury has also figured into the Land Cruiser equation. The 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser continues the tradition, combining strong performance, excellent manners on- and off-road, and high levels of comfort.

This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.

Pros
The Land Cruiser's off-road prowess doesn't come at the expense of ride comfort
Three-row, eight-passenger accommodations are standard
Towing capacity is higher than average.

Cons
The Land Cruiser is as expensive as other luxury-branded SUVs
Third-row seats are confining and take up precious cargo space when stowed.

The 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser ranks 3 out of 8 Luxury Large SUVs. High-end luxury and superb off-road capability come together in the 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser. This 3-row SUV is refined on the highway, roomy enough to hold a crew of eight, and very reliable, though poor fuel economy and some cargo area quirks detract from its practicality.

The 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser ranking is based on its score within the Luxury Large SUVs category. Currently the Toyota Land Cruiser has a score of 8.3 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 51 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.

High-end luxury and superb off-road capability come together in the 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser. This 3-row SUV is refined on the highway, roomy enough to hold a crew of eight, and very reliable, though poor fuel economy and some cargo area quirks detract from its practicality.

"The 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser continues the tradition, combining strong performance, excellent manners on- and off-road, and high levels of comfort. Of course, this generation of the Land Cruiser dates back about a decade, and its age is showing. In particular, this sport-utility vehicle lacks some of the more modern features that are now expected of any vehicle that costs more than $80,000. For example, there's no available power liftgate, the third-row jump seats compromise both comfort and cargo capacity, and the V8 engine has a ravenous appetite for fuel. It seems likely, though, that we'll soon see an all-new Land Cruiser. Thankfully, the strengths of the 2017 Land Cruiser outweigh its weaknesses by a healthy margin, earning it a solid Edmunds 'A' rating." -- Edmunds

"While many luxury SUVs are morphing into soft-riding behemoths with sharply raked rooflines and limited off-road ability, the 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser SUV remains true to its 60-year-old roots. The Land Cruiser's body-on-frame construction, powerful V8 engine and 8,500-pound tow rating make it one of the more capable full-size SUVs, and its single, well-equipped model formula helps it undercut comparably equipped luxury models like the Mercedes-Benz GLS and Land Rover Range Rover. In fact, so admired is the Land Cruiser that many consider it a luxury SUV on par with Lexus and Infiniti." -- Kelley Blue Book

Pros
Formidable off-road abilities
Long list of standard features
Elegant, comfortable interior

Cons
Poor fuel economy
Cargo space isn't as user-friendly as some rivals