​It's a car pitched as "king off the road" yet it's so often confined to the suburbs thanks to seating for up to eight and the type of king-of-the-road high riding feeling so many love. But the heritage of the LandCruiser very much lies in Australia's more remote regions.

Little wonder, then, that country folk get pretty excited at the prospect of a new LandCruiser. Not that the recent update to Toyota's biggest, most expensive off-roader is very new. The basic shape and body is unchanged, as is the engine and suspension. But there's some extra equipment and mild revisions to the diesel engine, as well as notable styling updates that incorporate a heavily scalloped bonnet, new headlights and a new grille with more bling.

What do you get?

Its heritage is simplicity, capability and ruggedness. These days, though, the LandCruiser is a premium priced four-wheel drive, and one that starts from $76,500 for the mining fleet-oriented GX that has vinyl seats, steel wheels and only five seats.

For regular folk it's the GXL tested here that is the more natural starting point, kicking things off at $82,000 for the petrol-engined version, or $87,000 for the V8 diesel 95 per cent of buyers stump up extra for. That car comes with satellite-navigation, dual-zone air-conditioning, cruise control, a reversing camera and alloy wheels. There are also eight seats. But there's no buttons on the steering wheel, and there's not even a trip computer, something that's handy to estimate how much further you'll get from the big 138-litre fuel tank.

Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series GXL. Photo: Supplied

For those features you have to step up to the VX ($92,500 for petrol, $97,500 for diesel). It also gets larger alloy wheels (18-inch, up from 17s), leather trim, rain-sensing wipers, auto headlights, front and rear parking sensors, digital radio tuning, sunroof, powered front seats and more off-road smarts in the form of a Multi-Terrain Select system that can prepare the car's electronics for different conditions, such as snow, sand or mud.

The Sahara is the flagship of the lineup (until you step up to the LandCruiser-based Lexus LX570) and is priced at $113,500 (petrol) and $118,500 (diesel). It gets twin entertainment screens for the rear, a mini fridge in the centre console, a wireless phone charging system (for inductive charging-compatible phones), heated front and middle row seats, and some active safety systems, including lane departure warning and auto emergency braking.

What's inside?

The grey-on-grey trim is bland but rugged, and there's a plain Jane presentation to the dash; big buttons and legible controls. The only exception is the frustratingly fiddly colour control screen that has too-small virtual buttons, doesn't always react to the first press and looks out of step with the rest of the dash presentation. To top it off the screen can be difficult to see in direct sunlight, even when its daylight setting is selected.

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Really, then, it's all about space in the LandCruiser, especially this GXL. There's some serious width to the cabin, which translates to excellent rear seat space. It makes it a snip to fit three adults across the rear, and three children should be fine in the third row.

The sheer size means blind spots are inevitable – especially with the third row seats folded up – but large mirrors help ensure decent driver vision. And the view from the high riding bus is generally good.

There is a catch to the seating, though; the kids will have to be eight-years-old or above because that third row does not have any child seat anchor points, something emerging on some newer SUVs (including the smaller Ford Everest). That third row of seats, too, folds against the side of the car rather than into the floor, so it eats into luggage space a bit.

But the split tailgate is a handy setup, with the lower section folding for a handy temporary picnic table or place to prop the kids as you de-sand them after the beach.

Everything else in the Cruiser is big, too; the centre console is wide and deep and the door pockets are usefully voluminous. It's also a decent step into it, although side steps help with the journey.

Under the bonnet

The familiar 4.5-litre twin-turbo V8 diesel returns for duty in this update to the 200-Series LandCruiser. It's largely unchanged, but gets new fuel injectors and a particulate filter, the latter cleaning exhaust emissions in anticipation of stricter standards being introduced late in 2016.

Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series GXL. Photo: Supplied

Power has snuck up slightly, to 200kW, but it's a negligible increase and one not noticeable on the road. Besides, it's the unchanged 650Nm of torque, or pulling power, that is the most useful figure for the LandCruiser. That peak torque is on tap from just 1600rpm and makes relatively light work of the 2740kg heft that makes up the big Toyota 4WD. Loading it up barely interrupts the muscular performance, which is more about consistently building speed – and maintaining it – than darting away with vigour. Even then, though, the Cruiser diesel is no slouch when you sink the right foot.

It works nicely with the six-speed auto, too, which slots between ratios decisively and smoothly.

And while the engine has a familiar diesel drone, it's respectably muted and refined, making for respectably relaxed journeys.

Fuel use is claimed at 9.5 litres per 100km, but expect to user closer to 13L/100km in predominantly suburban duties.

On the road

There's no getting away from all the mass the LandCruiser is lugging around, something that seriously impacts its on-road manners. Arrive briskly at a bend and the baggy off-road tyres may squeal in protest, and the top-heavy body will lean tentatively in response.

Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series GXL. Photo: Supplied

Yet for all the off-road hardware it's relatively user friendly; steering is light and accurate and the brakes sensitive and responsive.

And it's a seriously quiet, refined car. Road noise is beautifully quelled, as is wind noise, making for very comfortable long distance touring.

Successive bumps can get some gentle purpoising going, but the body deals wonderfully with large bumps – think anything from aggressive speed humps to outback washaways. The ride is generally supple, too, adding to those impressive comfort levels.

As with any LandCruiser, though, it's off-road where it impresses most. Great ground clearance and a well mannered full-time four-wheel drive system make light work of some amazingly challenging terrain. The LandCruiser is a seriously impressive device in everything from rocks and sand to mud and water. As with most serious off-roaders it has a low-range four-wheel drive system for the really tough stuff, especially slow-speed steep ascents or descents; when selected there are various compromises (more whining and graunching as the electronics do their thing) but it gets the job done.

It's also rated to tow 3500kg, which equals other big four-wheel drives.

Verdict

The latest updates don't mess with a proven formula, but they do squeeze a fraction more value from what is an accomplished – and popular - machine.

The LandCruiser is a very capable off-roader that accommodates up to eight people in impressive comfort. But the key phrase is off-road; it's a big, capable four-wheel drive and one that really needs to be driven in its natural habitat to truly appreciate its breadth of ability and effort that's gone into engineering. At the end of the day you're paying plenty for its exceptional off-road nous.

Around town, though, the LandCruiser's bulk and compromised on-road manners make it a less convincing way to carry a family.

Toyota LandCruiser GXL Diesel price and specifications

Price: $87,000, plus on-road and dealer costs

Engine: 4.5-litre twin turbo V8 diesel

Power: 200kW at 3600rpm

Torque: 650Nm at 1600rpm

Fuel use: 9.5L/100km

Transmission: 6-speed auto, four-wheel-drive

The Competitors

Nissan Patrol Ti-L

Price: $86,990

Engine: 5.6-litre V8 petrol; 298kW/560Nm; 7-speed auto; 4WD

Fuel use/CO2 emissions: 14.5L/100km, 343g/km

Safety: 6 airbags, stability control

Pros: Superb off-road; spacious; decent body control; powerful engine

Cons: Big … and a big climb into it; very thirsty and calls for premium unleaded; petrol engine not great for resale

Land Rover Discovery SDV6 SE

Price: $84,040

Engine: 3.0-litre twin turbo V6 diesel; 183kW/600Nm; 8-speed auto; 4WD

Fuel use/CO2 emissions: 8.8L/100km, 230g/km

Safety: 6 airbags, stability control

Pros: Smooth V6 and intuitive auto; classy and functional interior; good road manners; clever off-road electronics

Cons: Relatively expensive; not as suited to rough outback roads as rivals

Toyota Prado Kakadu

Price: $84,490

Engine: 2.8-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel; 130kW/450Nm; 6-speed auto; 4WD

Fuel use/CO2 emissions: 8.0L/100km, 211g/km

Safety: 7 airbags, stability control

Pros: Excellent off-road; huge fuel tank; reliability and reputation

Cons: Heavy rear door; ponderous handling; low-ish 2500kg tow capacity; new engine nothing special

Interested in buying Toyota Landcruiser? Visit our Toyota showroom for more information.