When Storm Claudia unleashed its fury across the UK, one vehicle proved to be the perfect companion for the chaos: the new Toyota Land Cruiser. Journalist Gareth Butterfield found himself behind the wheel of this iconic 4x4 on Friday, November 14, for a rural journey that put its legendary reputation to the ultimate test.
A Trial by Water and Wind
Butterfield's timing was impeccable. The bright blue Land Cruiser arrived just as the storm hit, presenting an opportunity to evaluate the vehicle in genuinely apocalyptic conditions. His mission was a 40-minute round trip on the A515 from Buxton to Ashbourne, a route transformed by the deluge into an obstacle course of deep surface water, submerged potholes, and fallen branches.
Where many cars would have struggled, the Land Cruiser treated the ordeal as a mere demonstration of its capabilities. "It was actually a bit of a hoot," noted Butterfield, impressed by the confidence it inspired. The vehicle's composure through huge, swimming-pool-sized puddles and its secure handling in high winds showcased the 70 years of proven off-road engineering embedded in its DNA.
More Than Just a Tough Truck
Despite its rugged ladder-frame chassis and purposeful 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, the Land Cruiser is far from a basic tractor to drive. The cabin in the high-spec test model offered a surprisingly pleasant environment. Heated and ventilated front seats, large, responsive screens, and a wealth of physical buttons provided comfort and control.
Visibility is superb, aided by a brilliant 360-degree camera system. For families, the optional seven-seater layout features rear seats that rise electronically. While the interior plastics are built for durability over opulence, the overall package is more refined than the vehicle's workhorse image might suggest. The Land Cruiser's array of off-road technology means it can automatically manage most treacherous situations, allowing the driver to focus on the road ahead.
The Price of Invincibility
This capability and technology come at a cost. The Land Cruiser now starts at around £80,000, and it is noted to be surprisingly difficult to spec a more basic version. For those who need the capability without the luxury, a commercial variant is available from approximately £50,000 plus VAT.
The vehicle's substantial size, while an asset in a storm, becomes a consideration in everyday British life, making some parking spaces a tight fit. However, for the core task of providing safe, unstoppable transport through the worst the British weather can muster, the Land Cruiser is in a league of its own. As Butterfield concluded, after navigating that hideous autumn day, "I can't think of many cars I'd rather have been in." The long-awaited new model doesn't just meet expectations; it fully lives up to the legend.
