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2021 Toyota Land Cruiser
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The Toyota Land Cruiser offered third-row seating with up to 8 passengers through the 2021 model year. After being discontinued for a couple of years, it returned in 2024 as a completely redesigned SUV with only two rows and seating for 5. So if you’re looking for an 8-seat Land Cruiser, you’ll need to go with a 2021 or older model.
I actually really like how much this can handle from a car seat perspective, especially if you’re trying to make a bench seat work instead of jumping to captain’s chairs. It’s one of those setups where if you’re a little strategic, you can get a lot out of it.
- Second row has two LATCH positions in the outboard seats: Lower anchors are easy to access on both sides, so installs feel straightforward.
- Second row has top tether anchors across all three seats: You can install a forward-facing car seat in any position, including the middle.
- Three-across is actually doable: I fit a booster, convertible, and infant seat, which is not easy to pull off
- Bench width gives you flexibility: not massive, but it can handle a lot of different combinations if you choose the right seats
- Lower anchors and buckles are easy to work with: not buried, and the buckles have some flexibility which helps with installs
The Exterior
Boxy Shape and Big Glass Make This Easy to See Out Of
This is one of those SUVs where the design actually helps you as a driver. The boxy shape isn’t just for looks—it gives you really strong visibility, which I notice right away when I’m behind the wheel.
- Large windshield and windows: you can see clearly out of the front and sides, which makes it feel less intimidating to drive
- Upright, boxy design: helps you understand where the car is on the road
Simple, Clean Design Still Feels High-End
I’ve always liked how Range Rover keeps things simple. It’s not trying too hard, but it still feels expensive.
- Minimal, clean exterior styling: nothing feels overdesigned
- Signature Range Rover look: you immediately recognize it
- Flush, refined details in newer models: gives it a more modern feel
Size and Proportions Work for Families, With a Few Tradeoffs
This is a bigger SUV, but it doesn’t feel overwhelming, which I think a lot of families will appreciate.
- Taller ride height: makes loading kids easier without bending all the way down
- Wide-opening doors: helpful for getting car seats and kids in and out
- Long hood design: looks great, but something to get used to when parking
So overall, I like the way it looks and it definitely leans more premium, but the proportions—especially that long hood—might not be for everyone.
First Row
Big Windows Make This Really Easy to Drive
This is one of the first things I notice from the driver’s seat. The visibility in this car is really strong, and that makes a big difference in something this size. The large windshield and windows, combined with that boxy shape, make it feel a lot less intimidating than you’d expect.
Tech Looks Nice but Isn’t the Easiest to Use
The interior definitely leans modern, but it’s not the most intuitive setup right away. Most of the controls live in the screen, and there aren’t a lot of physical buttons, so it can feel a little cumbersome at first. Once you get used to it, it’s fine, but it’s not my favorite from a usability standpoint.
Storage Works, But It’s Not a Standout
There’s enough here for everyday use, just not a ton of extra space. You get a wireless charger, a couple small cubbies, and two good cupholders, but the center console is on the smaller side. It works, I just wish there was a little more room for all the random things you end up carrying.
Comfort Is Where This Row Really Shines
This is where the car wins for me. The seats are comfortable, the layout feels clean, and I like having the armrests on both sides for longer drives. Overall, it’s just a really nice place to sit, especially once you get used to how everything works.
Second Row
This Second Row Can Handle Three Car Seats, Which Is a Big Win
I really put this second row to the test, and it handled more than I expected. It’s not the widest bench in the class, but the way it’s set up gives you a lot of flexibility if you’re strategic.
Lower anchors in both outboard seats and three tether anchors across the back:
- Two LATCH positions outboard: lower anchors are exposed and easy to access, which makes installs much easier
- Three top tether anchors: one for each seating position, so you can run a forward-facing seat anywhere
Three-across setup is possible with the right seats:
- I fit a booster, convertible, and infant seat across, which is not an easy combination
- The bench width is just enough to make it work, especially with slimmer seats
- Using seat belt installs can give you extra room if you’re trying to maximize space
Everyday usability works, with a few tradeoffs to know:
- Buckles are flexible and not overly recessed: helpful for installs and booster use
- Booster access can be tight: especially in a three-across setup
- Legroom is just okay for rear-facing seats: works behind a taller driver, but not a lot of extra space
There’s no third row in this configuration, so everything is focused here, which actually helps. You get more flexibility with car seats and more usable trunk space, which I think a lot of families will prefer.
Third Row
Third Row Feels Like an Afterthought in an $80K+ SUV
There are technically three seats back here, but it doesn’t function like a true three-passenger third row. The middle seat is extremely narrow and sits right on a hard split, which makes it uncomfortable for anything beyond a short ride. Realistically, this works best as a two-passenger space.
Tight, Upright Seating Position Limits Comfort
- Raised floor creates a knees-up seating position that feels cramped
- Legroom is limited, especially with second row adjusted for adults
- Headroom is decent, but overall posture feels confined
- Best suited for kids or occasional use, not daily passengers
Minimal Amenities Make This a Bare-Bones Space
You’re not getting much back here in terms of comfort or convenience.
- Two small cup holders on the side
- Ceiling vents for airflow, which helps
- No USB ports or charging options
- Basic lighting, nothing elevated
No Car Seat Capability in the Third Row Is a Major Miss
- No lower anchors (LATCH) and no top tether anchors
- Eliminates any real flexibility for families with multiple car seats
This is one of the biggest drawbacks for a vehicle of this size. You have three seats, but they’re not usable for one of the most important use cases.
Getting In and Out Is a Frustrating Experience
Access is one of the biggest pain points here. While the seat does fold and slide forward to create space, it becomes nearly impossible to use with a car seat installed in the second row. Even without one, it’s awkward.
Once you’re back there, getting out is even worse. There’s no easy way to exit independently, which makes this feel impractical for everyday use.
Trunk
Trunk Space Is Tight With the Third Row Up
With all three rows in use, you only get 16.1 cu. ft., which is very small for a full-size SUV. A stroller fits, but not much else.
Folding the Third Row Makes It More Usable
With the third row down, you get 41.4 cu. ft.
- Enough for a stroller and a few bags
- Still smaller than most SUVs in this category
Split Tailgate Is Helpful, But the Setup Feels Dated
The tailgate is practical for loading, but the small cargo space and clunky seat folding make this less family-friendly than competitors.
Safety
The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser has not been tested by the IIHS.
This vehicle includes seatbelt pretensioners in:
- Driver and front passenger seats
- Second row outboard seats
There are no pretensioners for the third row.
The Land Cruiser comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense, which includes:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Full-speed adaptive cruise control
- Lane departure alert with steering assist
- Automatic high beams
You also get a backup camera and surround-view camera, which are especially helpful given the visibility limitations.
Second Row Is the Only Functional Space for Car Seats
All car seat functionality is in the second row. There are 2 LATCH positions in the outboard seats and 3 top tether anchors across, so forward-facing seats can be installed in any position using a tether. Installs are straightforward, and spacing is generous. A forward-facing convertible and an infant seat fit easily, and three-across may be possible depending on the seats.
Third Row Cannot Be Used for Car Seats
There are no lower anchors and no top tether anchors in the third row. Even though there are three seats, this eliminates it as a usable space for car seat installation.
Access to the Third Row Becomes Difficult With Car Seats Installed
The second row does fold and slide forward, but once a car seat is installed, access to the third row becomes very limited. This makes the third row impractical to use in combination with multiple car seats.
Best for Two Car Seats, Limited Beyond That
This setup works well for one to two car seats in the second row. Beyond that, the lack of third row capability and difficult access creates clear limitations for larger families.
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