Toyota Land Cruiser 200 Series Review

2015-2021

The Toyota Land Cruiser 200 Series (URJ202W / VDJ200 Facelift: 2015–2021) is the ultimate benchmark for luxury off-road exploration and VIP transport in Kenya. Powered by massive V8 petrol (4.6L 1UR-FE & 5.7L 3UR-FE) and twin-turbo V8 diesel (4.5L 1VD-FTV) engines, the LC200 combines Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), Active Height Control (AHC), 225 mm ground clearance, and an indestructible body-on-frame chassis. Landed prices in Kenya range from KSh 9.5M to KSh 18.5M depending on year and specification.

Compare with another car

mandai score 9/10

*This score is awarded by our team of expert reviewers after extensive testing of the car

What’s good

  • Unrivaled reliability and local resale value: The standard choice for corporate titans, politicians, and safari exploration.
  • 650 Nm V8 Twin-Turbo Diesel Torque: Effortless 4.5L diesel pulling power with up to 1,200 km cruising range on its 138 L dual tanks.
  • KDSS & AHC suspension tech: KDSS suppresses highway body roll while AHC raises ground clearance over unpaved upcountry tracks.
  • Luxurious 7/8-seater cabin room: Multi-zone climate control, cool box console, and rear entertainment screens.

What’s not so good

  • 35% KRA luxury excise tax rate: High baseline CRSP duty schedules.
  • Heavy fuel consumption on V8 petrol models (4.0–4.8 km/L city).

5 doorsPetrol, DieselAutomatic

At a glance

Model
Toyota Land Cruiser 200 Series (2015–2021 Facelift)
Production years
2015–2021
Body type
5-Door Heavy-Duty 7/8-Seater SUV
Seating capacity
7 or 8
Fuel types
V8 Twin-Turbo Diesel, V8 Petrol
Engine sizes
4,461 cc (4.5D V8) / 4,608 cc (4.6 V8) / 5,663 cc (5.7 V8)
Transmission
6-Speed Super ECT / 8-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain
Full-Time 4WD with Torsen Central Differential & KDSS
Ground clearance
225 mm (AHC height-adjustable on ZX)
Source market
Japan / Australia / UK (RHD)

Trims & variants

Setup

4.5L Twin-Turbo Diesel V8 (268 hp / 650 Nm), 6-speed automatic. Heavy-duty coil springs, fabric/vinyl seats, 17/18-inch wheels, 138 L dual fuel tanks, optional snorkel. Returning 8.0 km/L combined (5.5–6.5 city / 9.5–10.0 highway).

Fuel consumption

8.0 km/L12.5 L/100km combined
Combined8.0 km/L
City6.7 km/L
Highway9.4 km/L

Figures for the GX / GX-R Diesel (Utility / Safari Spec). Tank: 138 L (about 1104 km combined). Real-world use varies with load, traffic and altitude.

Running cost

KES 2,847 per 100 kmKES 28 per km
City driving
KES 3,416 / 100 km
Highway driving
KES 2,420 / 100 km
1,000 km a month
KES 28,470
Full tank (138 L)
KES 31,431

Based on diesel at KES 227.76/L, 15-10-2026 to 14-11-2026. Combined economy unless stated.

Work out a trip cost

Package tiers

Land Cruiser 200 trim levels range from utilitarian GX models to executive AX and flagship ZX luxury packages.

PackageLevelKey features
GX / GX-RCommercial / UtilityFabric seats, 17-inch alloys, dual fuel tanks (138L), side steps, manual climate control.
AX / AX GExecutive luxuryLeather seats, KDSS suspension, power driver seat, 18-inch alloys, Toyota Safety Sense P.
ZX / VX-RPinnacle luxuryAHC height-adjustable suspension, Nappa leather, 20-inch wheels, rear screens, ventilated seats, power tailgate.

About the Toyota Land Cruiser 200 Series

Kenya strictly enforces an 8-year age limit from manufacture month and right-hand drive regulations. In 2026, 2018 to 2021 facelifted LC200 models sit comfortably inside the direct import window.

Because all V8 engine choices exceed 2,500 cc (ranging from 4.5L to 5.7L), the LC200 sits strictly in KRA's 35% luxury excise duty tax bracket.

Buying tips for Kenyan importers

  1. Inspect 4.5L 1VD-FTV twin-turbo oil consumption

    Check intercooler hoses and turbo seals for oil blow-by during pre-bidding inspection.

  2. Test AHC height adjustment (ZX trims)

    Verify vehicle raises smoothly from Low to Normal and High positions without pump hesitation.

  3. Verify KDSS hydraulic valve actuators

    Ensure no hydraulic fluid weeping around KDSS sway bar cylinders.

Disclaimer

Tax figures are estimates based on October 2026 KRA schedules. Always verify specific chassis CRSP entries with your clearing agent prior to purchase.

Cheat Sheets for similar cars

View All →