Extensively redesigned for 1998, the Land Cruiser is propelled by the same 4.7-liter V8 engine that drives the Lexus LX 470. This twin-cam V8 replaced the Land Cruiser's old inline-6. The V8 and extensive chassis revisions makes the current Land Cruiser a much stronger performer both on the street and in tough terrain than the pre-1998 models.

For 2000, Toyota added electronic brake force distribution, active traction control and vehicle skid control as standard equipment. These sophisticated active safety measures make the Land Cruiser easier to control in emergency maneuvers; traction control also enhances its off-road capability.