The optional Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) enhances Land Cruiser's smooth ride and can automatically adjust suspension response according to driving and road conditions. AVS provides four positions to help control the shock absorber damping force. Position two will suit most driving conditions and will automatically adjust as conditions demand. Selecting position one provides softer response on rough road surfaces.

Positions three and four provide increasingly greater levels of control for driving a heavily loaded vehicle or driving on unpaved roads. When the driver shifts the two-speed transfer case into "Low" for traversing difficult off-pavement terrain or steep inclines, AVS automatically selects the suitable damping setting.


Advanced Variable Steering System

The advanced variable rack-and-pinion steering system can vary the steering ratio to improve maneuverability at low speeds and enhance control at highway speeds. A computer-controlled actuator on the intermediate steering shaft increases the driver's steering angle at low vehicle speeds, quickening the steering ratio.

At higher speeds, the mechanism rotates slightly in the opposite direction of steering input to decrease the total steering angle, resulting in a slower steering ratio desirable for stable handling response. The system's operation is transparent to the driver.

As a safety measure, it selects a higher steering ratio if the VSC system is activated in a hazardous driving condition. This helps to prevent too large a steering angle if the driver is swerving suddenly, for example. In addition, tooth spacing on the gears of the steering rack becomes wider toward its end, reducing steering effort at high steering angles.


Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive and the STAR SAFETY SYSTEM

Land Cruiser's standard full-time four-wheel drive system divides the power evenly between front and rear wheels and works in conjunction with four-wheel traction control (TRAC) to maintain traction on or off pavement. The driver can shift into low range to handle steep off-road inclines, and pushing a button on the center console locks the center differential to enable Toyota Land Cruiser to traverse especially challenging surfaces. Steel skid plates protect the front suspension, transfer case, and fuel tank when driving off-pavement.

Like all Toyota SUVs, the Land Cruiser comes standard with the STAR SAFETY SYSTEM, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), traction control (TRAC), an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist to help provide optimal vehicle control. The four-wheel ABS operates even in low-range four-wheel drive. As road surface roughness increases, ABS intervention decreases. The system responds to steep slopes, as well, preventing early activation to allow the driver greater control.

EBD optimizes brake pressure at each wheel for greater control under braking, especially when cornering. Brake Assist is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking. If the driver has not stepped firmly enough on the brake pedal to engage the ABS, the system supplements the applied braking power until pedal pressure is released. VSC helps maintain directional control during cornering by manipulating engine torque and individual wheel-braking influence when it detects tire slippage.

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