How many miles per gallon does a 2012 Land Cruiser get?
In EPA terms, the 2012 Toyota Land Cruiser with a 5.7-liter V8 and standard four-wheel drive is rated at 13 mpg in the city, 18 mpg on the highway, and 15 mpg combined.
Overview of fuel economy for a heavy off-road icon
The Land Cruiser is built for capability rather than efficiency. Its large V8 and body-on-frame construction yield respectable highway mileage for its size, but city driving and off-road use can push real-world mpg well below the highway figure. The numbers above come from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and represent standard testing conditions.
How the EPA numbers break down
The official EPA figures are typically presented as three estimates that reflect typical driving: city, highway, and combined. The following numbers apply to the 2012 Land Cruiser with the standard all-wheel-drive system.
- City: 13 mpg
- Highway: 18 mpg
- Combined: 15 mpg
These numbers give a baseline for planning fuel costs, but real-world results will vary with driving style, terrain, and equipment.
What factors influence fuel economy on this SUV?
Even within a given EPA rating, mpg can swing based on several practical factors. Below are the primary influences that typically matter for the 2012 Land Cruiser.
- Driving conditions and speed: city traffic, rapid acceleration, and heavy braking reduce efficiency; steady highway speeds tend to improve it.
- Terrain and usage: frequent off-road use, climbing grades, and hauling payload increase fuel consumption.
- Vehicle load and aerodynamics: extra passengers or cargo, roof racks, and larger tires can raise rolling resistance and drag.
- Maintenance and operating practices: proper tire inflation, A/C usage, and regular service help preserve efficiency.
In practice, owners report that real-world mpg often trails the highway estimate, especially if the vehicle is frequently used in urban areas or for towing, but can approach the combined figure on long highway trips.
Summary
The 2012 Land Cruiser is not a fuel-saver; its numbers reflect its size, weight, and purpose. Official EPA estimates are 13 mpg city, 18 mpg highway, and 15 mpg combined, with actual mileage depending on driving conditions and load. For buyers or owners, this translates to planning for lower fuel costs relative to mid-size SUVs but still manageable on long trips with careful driving.
Which is better, Land Cruiser V6 or V8?
V8 is only required if you do TOWING or for HEAVY OFF ROADING as these require higher torque otherwise better go with V6 for better fuel efficiency and lower maintenance.
What is the actual mpg of a Toyota Land Cruiser?
Real-world mpg for the Toyota Land Cruiser is typically in the 20-23 mpg combined range, though this can vary significantly depending on driving style and conditions. Many owners report highway mileage of around 20-22 mpg, especially at higher speeds, while some report getting as low as 18 mpg in a mix of conditions.
You can watch this video to see real-world mileage tests of the Land Cruiser: 50s1ROADYouTube · Mar 14, 2025
Real-world vs. EPA estimates
- EPA estimates: The official EPA estimates are 22 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and a combined 23 mpg.
- Real-world driving: Many owners report results that are at or slightly below the EPA highway estimate, particularly at speeds over 65 mph.
- City driving: City mileage can be lower, with some owners reporting 14-18 mpg, especially on short trips, according to Facebook users.
Factors that influence fuel economy
- Speed: Driving at higher speeds, such as 75-80 mph, can reduce efficiency to 20-22 mpg or lower, while speeds around 65 mph may yield higher results.
- Driving style: A gentle driving style in ECO mode can help achieve the higher end of the expected range, while aggressive driving will lower it.
- Vehicle condition: There may be a "break-in" period where the vehicle's fuel economy gradually improves after the first few hundred miles.
- Tires and modifications: Upgraded or larger tires, a roof rack, or other modifications can decrease fuel economy.
How many miles per gallon does a 2012 Toyota Land Cruiser get?
Despite this excellent power train output, the Toyota Land Cruiser's fuel economy is rated at 13 miles per gallon in the city and 18 highway miles per gallon. With a fuel tank capacity of 24.6 gallons, the Land Cruiser cruising range is well above average. Truly a workhorse SUV!
What are common problems with the 2012 Land Cruiser?
A regular problem that Dragan Vasic of All Terrain 4x4 has seen is failure of the seal on the transfer case input shaft. Replacing the seal can be an expensive exercise, but there's a less expensive fix which is often employed and doesn't involved stripping the transfer case.
