Much of this feeling exists on an unconscious level, generated by an unusually quiet cabin, a distinct lack of clutter, and the characteristic scent of leather. While the interior is not opulent in design, there is nothing cheap or garish about it. Attention to detail can be seen in the stitching on the leather and the tight seams between the components of the dash and console.

Front-row seats are medium-firm, supportive and highly adjustable. The driver's seat has 10-way adjustability with power lumbar support, and the steering wheel itself has power tilt and telescopic adjustments with generous range. Between the seats is a roomy center console, which has two levels inside. The Country Club Package converts the center console into an air-conditioned cooler box.

Chrome-accented Optitron style gauges are mounted in a deeply shaded instrument pod, flanked by a multi-information display and shift position indicator. Subdued gray leather trim with slim silver accents and wood grain moldings are used throughout the cabin.

The front cabin is spacious enough, with ample legroom and headroom for all but the tallest drivers.

Second-row seating is comfortable and well appointed.

Third-row legroom and headroom is at a premium, however, so these seats are best occupied by smaller people. Access to the third row, via a tumble forward passenger-side seat, is not easy for adults.

Most of the time, it's likely that the third-row seats will be folded sideways and stowed on their mounts to allow for cargo. It's an arrangement that looks makeshift, but works quite well in practice. The mounting setup holds the seats tightly, braced with straps so they don't vibrate, and with the seats stowed flat quite a bit of room becomes available. If you really need all the room back there, you can remove the rear row altogether. While the Land Cruiser is not as spacious as, say, a Suburban, it is versatile enough to accommodate 81 cubic feet of cargo with some preparation.

The air conditioning system was designed to supply four climate control zones with 28 vents located throughout the cabin. First- and second-row passengers have individual controls, so they can stay comfortable if one side of the vehicle is exposed to the sun. The fan has seven speeds.

The JBL audio system does not produce perfect surround sound, but with 14 speakers, it fills the cabin well. The head unit is a Pioneer item; the system is MP3 and WMA compatible. With the optional navigation system, which we had on our test unit, the audio system is controlled via the eight-inch navigation touch screen. We're familiar with the way the audio and HVAC controls work with Toyota navigation systems, but even if we weren't, the touch screen arrangement seems reasonably intuitive. Most every menu is accessible with one or two touches and there are no joy-stick controls that require push-and-turn sequences. Our only beef with the navigation system is that Toyota does not permit changing a route or any other input on the fly. You have to pull over and put it in Park. The optional nine-inch LCD rear-seat entertainment system plays DVDs and has audio/video jacks for video games.

Keyless entry, an option we have come to adore, is available with either of the two available options packages. With the Bluetooth key fob anywhere on your person, doors click open at a touch of the handle.