2016 Toyota Land Cruiser: First Look

• Competes with: Cadillac Escalade, Infiniti QX80, Lincoln Navigator, Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban
• Looks like: A shapelier 2015 Land Cruiser
• Drivetrains: 381-horsepower, 5.7-liter V-8; eight-speed automatic transmission
• Hits dealerships: TBA

While there still won't be any mistaking the Land Cruiser when it makes port at dealerships, Toyota's big, expensive and un-ironically named SUV will arrive for 2016 with a small boatload of new features, inside and out.

Related: 2016 Lexus LX 570 Gets New Look, Interior, Tech (35 Photos)

Perhaps most notable is Toyota's first eight-speed automatic transmission, which replaces the Land Cruiser's six-speed transmission. Other additions include new advanced safety features and updated multimedia tech.

Exterior

The Land Cruiser — which hasn't had a dramatic cosmetic overhaul in nearly a decade — gets a subtle exterior styling refresh but still retains its signature utility-meets-luxury look. Toyota says the body is new from the A-pillar forward, with design updates to the bumper, grille, LED headlights and hood. Around back are new light-tube-design taillights and LED brake lights, full-width chrome molding and a new rear bumper, along with 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

Interior

All buyers of the three-row, eight-passenger SUV will get standard interior appointments including perforated leather trim; heated and ventilated front seats; a heated tilt, telescoping steering wheel; keyless entry; push-button start; a power moonroof; and four-zone automatic climate control. In addition to Toyota's Entune 2.5 multimedia system with Siri Eyes Free mode and a 9-inch display in the revised center stack, second-row passengers get a standard rear-seat entertainment system with dual 10-inch screens; that's in addition to wireless phone charging.

Under the Hood

The off-road-capable SUV's returning 5.7-liter V-8 is good for 381 horsepower and 401 pounds-feet of torque, and is now mated to an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission. The eight-speed is a first for Toyota and replaces the Land Cruiser's six-speed auto. The automaker said the new transmission improves both acceleration and fuel economy, but Toyota estimates the 2016 version's fuel economy at 13/18/15 mpg city/highway/combined — identical to the 2015 version's official (lackluster) EPA figures.

Safety

Toyota is enhancing the Land Cruiser's existing safety arsenal with new standard driver assist technologies. The SUV will be equipped with its first collision-mitigation system. The new Toyota Safety Sense-P system includes front crash mitigation at speeds of less than 24 mph, lane departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights and adaptive cruise control. That's in addition to blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and a backup camera.