Toyota calls its Land Cruiser the "King of Off- or On-Road," and it is mostly right. The big SUV's capability, especially in parts of the world where Land Cruisers are most often pressed into duty that would challenge even military vehicles, is well documented.

For the record, the new seventh-generation Land Cruiser, which is now 50 years old, is even more capable of off-road rock crawling and river fording for the handful of buyers who choose to subject their $70-grand Toyota to such hard labor.

In fact, with one of its three CRAWL settings selected and low range engaged, steering is the only task left for the thrill-seeking driver.

True to its name, CRAWL combines engine speed and the Land Cruiser's braking system to negotiate every obstacle from deep moguls to loose rock and shale. And the system works either in forward or reverse gears, so there's little excuse for getting this big rig stuck.

It takes more than clever electronics to travel off-road, so the new Land Cruiser maintains liberal approach and departure angles and plenty of ground clearance. The front suspension is new, replacing the old torsion bar design with wishbone style control arms for better handling.

The freshened exterior adds a more contemporary style, but at first glance, it looks a bit like a large Highlander. Perhaps time will act to moderate this effect. Inside, Toyota designers have done their best to balance luxury with woodgrain and just a bit of rugged truck persona.

At a starting price of just over $63,000, the Land Cruiser remains Toyota's most expensive model. For all that disposable income, you get a large SUV that's fully competent both on and off paved surfaces and is built to stay that way for quite some time. It is powered by a new 5.7-liter V-8 that moves the 5,690-pound Cruiser without heavy breathing.

Only a few options are offered for 2008, such as a DVD navigation, Bluetooth and technology package at $3,400, and a rear spoiler for $200.

EPA fuel economy: City: 13, Highway: 18

Base MSRP: $63,200 (Loaded: $71,000)