Toyota has released details on its updated Land Cruiser, treating the large SUV to a minor exterior freshening and additional feature content. The Land Cruiser carries forward a legendary off-road nameplate first introduced in Japan over 60 years ago, and for 2013, it is a far more luxurious machine.

The exterior is distinguished by an updated grille, headlamps, side mirrors, tail lights, and chrome trim. A more substantial upgrade is made with the equipment, which sees the previous Upgrade Package made standard. The Land Cruiser now boasts a very long roster of performance and convenience features, adding such items as a rear DVD entertainment system, rain-sensing wipers, headlamp cleaners, heated second-row seats, and rear spoiler. In addition, the Land Cruiser gains a heated steering wheel, radar-based cruise control, and a terrain monitor offering front, side, and rear views.

Of course, the revised price has increased significantly, from about $69,000 to $78,000 for 2013, not counting destination charges.

In our last Land Cruiser test, we found the SUV to be quick, quiet, comfortable, and refined, but it was neither agile nor sparing with fuel at 14 mpg overall. The Land Cruiser is now a very small volume vehicle, and these upgrades should simplify the ordering process and add appeal for the target customers. But in the process, the Land Cruiser is moving further away from its simple, trail-blazing roots.

Look for it in showrooms later this month.