The fluorescence spectrum and thermal properties of the mixed crystal Nd:Lu0.99La0.01VO4 are determined. The strongest emission peak located at 1065.6 nm had a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 2.1 nm. Continuous-wave (CW) laser performance is demonstrated by a compact planar–planar cavity that is endpumped by a diode laser. The laser output characteristics are investigated by using output couplers with different transmissions. A maximum CW output power of 8.09 W was obtained at an incident pump power of 19.4 W, which corresponds to an optical-to-optical conversion efficiency of 41.7% and a slope efficiency of 54.6%. The dependence of optimum transmission on pump power is calculated theoretically and is found to be consistent with experimental results.