2025 Toyota Land Cruiser: The Legend Returns, But Is It Still King?
Let’s not beat around the bush—the Toyota Land Cruiser is an icon. It’s a name that conjures up images of adventure, ruggedness, and the kind of indestructible off-roading that makes a Jeep Wrangler look like a toy. So when Toyota announced they were bringing it back for 2025, fans around the world rejoiced. But here’s the catch: the new Land Cruiser is very different from what you remember.
Gone is the V8 engine. Yes, you heard that right. The hulking, fuel-guzzling V8 that made the Land Cruiser feel like it could plow through anything has been replaced by a much smaller, more efficient turbocharged inline-4 hybrid. And while that might make environmentalists do a happy little dance, it has left many purists feeling a bit uneasy. Has Toyota softened the Land Cruiser to appeal to the eco-conscious crowd, or is this still the off-road king we’ve come to love? Let’s find out.
Design: The Beast Gets a Makeover
The first thing you notice about the 2025 Land Cruiser is that it looks… different. It’s still big, of course—this is a Land Cruiser, after all—but the design has taken a turn toward the modern and sophisticated. The boxy, utilitarian look that defined the previous models has been softened ever so slightly, replaced by more aerodynamic lines and sleek LED headlights that seem like they’ve been borrowed from a Lexus.
The front grille is still large and imposing, but it’s been refined to look more premium than rugged. The body has been sculpted to give it a more upscale feel, but don’t let that fool you—this is still a vehicle that can tackle the wilds of Africa or the backwoods of Wyoming without breaking a sweat. The ground clearance is still impressive, and the beefy tires and underbody protection suggest that Toyota hasn’t forgotten its roots. The new Land Cruiser might look more at home in a posh neighborhood, but rest assured, it’s still capable of getting dirty.
Compared to its main competitors—the Jeep Grand Wagoneer and the Range Rover—the Land Cruiser feels less flashy but just as capable. It’s a design that says, “I’m tough, but I don’t need to shout about it.” And frankly, that’s a refreshing change from the blinged-out SUVs we’re seeing more and more of these days.
Step inside the 2025 Land Cruiser, and it’s clear that Toyota has gone all out to bring the interior up to modern luxury standards. Gone are the days of spartan interiors with hard plastics and a distinct lack of flair. The new cabin is loaded with soft leather, high-quality materials, and enough technology to make even the most tech-savvy driver happy.
The dashboard is dominated by a massive 14-inch touchscreen that handles everything from navigation to climate control. It’s intuitive, responsive, and, thankfully, not overloaded with menus that require a PhD to understand. There’s wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a premium JBL sound system, and a digital gauge cluster that displays everything you need without being too distracting.
The seating is where the Land Cruiser really shines. The front seats are large, supportive, and heated and ventilated, of course. The second-row seats offer plenty of legroom, and even the third row—yes, there’s a third row—feels comfortable enough for adults, though you wouldn’t want to spend hours back there. There’s also a panoramic sunroof that gives the interior an airy feel, perfect for those who plan to spend their weekends conquering mountain trails or, more likely, navigating city traffic.
But let’s not forget what makes the Land Cruiser special: practicality. Despite all the luxury touches, this is still a highly functional SUV. The cargo space is massive, and the rear seats fold flat, giving you enough room to haul just about anything. There are storage cubbies everywhere, and the materials, while premium, feel durable enough to withstand the abuse of an adventurous family.
Driving Experience: Is the Hybrid Engine Up to the Task?
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the engine. The 2025 Land Cruiser comes with a turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-4 hybrid engine that produces around 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. On paper, that sounds decent, but the Land Cruiser isn’t a lightweight. So how does this hybrid powertrain handle the nearly three-ton behemoth?
Surprisingly well, actually.
The hybrid system provides instant torque, which makes the Land Cruiser feel more responsive than you’d expect from something this large. It’s not blisteringly fast—this isn’t a sports SUV—but it’s more than capable of getting up to speed without feeling sluggish. And because it’s a hybrid, it’s more fuel-efficient than the old V8, which is good news for your wallet (and the planet).
Off-road, the Land Cruiser is as capable as ever. It comes standard with all-wheel drive, a two-speed transfer case, and Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select system, which lets you choose from various off-road modes depending on the terrain. Whether you’re tackling rocks, mud, or snow, the Land Cruiser will get you through it without breaking a sweat. The suspension has been tuned for comfort, but it’s still rugged enough to handle rough trails.
On the road, the ride is smooth and composed. The suspension soaks up bumps with ease, and there’s minimal body roll for something this size. It’s not as nimble as some of the smaller luxury SUVs, but it feels stable and confident. The steering is light, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, though you’ll still be reminded that you’re driving something large every time you try to park it.
Despite its more refined looks and hybrid powertrain, the 2025 Land Cruiser is still built for adventure. The Multi-Terrain Monitor gives you a 360-degree view of your surroundings, perfect for navigating tight trails. The Crawl Control system acts like off-road cruise control, managing throttle and braking so you can focus on steering.
There’s also a locking rear differential, hill descent control, and skid plates to protect the underbody. The approach and departure angles are impressive, allowing you to tackle steep inclines and declines without scraping the bumpers. It’s a proper off-roader, even if it looks like it belongs more in a luxury resort than on the Rubicon Trail.
But the real test is towing. The Land Cruiser can tow up to 8,000 pounds, which puts it in line with its main competitors. Whether you’re towing a boat, trailer, or a caravan of adventure gear, the Land Cruiser won’t break a sweat.
Practicality and Everyday Use: Not Just for the Trail
For all its off-road prowess, the 2025 Land Cruiser is also a surprisingly good daily driver. The hybrid engine means you’re not guzzling fuel like a thirsty V8, and the ride quality is smooth enough to make it comfortable for long road trips. The cabin is quiet, even at highway speeds, and the tech features—like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist—make it easy to live with in everyday situations.
Cargo space is generous, and the third-row seats fold flat to give you even more room. Whether you’re taking the kids to school, loading up for a weekend camping trip, or just picking up groceries, the Land Cruiser handles it all with ease.
For all its strengths, there are a few areas where the 2025 Land Cruiser might disappoint. Purists will undoubtedly miss the old V8, and while the hybrid powertrain is competent, it lacks the character and brute force of its predecessor. The design, while handsome, might be a little too polished for those who loved the old Land Cruiser’s rugged, utilitarian charm.
And then there’s the price. At around $85,000 to start, the new Land Cruiser isn’t exactly cheap. While it offers a lot of luxury and capability for the money, it’s still a hefty sum for an SUV, especially when you consider that you can get competitors like the Jeep Grand Wagoneer or Land Rover Defender for a similar price.
The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser is perfect for those who want a luxury SUV that can do it all. If you’re someone who spends weekends off-roading but also appreciates a quiet, comfortable ride during the week, the Land Cruiser is ideal. It’s not the cheapest option in its class, but it offers a unique blend of capability, luxury, and practicality that’s hard to beat.
If you’re a purist who longs for the days of V8 power and boxy, no-frills design, this new version might leave you feeling a bit cold. But if you’re ready to embrace a more refined, eco-conscious Land Cruiser that can still tackle the toughest trails, you’ll find a lot to love here.
The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser isn’t the beast it once was, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Toyota has managed to create a luxury SUV that’s still incredibly capable off-road, while also being more efficient, refined, and comfortable than ever before. It’s a Land Cruiser for the modern age, and while it might not have the brute force of its predecessors, it’s still more than capable of living up to its legendary name.
If you’re looking for a luxury SUV that can make you feel like you’re driving through the wilds of Africa—even if you’re just picking up groceries—the 2025 Land Cruiser is the car for you.
