2025 Toyota Land Cruiser First Drive Review: Heritage Meets Hybrid Precision

This review takes a deep, technical look at the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser, focusing on the factors that matter most to informed buyers: powertrain behavior, real off-road hardware, on-road comfort, technology integration, and long-term ownership prospects.

Powertrain and Performance: Turbo-Hybrid Torque with a Different Character

Under the hood, the 2025 Land Cruiser abandons the traditional naturally aspirated V8 formula for Toyota’s i-Force Max 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid system. On paper, the output—approximately 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque—is impressive and actually eclipses the outgoing V8’s torque figure, but the character of that power delivery is considerably different.

The 2.4-liter engine is paired with an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission, with a 1.87 kWh nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack positioned to preserve packaging and off-road geometry. Turbocharged torque arrives low in the rev range, and the electric assist fills in gaps during initial throttle application and gear changes. For buyers coming from a V8 Land Cruiser or LX 570, the sensation is more “surge and shove” than “linear swell,” with a pronounced wave of torque in the midrange.

In everyday driving, the hybrid system’s calibration favors smoothness over aggressiveness. The transmission maps conservative shift points, prioritizing fuel economy and low engine speeds around town. Under heavy throttle, the gearbox will hold gears longer and the engine note becomes more audible and slightly coarse compared to the old V8’s refined growl, but power is sufficient for highway merges and two-lane passes even when loaded with passengers and cargo.

Cooling and durability considerations have clearly influenced the design. Toyota uses a water-cooled intercooler for the turbo system and retains robust transmission and engine cooling solutions suitable for towing and off-road use. Towing capacity is rated around 6,000 pounds, which is lower than some full-size SUVs but realistic for a midsize body-on-frame vehicle tuned for off-road use rather than pure tow dominance. For enthusiasts, the big takeaway is this: the hybrid isn’t a gimmick. It is integral to how the Land Cruiser generates and manages torque, especially at low speeds and on uneven terrain.

Chassis, Suspension, and Off-Road Hardware: Ladder-Frame Credibility Intact

The 2025 Land Cruiser rides on Toyota’s TNGA-F body-on-frame platform, shared with the current Tundra, Sequoia, and Lexus GX. This architecture is engineered around increased torsional rigidity and modularity, and it lays the foundation for the SUV’s dual personality: highway-stable yet authentically trail-capable.

Unlike some of its more luxury-oriented platform siblings, the new Land Cruiser sticks with a relatively straightforward suspension layout: independent front suspension and a solid rear axle with coil springs. This is a deliberate choice in favor of durability, articulation, and predictable behavior over extreme on-road plushness. Toyota’s multi-link rear setup is tuned to reduce axle hop and improve lateral stability while allowing good wheel travel.

From an off-road perspective, the hardware story is compelling:

• **Full-time 4WD with a center locking differential** provides predictable traction on mixed surfaces and eliminates the need to manually engage four-wheel drive in changing conditions.
• **Low-range transfer case** offers crawl-friendly gearing for steep climbs and technical sections.
• **Available front and rear locking differentials** (depending on trim) dramatically increase traction in cross-axle and deep-rut scenarios.
• **Approach, breakover, and departure angles** are competitive within the midsize off-road SUV segment, and ground clearance is generous without the excessive lift that can destabilize highway manners.
• **Skid plates and recovery points** are included from the factory, underscoring the Land Cruiser’s readiness for real-world off-road use.

On rocky trails and loose climbs, the hybrid torque curve proves advantageous. Electric assist smooths throttle inputs at very low speeds, helping avoid lurching, wheelspin, and abrupt torque spikes that can unsettle the chassis or damage driveline components. Crawl Control (Toyota’s low-speed off-road cruise system) and Multi-Terrain Select further refine traction management by modulating braking and throttle individually at each wheel. Enthusiasts who prefer a more analog experience can still drive without these aids, but their inclusion makes the vehicle accessible to less experienced off-roaders without diluting the core capability.

On-Road Comfort, NVH, and Daily Use: From Trail Rig to Family Transport

A modern Land Cruiser must justify itself not only as an adventurous icon but also as a daily driver and family hauler. Here, TNGA-F and the hybrid configuration work together to deliver a markedly more refined on-road experience than many traditional hardcore 4x4s.

Body rigidity improvements reduce squeaks and rattles and provide a stable foundation for suspension tuning. The ride quality, even on off-road-biased tires, is controlled and surprisingly compliant over broken pavement, speed bumps, and expansion joints. The coil-spring solid rear axle is tuned to minimize head toss and excessive vertical motion, although more aggressive off-road tire options can add some low-speed patter and a slight loss of precision in quick lane changes compared with road-biased competitors.

Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) are well-managed. The hybrid’s ability to shut the engine off at idle and low-speed cruising reduces overall cabin noise in urban environments. Wind noise is moderate at highway speeds, as expected from a relatively boxy, upright SUV, but not intrusive. Road noise varies with tire choice but remains acceptable for long drives.

From a usability standpoint:

• **Cabin ergonomics** favor physical switches and knobs for core functions (climate, drive modes, off-road controls), which is appreciated when wearing gloves or focusing on the trail.
• **Seat comfort** is solid, with adequately bolstered front seats and good thigh support, important for long-distance touring and rough-road driving.
• **Second-row space** accommodates adults comfortably, though the narrower packaging versus the previous Land Cruiser is noticeable if you’re cross-shopping against full-size SUVs.
• **Cargo capacity** is practical, with a flat load floor and a wide opening; however, those needing maximum three-row family-hauler space will be better served by larger platforms like the Sequoia or other full-size SUVs.

In daily commuting and highway cruising, the Land Cruiser feels more midsize and maneuverable than its predecessor, which will appeal to urban and suburban buyers who previously found the old model too bulky or cumbersome in tight parking garages and city streets.

Technology, Interfaces, and Safety Systems: Modern, but Not Overbearing

Toyota has brought the Land Cruiser into the current era with a comprehensive technology and safety package, but has done so with a degree of restraint that will appeal to traditionalists and enthusiasts who dislike over-digitized vehicles.

The center touchscreen (size varies by trim but is comparable to other modern Toyota offerings in the 12–14 inch range) runs the latest Toyota Audio Multimedia system, featuring:

• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Over-the-air (OTA) update capability for software improvements
• Cloud-based navigation (on appropriately equipped trims)
• Voice assistant with natural language recognition for navigation, climate, and audio commands

The interface is smoother and more responsive than Toyota’s older systems, with sharper graphics and faster boot times. Crucially, the brand retains physical volume and tuning knobs and main climate controls, reducing dependence on screen menus—a real advantage during off-road driving, when fine motor control is at a premium.

On the safety front, Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) is standard, including:

• Adaptive cruise control with lane tracing assist
• Lane departure alert with steering assist
• Pre-collision system with pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Road sign assist and automatic high beams

These features are calibrated conservatively. Lane centering is less “hands-off” than in some competitors but avoids the hyperactive steering corrections that can annoy drivers on winding roads. Adaptive cruise control handles stop-and-go traffic competently, especially in conjunction with the hybrid system’s smooth low-speed power delivery.

For trail work, the Multi-Terrain Monitor provides camera views around the vehicle, including underbody perspectives, aiding in wheel placement and obstacle clearance. While serious off-roaders still benefit from a spotter, the camera system is particularly helpful in tight forest trails or urban off-road parks where tree stumps, rocks, and ruts may be obscured from the driver’s seat.

Ownership, Reliability Expectations, and Real-World Efficiency

One of the core pillars of Land Cruiser heritage is long-term durability. While the 2025 model is new and many long-term metrics are yet to be established, several indicators suggest Toyota is aiming to uphold that reputation within the constraints of modern emissions and efficiency standards.

The TNGA-F platform and hybrid powertrain have already been deployed, in variant form, in other Toyota and Lexus products. This shared architecture and component commonality generally improves parts availability and service familiarity among dealers. The use of a NiMH battery, rather than a larger and more complex lithium-ion pack, reflects Toyota’s conservative, durability-focused hybrid strategy. NiMH chemistry has historically demonstrated strong longevity in Toyota hybrids, and the battery size is modest, reducing thermal and cycling stress.

Fuel economy is a major advantage over the previous V8 Land Cruiser. Official EPA figures vary slightly by configuration, but the turbo-hybrid setup is designed to deliver a significant improvement in combined mileage versus the old model’s mid-teens performance. In mixed driving, realistic expectations fall into the low-to-mid-20s mpg range, depending on tire choice, load, and driving style. For an off-road-capable, body-on-frame 4x4, this is a substantial step forward and reduces operating costs over long ownership cycles.

Maintenance intervals align with typical Toyota schedules, and the hybrid system is largely self-contained from a user standpoint. There are no special procedures for most day-to-day tasks, and the regenerative braking system should reduce mechanical brake wear over time. Prospective buyers should still factor in:

• Higher tire costs for off-road-oriented rubber
• Potential alignment checks and suspension inspections after heavy trail use
• The impact of accessories (roof racks, lift kits, larger tires) on fuel economy and component wear

Resale value is projected to be strong. Previous Land Cruisers have historically commanded high residuals due to limited supply and robust global demand. While the new model’s pricing and positioning are different, the combination of iconic nameplate, genuine off-road capability, and Toyota’s reliability image is a strong recipe for long-term value retention.

Conclusion

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser is not a simple reboot of a classic; it’s a calculated redefinition of what the Land Cruiser means in a world of emissions mandates, rising fuel costs, and increasing consumer expectations for technology and comfort. By downsizing the engine but enhancing torque with a hybrid system, migrating to TNGA-F, and refining its on-road manners while preserving true off-road hardware, Toyota has crafted an SUV that respects its heritage without being trapped by it.

For car enthusiasts, the conversation shifts from lamenting the loss of a V8 to evaluating how well the turbo-hybrid, chassis tuning, and off-road systems work together in real conditions. For buyers cross-shopping other midsize off-road SUVs and crossovers, the new Land Cruiser offers a compelling blend of authenticity, efficiency, and long-term ownership appeal.

It is, in essence, a modern Land Cruiser: different in execution, familiar in mission.

Sources

• [Toyota USA – 2024–2025 Land Cruiser Product Information](https://www.toyota.com/landcruiser/) - Official specifications, features, and technical details direct from Toyota
• [U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Fuel Economy Data](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/byclass/Sport_Utility_Vehicles_4wd2025.shtml) - EPA fuel economy ratings and comparisons for 4WD SUVs, including hybrid models
• [IIHS – Crash Test and Safety Ratings](https://www.iihs.org/ratings/by-class/suv) - Independent safety ratings and crash test data for SUVs
• [Toyota Global Newsroom – TNGA-F Platform Overview](https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/toyota/33929675.html) - Technical background on Toyota’s body-on-frame TNGA-F architecture
• [Consumer Reports – Hybrid Vehicle Reliability Trends](https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/hybrids-reliability-a7599026104/) - Analysis of hybrid system reliability and long-term ownership patterns across brands