2025 Toyota Land Cruiser Review: Is the Off-Road Icon’s Comeback Worth It?

Automotive outlets and early first drives this week have zeroed in on the big question: does this new, more attainable Land Cruiser still feel like a Land Cruiser—or is it just a dressed‑up 4Runner or Tacoma? We break down the key points that actually matter to SUV shoppers and enthusiasts right now.

Powertrain and Real‑World Performance

The headline change is under the hood: the 2025 Land Cruiser drops the traditional V8 in favor of Toyota’s i‑FORCE MAX 2.4‑liter turbocharged four‑cylinder hybrid powertrain. It produces 326 hp and 465 lb‑ft of torque, paired with an 8‑speed automatic and full‑time four‑wheel drive. On paper, torque is up significantly from the old 5.7‑liter V8, and early instrumented tests show that in‑gear acceleration feels punchier than you’d expect from a four‑cylinder.

On the road, reviewers are reporting that the Land Cruiser’s hybrid system delivers strong, diesel‑like low‑end shove, especially useful in city driving and on steep grades. Turbo lag is present but generally well‑managed; once the turbo and electric motor are working in concert, mid‑range pull is impressive for a body‑on‑frame SUV. The 8‑speed doesn’t hunt for gears as much as some competitors’ 10‑speeds, but it can feel a bit busy when transitioning from gentle cruising to hard acceleration.

Where this powertrain really distinguishes itself is efficiency. EPA figures in the mid‑20s combined (final numbers vary slightly by trim and wheel/tire package) put the Land Cruiser well ahead of the old model and competitive with unibody crossovers of similar size. For buyers stepping out of older V8 SUVs, fuel‑range anxiety is likely to disappear—especially with a reasonably sized fuel tank and hybrid assist smoothing out heavy‑throttle moments like towing or climbing passes. If you’re cross‑shopping the Land Cruiser with turbo‑six options from Jeep or BMW, the Toyota won’t be the quickest, but it will look very attractive at the pump.

Off‑Road Hardware and Trail Behavior

The new Land Cruiser shares its TNGA‑F body‑on‑frame platform with the Tacoma, Tundra, and Lexus GX, but Toyota has tuned it with a very specific brief: credible, repeatable off‑road performance right out of the box. All trims get a center locking differential and a two‑speed transfer case. Higher trims add a locking rear differential, skid plates, and beefier off‑road tires, depending on configuration.

Key trail‑relevant specs:

• Ground clearance: Approximately 8.7–9.0 inches (varies slightly by wheel/tire)
• Approach angle: Up to ~31°
• Departure angle: Around ~22°
• Breakover angle: Around ~25°
• Standard 4WD with low range on every trim

These numbers don’t chase extreme rock‑crawler figures like a Wrangler Rubicon or Bronco Raptor, but they’re significantly more serious than most three‑row crossovers. Importantly, Toyota has bundled electronic aids like Crawl Control, Multi‑Terrain Select, and Multi‑Terrain Monitor (underbody camera views) in a way that is easy to access rather than buried in submenus. Early off‑road impressions from journalists running the Land Cruiser on technical trails highlight the following:

• The hybrid torque delivery at low RPM makes controlled climbing easier than with the old V8.
• The suspension tuning prioritizes articulation and compliance over on‑road stiffness; wheels stay on the ground more often than in some rival off‑road packages.
• Crawl Control is noticeably smoother and quieter than earlier Toyota versions, making it more usable rather than a novelty.
• The shorter overall length compared to the old 200 Series improves breakover and maneuverability on tight, wooded trails.

If you’re a buyer who wants a vehicle that’s legitimately trail‑ready from the dealer without going straight to the aftermarket, the new Land Cruiser belongs on your shortlist alongside the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, Ford Bronco, and Lexus GX Overtrail. It’s not as extreme as the most hardcore variants of those, but it offers a compelling balance of livability and capability.

Interior, Tech, and Everyday Usability

The biggest philosophical shift from the previous U.S. Land Cruiser is inside. The 2025 model gives up some of the plush, Land Rover‑chasing feel in favor of a more utilitarian, “heritage‑inspired” layout. Surfaces emphasize durability over opulence, with a mix of soft‑touch plastics, rubberized knobs, and straightforward switchgear. It’s closer in cabin character to a Tacoma or GX than to a full‑fat luxury SUV.

Key usability points:

• Seating: Two rows only in the U.S. spec, with seating for five. If you need three rows, you’ll be pushed toward the Sequoia, Highlander, or Lexus TX.
• Space: Front and rear legroom are competitive for the segment; adults fit comfortably in both rows, though rear headroom can feel a bit tight for taller passengers with the available sunroof.
• Cargo: With no third row, cargo space behind the second row is generous and squared‑off, making it easy to load coolers, strollers, or camping gear.
• Controls: Physical climate and drive‑mode controls remain, which off‑road enthusiasts appreciate—glove‑friendly knobs and buttons are easier to use on the trail than a fully touch‑based interface.

On the tech side, Toyota’s latest multimedia system is front and center, with an available 12.3‑inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and over‑the‑air update capability. Response times and graphics are significantly improved versus Toyota’s last‑generation systems, though voice commands can still be hit‑or‑miss in noisy environments. A full suite of driver‑assistance features—Toyota Safety Sense 3.0—comes standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane‑keeping assist, blind‑spot monitoring, and pre‑collision braking.

From a daily‑driver perspective, reviewers note that ride quality is on the firm side compared to crossovers like the Honda Pilot or Hyundai Palisade, but more controlled and less floaty than the old 200 Series. Wind noise is well‑contained, tire noise depends heavily on spec (off‑road‑focused trims are louder), and the seating position is upright with excellent visibility. For buyers commuting during the week and hitting dirt on the weekends, the new Land Cruiser feels like a real compromise—but one that leans slightly toward the enthusiast rather than the road‑trip comfort buyer.

Pricing, Trims, and How It Stacks Up to Rivals

One of the most talked‑about aspects of this launch is pricing. Toyota made a point in its media presentations to stress that the new Land Cruiser starts “in the mid‑$50,000s”—a major drop from the outgoing model that had crept well into the $80,000 range. In practice, that base price gets you a more basic “1958”‑style configuration with smaller wheels, fewer luxury features, and a simpler interior.

As you move up the trim ladder, prices quickly climb toward and into the $60,000s, especially once you add packages that enthusiasts care about: locking rear differential, advanced off‑road cameras, upgraded audio, and premium convenience features. By the time you spec the Land Cruiser the way many buyers will want it—well‑equipped but not fully loaded—you’re likely looking at a transaction price in the low‑to‑mid $60,000s.

Against key rivals:

• **Jeep Wrangler 4xe:** Offers open‑air freedom and more off‑road articulation but less refinement and a more complex plug‑in powertrain. Pricing overlaps heavily depending on trim.
• **Ford Bronco (Sasquatch/Heritage):** More configurable and more playful, but not as polished in long‑term reliability perception or hybrid efficiency.
• **Lexus GX (2024+):** Shares architecture with a more powerful V6 twin‑turbo, three‑row availability, and a significantly more upscale interior—but at a higher price point.
• **Land Rover Defender 110:** Similar image and capability with more on‑road sophistication and luxury, but dramatically higher pricing and ongoing question marks about long‑term maintenance costs.

The Land Cruiser’s value proposition lives in that middle space: more premium and refined than the hardcore Wrangler/Bronco crowd, less luxurious but likely more dependable and cost‑effective than Land Rover or some German competitors. For buyers who want to buy once and keep a vehicle for 10–15 years, Toyota’s reputation still carries meaningful weight.

Who the 2025 Land Cruiser Actually Suits Best

Based on the first wave of reviews and real‑world impressions, the 2025 Land Cruiser is not trying to be everything to everyone. That’s both its greatest strength and the main source of online debate.

It’s an excellent fit if:

• You want authentic body‑on‑frame construction and real 4WD capability, but don’t need three rows.
• You prioritize long‑term reliability and durability over cutting‑edge luxury finishes.
• You regularly encounter bad weather, unpaved roads, trails, or tow modest loads—and want hybrid efficiency to help with running costs.
• You appreciate the Land Cruiser heritage and design language but can live without the old V8 and ultra‑plush interior.

It may not be ideal if:

• You need a family hauler with three usable rows on a regular basis.
• You spend 99% of your time on perfect pavement and care more about cabin opulence than trail ability.
• You expect explosive acceleration or European‑style handling from your SUV.
• You’re price‑sensitive and cross‑shopping primarily with unibody crossovers; a Highlander Hybrid or Hyundai Santa Fe is going to feel like a better financial fit.

For many enthusiasts watching this launch unfold, the key takeaway is that Toyota didn’t just slap the Land Cruiser badge on a softer crossover. This is still a serious, off‑road‑capable SUV—just repackaged for a market where efficiency, tech, and price sensitivity matter more than ever.

Conclusion

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser’s return is one of the most consequential SUV launches of the year, and early reviews suggest Toyota largely delivered on its promise: a downsized, more affordable, hybrid‑powered off‑roader that still feels like a Land Cruiser in spirit. It trades some of the old model’s overbuilt luxury for usability, efficiency, and broader appeal, while retaining the off‑road hardware and durability‑first engineering that made the nameplate legendary.

For buyers actively shopping right now, the smart move is to be clear about what you actually need: if you want a rugged two‑row SUV you can keep for a decade or more, the new Land Cruiser deserves a test drive alongside the Wrangler 4xe, Bronco, and Lexus GX. If you’re expecting a rolling luxury suite, you may need to look higher up the price ladder—or accept that this generation is more trail rig than status symbol. Either way, the Land Cruiser is back in the conversation, and for the SUV world in 2025, that alone is a big deal.