The Toyota Land Cruiser, a nameplate synonymous with ruggedness and reliability, has made a triumphant return as a 2025 model. After its debut as a 2024 model with a hybrid powertrain, we decided to take a second, more in-depth look at this full-size SUV to see if the initial impressions still hold true. Is it still love, or has familiarity changed our perspective? Let’s delve into our experiences after spending more time with the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser.
Toyota Land Cruiser second look review
A Legacy Reborn: The 2025 Land Cruiser Overview
The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser is not just a vehicle; it’s a legacy on wheels. Dating back to 1958, the Land Cruiser nameplate carries a rich history of conquering terrains across the globe. This latest iteration, classified as a full-size, four-door, five-passenger SUV, marks a significant step into the future while honoring its robust heritage. Sharing its fundamental engineering with the Tundra and Tacoma pickups, as well as the 4Runner SUV, the 2025 Land Cruiser steps into the modern era equipped with a standard hybrid engine and four-wheel drive.
Performance and Hybrid Powertrain: Balancing Power and Efficiency
Under the hood of the 2025 Land Cruiser lies a 2.4L turbocharged hybrid powertrain, a departure from its previous V8 engines, signaling Toyota’s commitment to blending performance with improved fuel economy. This hybrid system generates a combined 326 horsepower and an impressive 465 pound-feet of torque, ensuring ample power for both on-road and off-road adventures. Mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Land Cruiser delivers smooth acceleration and confident towing capability, rated at 6,000 pounds.
However, this sophisticated powertrain does come with a caveat. To achieve its advertised power and fuel efficiency, the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser requires premium gasoline. While the EPA estimates fuel economy at 22 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, the necessity for premium fuel could potentially increase running costs compared to some competitors that operate on regular gasoline.
Off-Road Prowess: Built for Adventure
The Land Cruiser has always been synonymous with off-road capability, and the 2025 model continues this tradition. During our off-road testing, the hybrid drivetrain demonstrated remarkable competence on challenging unpaved trails and steep inclines. The availability of features like locking rear and center differentials, coupled with a disconnecting front stabilizer bar, further enhances its off-road credentials.
Despite its full-size classification, the 2025 Land Cruiser maintains manageable proportions, making it surprisingly agile on trails and easier to maneuver in tight spaces compared to larger SUVs such as the Chevrolet Tahoe or Ford Expedition. This balance of size and capability positions the Land Cruiser as a versatile choice for those who demand both off-road performance and everyday usability.
On-Road Comfort and Daily Driving: A Refined Experience
Beyond its off-road prowess, the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser excels as a comfortable daily driver. The ride quality remains composed even on uneven pavement, absorbing bumps and imperfections with ease. The passenger compartment is generously spacious and well-appointed, creating a pleasant environment for both driver and passengers.
The interior design thoughtfully integrates physical buttons and dials for essential controls, complemented by a modern 12.3-inch touch screen infotainment system. The inclusion of a virtual assistant adds another layer of convenience, allowing for voice commands and seamless interaction with the vehicle’s features. For audiophiles, an available JBL audio system elevates the in-cabin experience with rich and immersive sound quality.
Interior and Technology: Modern Amenities with Practicality
The cabin of the 2025 Land Cruiser strikes a balance between ruggedness and refinement. While built to withstand demanding conditions, it doesn’t compromise on comfort and technology. The aforementioned 12.3-inch touch screen serves as the central hub for infotainment and vehicle settings, while the physical controls ensure quick and intuitive access to frequently used functions.
However, during our testing, we did encounter an intermittent issue with Apple CarPlay connectivity, which occasionally refused to connect despite initial successful pairing. While this may be an isolated incident, it’s something to be aware of and potentially investigate further.
Pricing and Trim Levels: Options to Suit Various Needs
The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser lineup starts with a base price of $56,700, excluding a $1,395 destination charge. The specific Land Cruiser FE model we tested carried a sticker price of $75,430. While the starting price is competitive for its segment, it’s worth noting that adding options and moving up trim levels can quickly escalate the price.
Toyota offers various Land Cruiser trims, each catering to different preferences and needs, allowing buyers to choose a configuration that aligns with their budget and desired features.
Competitors in the Full-Size SUV Segment
The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser enters a competitive full-size SUV market, facing rivals such as:
- Chevrolet Tahoe
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Ford Expedition
- Nissan Armada
Each of these competitors offers its own set of strengths and features, and the best choice ultimately depends on individual priorities and requirements. The Land Cruiser distinguishes itself with its blend of hybrid efficiency, off-road heritage, and Toyota’s renowned reliability.
Potential Considerations: Size, Price, and 4Runner Overlap
While the 2025 Land Cruiser offers a compelling package, there are a couple of factors potential buyers should consider. Its size, while manageable for a full-size SUV, may still be a concern for those accustomed to smaller vehicles, particularly in urban environments. The price, as mentioned earlier, can climb significantly with added options.
Furthermore, the proximity in size and price to Toyota’s own 4Runner SUV raises a question of potential overlap within Toyota’s SUV lineup. The 2025 4Runner, also newly updated, is slightly longer than the Land Cruiser, leading to some pondering whether Toyota truly needs two SUVs occupying a similar space in the market.
Conclusion: A Compelling Blend of Heritage and Modernity
The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser successfully blends its legendary heritage with modern technology and efficiency. It delivers on its promise of off-road capability while providing a comfortable and refined on-road driving experience. The hybrid powertrain offers a step towards improved fuel economy, although the requirement for premium gasoline is a factor to consider.
Overall, the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser is a delightful full-size SUV that should appeal to those seeking a vehicle that is equally at home on rugged trails and city streets. While the price can increase with options, the Land Cruiser offers a compelling combination of capability, comfort, and the enduring legacy of the Land Cruiser name. It’s a worthy contender in the full-size SUV segment and a vehicle that lives up to the expectations set by its iconic predecessors.
