Overview
After a brief disappearing act that we thought would spell the end for the Land Cruiser on our shores, Toyota’s iconic off-roader returned last year with renewed purpose. Now motivated by a four-cylinder hybrid powertrain good for a combined 326-hp, it shares its bones with the Lexus GX and has been downsized slightly, losing its third row in the process. The LC’s newfound tidiness puts it in line with other legendary trail experts, such as the Ford Bronco and the Jeep Wrangler. The Land Cruiser has been reworked and modernized inside and out, packing the latest Toyota infotainment tech and plenty of driver aids, while retaining a serious four-wheel-drive system and plenty of nods to LC history, including the base model’s round headlights. There’s also a new 4Runner for 2025 that’s slightly smaller than the LC, while the Tundra-based Sequoia occupies the top rung of Toyota’s expansive SUV ladder.
Where This Vehicle Ranks
#4 in Best Mid-Size SUVs
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What’s New for 2025?
Aside from the removal of the First Edition model offered for 2024, there are no changes to the Land Cruiser lineup.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Though the base 1958 model’s classic round headlights are tempting, we think the Land Cruiser trim is the one to go for, as it adds ventilated front seats, a 10-speaker stereo system, a larger 12.3-inch infotainment display, and wider all-terrain tires, among other items.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Given that this is an entirely modernized and smaller generation of the Land Cruiser, Toyota has elected to install a hybrid powertrain in place of a naturally aspirated V-8 engine. A turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder is assisted by two electric motors to make 326 horsepower. If this setup sounds familiar, that’s because it’s similar to the powertrain offered in the Toyota Tacoma. All Land Cruisers come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a four-wheel-drive system featuring a locking center differential, low-range gearing, a crawl-control system, and hill-descent control. In our test drive, we found that the hybrid powertrain provides good torque, but noticed that the boost from the electric motors is inconsistent due to the small battery pack. The Land Cruiser provides a smooth ride on the road and is significantly quieter than vehicles like the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler.
0–60-MPH Times
In our testing, the Land Cruiser First Edition got to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds. That’s significantly slower than the V-6-powered Lexus GX550, which posted a 6.3-second time.
Towing and Payload Capacity
The Land Cruiser’s max tow rating is 6000 pounds when properly equipped. The Bronco maxes out at 3500 pounds, and the standard Wrangler can tow 2000 pounds, although the 4xe is rated for 3500 pounds and the Rubicon and Rubicon X trims are rated for 5000.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The Land Cruiser’s EPA ratings sit at 23 mpg combined, 22 mpg city, and 25 mpg highway. Those numbers are significantly better than what the previous-generation V-8 model offered. In our real-world 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, the Land Cruiser First Edition underperformed, achieving 21 mpg. For more information about the Land Cruiser’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Unlike the previous-generation Land Cruiser, this new one is strictly a two-row, five-seat SUV. Toyota has downsized the Cruiser’s body this time around, putting it into contention with mid-size rivals such as the Ford Bronco and the Jeep Wrangler, rather than full-size SUVs such as the Chevrolet Tahoe and the Ford Expedition. While the base 1958 trim does without many of the other trims’ luxuries, it still offers niceties such as heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a six-speaker stereo. The other trim, simply called Land Cruiser, has a more deluxe cabin that includes ventilated seats, a 10-speaker stereo, and available leather upholstery. In our testing, the Land Cruiser held 17 carry-on suitcases behind the rear seats and 31 cases with the rear seats folded.
Infotainment and Connectivity
All Land Cruisers come with Toyota’s excellent infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the base 1958 trim makes do with a rather dinky 8.0-inch display; the top trim gets a much larger 12.3-inch touchscreen. USB-C charging ports and a wireless smartphone charging pad are standard fare, but you’ll have to pay extra for onboard Wi-Fi or the available 14-speaker JBL stereo system.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Like most of Toyota’s new models, the Land Cruiser is equipped with a generous list of standard driver-assistance features. Bundled together in a suite called Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, you’ll find lane-departure warning, automatic high-beam headlamps, and adaptive cruise control alongside expected systems such as automated emergency braking. For more information about the Land Cruiser’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Toyota provides two years of complimentary scheduled maintenance, a rarity in this class, and its hybrid component warranty is better than average. The coverage in other categories is less impressive but matches industry norms.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Hybrid components are covered for ten years or 150,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for two years or 25,000 miles
