The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of those names that carries real weight.
For decades, it has stood for ruggedness, reliability, and the kind of go-anywhere toughness that most SUVs could only dream about. But when Toyota pulled the Land Cruiser from the U.S. after 2021, a lot of people figured it was the end of an era.
Now, the Land Cruiser is back for 2025 — and it is not exactly what longtime fans might expect.
Smaller, lighter, hybrid-powered, and a lot cheaper, the new 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser is aiming for a broader audience. But does it still feel like a real Land Cruiser? And is it worth all the buzz?
Here’s a full, honest look at everything you should know.
A New Look, A New Mission
First things first — the 2025 Land Cruiser looks different.
It is boxy, retro, and unmistakably rugged, but it is smaller than the old 200 Series Land Cruiser Americans remember. Think more in line with the old-school FJ60 or FJ62 models that hardcore fans love.
The design is clean and purposeful, with strong lines, round headlights on some trims, and flat panels that seem built to take abuse.
Toyota clearly leaned into the “back to basics” idea — no huge chrome grilles, no flashy extras. It looks like a proper off-road truck again.
And while some people might miss the sheer size and luxury of the old model, the 2025 Land Cruiser’s smaller footprint makes it easier to live with every day. It is better for urban streets, easier to park, and lighter for better off-road maneuvering.
Under the Hood: Hybrid Power
One of the biggest changes is what’s under the hood.
Every 2025 Land Cruiser comes with the same powertrain: a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid setup that Toyota calls the i-Force Max. It produces 326 horsepower and a hefty 465 pound-feet of torque.
That’s less horsepower than the old V8s, but a lot more torque — and torque is what really matters when you are climbing rocks, pulling out of sand, or hauling a trailer.
It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case. Locking differentials, crawl control, and multiple terrain modes come standard or available depending on the trim.
Purists might grumble about the missing V8 rumble, but the hybrid system delivers serious punch at low speeds and helps boost fuel economy compared to old models. Toyota says you can expect around 23 miles per gallon combined — a massive improvement over the old Land Cruiser’s thirsty V8.
How It Drives
On the road, the 2025 Land Cruiser feels more refined than you might expect for a vehicle built for serious trails.
The steering is light but accurate. The suspension, built around a rugged ladder frame, soaks up bumps without beating you up. It is not as floaty or soft as a big luxury SUV, but it strikes a nice balance between daily comfort and weekend capability.
Acceleration is solid thanks to the hybrid torque. You can merge onto highways and pass with confidence, even fully loaded with people and gear.
Off-road is where the Land Cruiser still shines. Toyota tested it across some of the toughest terrains, and it shows. Hill descents, rocky climbs, sand trails — the Land Cruiser handles them without drama. Crawl control acts like an off-road cruise control, letting you focus on steering while the car handles throttle and brakes.
If you are planning real off-road adventures, the 2025 Land Cruiser has the hardware to back up its image.
Inside the Cabin
The interior of the 2025 Land Cruiser is simple but smartly done.
It feels tough and ready for dirt and mud but still comfortable enough for long trips. Materials are durable rather than flashy. Rubberized controls, washable floor mats, and easy-to-clean surfaces remind you this is a vehicle meant to be used, not just polished.
The dashboard features Toyota’s latest infotainment system with a twelve-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and plenty of physical buttons for key functions — a refreshing change from screen-heavy rivals.
Space is good up front and in the second row. There is no third-row option, though — this Land Cruiser is strictly a two-row, five-passenger SUV.
Cargo space is generous, and Toyota made sure the load floor stays flat and usable even when the seats are folded.
It is a practical, thoughtful cabin built for adventure without feeling stripped down.
Trim Levels and Features
Toyota offers the 2025 Land Cruiser in three main flavors:
- Land Cruiser 1958:
The most retro-looking version, with round LED headlights, fabric seats, and basic trim. It is aimed at hardcore buyers who want simplicity and a lower price. - Land Cruiser:
The mid-grade model adds more comfort features like heated and ventilated front seats, a larger touchscreen, a premium audio system, and more driver-assist tech. - First Edition:
A fully-loaded limited model with unique colors, off-road upgrades like rock rails and roof racks, and a bit more luxury inside.
All versions come with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking.
Pricing
One of the biggest surprises with the 2025 Land Cruiser is the price.
The base Land Cruiser 1958 model starts around $57,000. Higher trims push into the $65,000+ range.
That’s still expensive, but compared to the outgoing Land Cruiser that cost over $85,000 when it left the U.S. market, it feels almost reasonable.
It also undercuts luxury-branded off-roaders like the Land Rover Defender and Mercedes G-Class by a huge margin.
For what you get — a true off-roader with Toyota reliability — it is a strong value in today’s market.
How It Compares to Rivals
There is no shortage of off-road-capable SUVs these days, but the 2025 Land Cruiser carves out a nice spot.
Compared to a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, the Land Cruiser is less extreme and more comfortable day-to-day. It can still tackle trails, but it is easier to live with during the week.
Compared to a Land Rover Defender, the Land Cruiser trades some luxury and style points for simpler, sturdier reliability — and a lower price.
And compared to Toyota’s own 4Runner, the new Land Cruiser feels more modern, more powerful, and a step above in daily refinement.
It is not the right SUV if you just want to look rugged without ever leaving pavement. But if you plan to actually use your SUV the way it was meant to be used, the 2025 Land Cruiser stands out.
Is the 2025 Land Cruiser Worth It?
If you loved the old Land Cruiser because it was a giant luxury tank, the 2025 version might not feel the same.
But if you loved the idea of a reliable, capable, simple off-roader that could survive anything, the new Land Cruiser nails it.
It is tough, practical, and thoughtfully built. The hybrid powertrain feels strong, the cabin is comfortable enough for long trips, and it still has the kind of bulletproof reputation that made the Land Cruiser a legend in the first place.
Plus, the pricing — while not cheap — makes it much more accessible than before.
If you are serious about off-roading, long-term reliability, and real-world usability, the 2025 Land Cruiser is absolutely worth considering.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser is not trying to be everything to everyone. It is built for people who need a real SUV — not a fashion statement.
It may not have a roaring V8 anymore, and it may not coddle you like a luxury barge. But it is built to take you to the ends of the earth and back, day after day, without complaint.
That is what made the Land Cruiser great in the first place. And the 2025 version proves that spirit is still very much alive.
If you are ready to trade some flash for real capability, the new Land Cruiser is more than worth the hype.
