For years, American buyers begged Toyota to bring the Land Cruiser back and now, it’s finally happening.
The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser isn’t just a return. It’s a total reimagining of one of the most iconic off-road SUVs in the world.
Smaller, lighter, cheaper, and more rugged, the new Land Cruiser is built to be used, not just admired. It’s ready for trails, road trips, and real life without losing the toughness and simplicity that made the name legendary.
After getting a first drive, here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 Land Cruiser and why it might be the best one yet.
New Look: Retro, Rugged, and Ready
One look at the 2025 Land Cruiser, and you know exactly what Toyota was aiming for.
It’s boxy, upright, and perfectly proportioned to classic models like the FJ62 and the early 80 Series.
Squared-off fenders, flat sides, simple bumpers, and round LED headlights (on the 1958 trim) all scream “classic Land Cruiser” without feeling like a costume.
Higher trims like the First Edition and Land Cruiser grade swap the round lights for modern rectangular units, giving the truck a slightly sharper, more aggressive look.
Either way, it’s honest and tough. No fake vents, no unnecessary chrome, no silly gimmicks.
This Land Cruiser looks like it belongs deep in the wilderness, even if you’re just running to the grocery store.
Performance: Smaller Size, Big Capability
Under the hood, the 2025 Land Cruiser brings a major change.
Gone is the old V8. In its place is a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid paired with an eight-speed automatic.
Combined, the setup delivers 326 horsepower and a strong 465 lb-ft of torque more torque than the old V8.
Power feels strong and immediate. The hybrid system smooths out acceleration beautifully, and the turbo-four has more than enough grunt for climbing hills, passing traffic, and towing.
Toyota’s new hybrid system also improves fuel economy dramatically compared to old Land Cruisers. Expect around 23–24 mpg combined, making the new Land Cruiser far easier to live with day-to-day.
And of course, it’s still built for real off-road work. Full-time four-wheel drive, a two-speed transfer case, locking center and rear differentials, and a sturdy body-on-frame platform ensure the Land Cruiser isn’t just a poser.
This isn’t an SUV pretending to be rugged. It’s ready to work.
Driving Feel: Balanced On and Off the Road
The old Land Cruisers were incredible off-road — but on pavement, they could feel big, heavy, and a little disconnected.
The 2025 model fixes that without losing its soul.
On pavement, the Land Cruiser feels composed and comfortable. Steering is direct, the ride is firm but never harsh, and body control is excellent for a body-on-frame SUV.
It’s easy to drive around town, smooth on the highway, and much more maneuverable than before thanks to its smaller footprint.
Off-road, it’s exactly what you hope for.
On our first drive, the Land Cruiser crawled over rocks, sloshed through deep mud, and climbed steep hills without breaking a sweat.
Thanks to standard Crawl Control (a sort of off-road cruise control), Multi-Terrain Select modes, and real hardware like locking differentials, the Land Cruiser makes even tricky trails feel surprisingly easy.
You still need to pay attention and pick your lines carefully, but the truck helps out without taking away the sense of adventure.
Interior: Tough, Comfortable, and Smart
Step inside the 2025 Land Cruiser, and you’ll find a cabin that’s simple, functional, but still comfortable enough for everyday life.
The dashboard is clean and upright, with big, easy-to-use knobs and buttons designed for use with gloves.
Materials are rugged where they need to be, but soft-touch where you want them — the perfect balance for an adventure-ready SUV.
Seats are wide, supportive, and available with heating and ventilation. In higher trims, leather surfaces and extra sound insulation make the cabin feel more premium without getting fancy.
There’s no third row. The 2025 Land Cruiser is strictly a five-seater, but that means a spacious second row and a huge cargo area perfect for gear, pets, or camping supplies.
Tech is handled by a 12.3-inch touchscreen (8 inches on the base 1958 model), running Toyota’s latest software with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
A full digital gauge cluster, multiple USB-C ports, a premium JBL sound system (on upper trims), and a head-up display round out the available tech features.
Everything you need. Nothing you don’t.
Real-World Usability: Built for Everyday Adventures
The Land Cruiser’s size might be its biggest advantage.
At about 193 inches long, it’s much shorter than full-size SUVs like the Chevy Tahoe or Ford Expedition.
That makes it easy to park, easy to maneuver in city traffic, and easy to live with day-to-day.
Cargo space is excellent. With the rear seats up, there’s plenty of room for groceries, strollers, or luggage. Fold the seats down, and you’ve got a cavernous area big enough for camping gear, bikes, or anything else you need.
Towing capacity is a healthy 6,000 pounds perfect for small trailers, boats, or campers.
Whether you’re commuting, road tripping, or heading to the mountains for a weekend getaway, the 2025 Land Cruiser fits into real life without feeling like you’re making sacrifices.
Price and Trims
Toyota kept the 2025 Land Cruiser lineup simple but smart.
- Land Cruiser 1958: Starts around $57,000. Round headlights, cloth seats, smaller touchscreen, but still fully off-road capable.
- Land Cruiser: Starts around $63,000. Rectangular headlights, bigger touchscreen, leatherette seats, more tech and comfort features.
- First Edition: Starts around $74,000. Limited-run model with special badging, extra off-road gear, and premium interior touches.
All models come standard with full-time four-wheel drive, a locking rear differential, and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 driver assistance systems.
Compared to the old Land Cruiser, which often pushed past $90,000, the 2025 version feels like a bargain without giving up what matters.
Final Verdict: The Land Cruiser Is Back and Better Than Ever
The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser is exactly what it needed to be.
It’s smaller, lighter, more affordable, and more efficient but just as rugged, capable, and trustworthy as ever.
It’s an SUV you can drive every day without feeling punished. It’s an SUV you can take across the country, across the mountains, or across town without worrying.
And most importantly, it feels like a Land Cruiser.
It doesn’t try to be a luxury car. It doesn’t chase trends. It sticks to what made the name great: simplicity, durability, and go anywhere ability.
Personally, I love what Toyota has done here.
The 2025 Land Cruiser proves that you don’t have to sacrifice character to move forward. You just have to stay true to what matters.
And in a world full of soft, boring SUVs, that’s exactly the kind of legend we need.
