For over six decades, the Toyota Land Cruiser has carved a legendary path, seamlessly merging on-road comfort with unparalleled off-road prowess. Globally recognized as the go-to vehicle for adventurers and overlanders, the Land Cruiser is the trusted companion for navigating the most challenging terrains while carrying both passengers and essential gear. The latest generation marks a significant evolution, injecting a fresh dose of affordability and enhanced efficiency into the esteemed Land Cruiser lineage, making it an even more compelling choice in the realm of 4×4 SUVs.
The outgoing generation Land Cruiser, retired in 2021, boasted a powerful yet fuel-guzzling V8 engine. In contrast, the 2025 model embraces a modern, efficient 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain. This intelligent system generates a robust 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, channeled through a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. Staying true to its heritage as a formidable 4×4 SUV, every Land Cruiser destined for American roads is equipped with a highly capable four-wheel-drive system, ready to confidently conquer demanding landscapes. The Land Cruiser’s robust body-on-frame construction, a hallmark of traditional 4×4 SUVs, features an independent front suspension for refined handling and a durable solid axle rear suspension built to withstand punishing conditions. Each corner is fitted with smooth-riding coil springs, ensuring a comfortable experience whether cruising city streets or tackling rugged trails. For extreme off-road scenarios, engaging the rear differential lock, shifting into Low Range, and disconnecting the front sway bar transforms this 4×4 SUV into an exceptionally skilled off-road machine.
Alt text: Toyota Land Cruiser 4×4 SUV expertly maneuvering over large rocks and uneven terrain showcasing its off-road capabilities.
This strategic move towards a more accessible price point broadens the Land Cruiser’s appeal, attracting a wider audience eager to tap into its legendary off-roading capabilities. For those seeking to amplify the Land Cruiser’s inherent off-road DNA with heightened levels of luxury, increased power, and enhanced towing capacity, the Lexus GX 550 presents a similar yet more premium package, albeit at a higher price point within the 4×4 SUV segment.
While the new Land Cruiser represents a reduction in size and weight compared to its V8 predecessors, interior space remains generous, comfortably accommodating five adults. The slightly shorter wheelbase and the integration of the hybrid system’s battery pack do, however, mean the elimination of the third-row seating option, focusing the vehicle squarely on five-passenger 4×4 SUV configuration.
The interior of this modern Toyota is a blend of durable functionality and contemporary comfort, featuring soft-touch materials and seamlessly integrated technology. Drivetrain controls are intuitively positioned around the gear shifter, placing essential functions conveniently at the driver’s fingertips. The base “1958” model, starting at $57,900, is surprisingly well-equipped for off-road adventures, boasting a standard electronic locking rear differential, Crawl Control (an off-road cruise control system), and an 8-inch touchscreen with a rearview camera. Stepping up to the “Land Cruiser” grade, priced from $63,900, further enhances both luxury and capability, adding an electronic sway bar disconnect system for superior off-road articulation, a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, and distinctive rectangular LED headlights, solidifying its position as a top-tier 4×4 SUV.
Alt text: Interior view of the Toyota Land Cruiser 4×4 SUV highlighting the spacious cabin, modern touchscreen display, and user-friendly control layout.
The 2025 Land Cruiser, while embracing modern engineering, pays homage to its heritage with an exterior design that evokes the iconic Land Cruiser FJ60 wagons of the 1980s. This blend of retro-inspired aesthetics and contemporary technology is poised to capture the attention of buyers considering authentically capable 4×4 SUVs such as the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, or Land Rover Defender. The new Land Cruiser effectively bridges its celebrated past with a forward-thinking approach, re-establishing itself as a dominant force in the competitive 4×4 SUV landscape.
