For over six decades, the Toyota Land Cruiser has been renowned for its exceptional blend of on-road comfort and off-road prowess. It has become the go-to vehicle for adventurers and overlanders who require a dependable ride capable of navigating challenging terrains while carrying both passengers and equipment. The latest generation, introduced as a completely redesigned model just last year, enhances the Land Cruiser legacy by offering improved affordability and fuel efficiency to the lineup. Could this new iteration position the Toyota Land Cruiser as a contender for the Best Full Size Hybrid Suv on the market? Let’s delve deeper.
The previous generation Land Cruiser, discontinued in 2021, relied on a powerful but fuel-guzzling V8 engine. In contrast, the 2025 model boasts a new 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain. This innovative engine delivers 326 horsepower and a robust 465 pound-feet of torque, paired with a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. Staying true to its heritage, every Land Cruiser destined for the U.S. market comes equipped with a highly capable 4WD system, ensuring drivers can confidently tackle demanding off-road conditions. The Land Cruiser’s traditional body-on-frame construction, similar to classic SUVs, features an independent front suspension and a durable solid axle rear suspension. Coil springs at each wheel contribute to a comfortable ride on diverse surfaces, from city streets to rugged trails. For serious off-roading, engaging the rear differential lock, shifting into Low Range, and disconnecting the front sway bar transforms the Land Cruiser into an exceptionally skilled off-road machine.
Alt text: 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser conquering desert terrain, showcasing its off-road capabilities.
The more accessible price point of this Land Cruiser generation is expected to broaden its appeal, attracting buyers who value off-road capability alongside modern efficiency. For those seeking a similar off-road foundation but with enhanced luxury, power, and towing capacity, the Lexus GX 550 presents a comparable, albeit more premium, alternative. While the latest Land Cruiser is more compact and lighter than its V8 predecessors, it still provides ample space for five occupants. However, due to the slightly reduced overall length and the inclusion of the hybrid system’s battery pack, a third-row seating option is not available.
Stepping inside, the Land Cruiser welcomes occupants with refined soft-touch materials and contemporary technology. The intuitive placement of drivetrain controls around the gear shifter ensures that essential functions are readily accessible. The base “1958” model, priced starting at $57,900, offers impressive off-road features as standard, including an electronic locking rear differential, Crawl Control (an off-road cruise control system), and an 8-inch touchscreen with integrated camera. Upgrading to the “Land Cruiser” grade, beginning at $63,900, adds further luxury and enhanced off-road technology, such as an electronic sway bar disconnect system for improved articulation, a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, and distinctive rectangular LED headlights.
Alt text: Close-up of the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser’s retro-inspired front grille and rectangular LED headlights, highlighting its design.
While the 2025 Land Cruiser incorporates modern engineering and a hybrid powertrain, its exterior design consciously evokes the iconic Land Cruiser FJ60 wagons of the 1980s. This blend of classic aesthetics and contemporary technology positions it as an appealing option for buyers considering genuinely capable SUVs like the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, or Land Rover Defender. Whether it truly earns the title of best full size hybrid SUV remains to be seen in comparison tests, but its combination of efficiency, capability, and heritage makes a strong case.
