For over sixty years, the Toyota Land Cruiser has built a legendary reputation, seamlessly combining on-road comfort with exceptional off-road prowess. This iconic vehicle has become the preferred choice for adventurers and overlanders seeking a reliable 4 wheel drive SUV capable of navigating challenging terrains while carrying both passengers and equipment. The latest generation Land Cruiser, introduced as a completely redesigned model just last year, enhances this legacy by offering improved affordability and fuel efficiency to the esteemed Land Cruiser lineage.
Departing from its predecessor, which was discontinued in 2021 and boasted a fuel-guzzling yet powerful V8 engine, the new Land Cruiser embraces a modern and efficient 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain. This engine delivers a robust 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, paired with a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. 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 venture far off the beaten path. The Land Cruiser’s traditional body-on-frame construction, akin to classic SUVs, features an independent front suspension and a durable solid axle rear suspension. Complementing this setup are smooth-riding coil springs at each wheel, providing a comfortable driving experience on diverse road surfaces and trails. For serious off-road situations, engaging the rear differential lock, shifting into Low Range, and disconnecting the front sway bar transforms the Land Cruiser into an exceptionally adept 4 wheel drive SUV, ready to tackle demanding landscapes.
This new Land Cruiser’s more accessible price point is expected to broaden its appeal, attracting a wider audience seeking a capable off-roading SUV. For those who desire even more luxury, power, and towing capacity while retaining the Land Cruiser’s impressive off-road DNA, the Lexus GX 550 presents a compelling alternative within a similar vehicle category, albeit at a premium price. Both vehicles represent strong options in the realm of 4 wheel drive SUVs, catering to different preferences and budgets.
While the latest Land Cruiser is more compact and lighter than the previous V8 models, it still provides ample space for up to five occupants. However, due to the slightly reduced overall length and the incorporation of the hybrid system’s battery pack, a third row of seats is not available in this generation. Inside, the Land Cruiser offers a refined cabin with soft-touch materials and contemporary technology. The intuitive placement of drivetrain controls around the gear shifter ensures that essential functions are easily accessible to the driver.
The base “1958” model, starting at $57,900, is already well-equipped for off-road adventures, featuring 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, adds further enhancements to both luxury and capability. These upgrades include an electronic sway bar disconnect system for improved off-road articulation, a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen display, and distinctive rectangular LED headlights.
The design of the 2025 Land Cruiser cleverly blends modern engineering with nostalgic styling cues, drawing inspiration from the iconic Land Cruiser FJ60 wagons of the 1980s. This appealing combination of retro aesthetics and contemporary performance positions the Land Cruiser as a strong contender for anyone considering authentically capable 4 wheel drive SUVs such as the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, or Land Rover Defender. Each of these vehicles offers robust 4×4 systems and off-road features, making them worthy rivals in the competitive SUV market.
