New 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser

We’re pumped about the latest iteration of the Land Cruiser, and here are seven reasons why you should add it to your wishlist this year.

Toyota’s legendary off-roader is back for 2025, and there’s a lot to unpack here. The Land Cruiser lineup has evolved significantly, particularly with the introduction of the all-new '250' series in Japan, which restores its basic roots while enhancing off-road performance and integrating new technology features. 

The Land Cruiser has been conquering trails and turning heads since 1958, and this latest version might just be the most interesting one yet.

Why? Because Toyota decided to shake things up in a big way – giving us a Land Cruiser that’s more accessible to everyday adventurers while keeping the serious off-road capability we’ve come to expect from this trail-tested badge.

Whether you’re a longtime Land Cruiser fan or just getting into the overlanding scene, this isn’t your grandfather’s Land Cruiser anymore. Toyota’s given it a hybrid heart, some serious trail tech, and a price tag that might actually let you have money left over for modifications (we’re looking at you, bigger tires).

But before you make any judgments about this new direction, let’s dive into the seven things you absolutely need to know about the 2025 Land Cruiser.

At a Glance: 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser

Before we hit the details, here’s your quick rundown of what Toyota’s bringing to the table with the new Land Cruiser. They’ve managed to pack a lot into this new generation while keeping the starting price at $56,450 - quite a bit less than the previous model.

• Powertrain: i-FORCE MAX hybrid system (2.4L turbo + electric motor) with an eight-speed automatic transmission, pushing 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque

• Drivetrain: Full-time 4WD with center and rear locking differentials (standard)

• Fuel Economy: 23 mpg combined (a major improvement over the previous V8)

• Towing Capacity: 6,000 pounds

• Off-Road Tech: CRAWL Control, Multi-Terrain Select, Downhill Assist Control

• Available Trims: Two choices - 1958 and Land Cruiser grades

• Notable Features: Standard wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, up to 12.3-inch touchscreen, available front stabilizer disconnect

• Colors: Seven options, including two-tone Heritage Blue and Trail Dust with Grayscape roofs

1. A New Heart in the Beast

Let’s address the elephant in the room - Toyota ditched the V8 for a hybrid powertrain. The new i-FORCE MAX hybrid system pairs a turbo 2.4-liter engine with an electric motor, and the numbers tell an interesting story.

You’re getting 326 horsepower and, more importantly for the trails, a whopping 465 lb-ft of torque. That’s actually more torque than the old V8, and it hits way sooner at just 1,700 RPM (compared to the V8’s 3,600 RPM peak).

What does this mean on the trail? Instant torque when needed. The electric motor sits right in the bell housing between the engine and the eight-speed automatic transmission, which means power delivery is smooth and immediate.

And while fuel economy might not be your top priority when building a trail rig, getting 23 mpg combined means more range between fill-ups when you’re out in the backcountry.

The trade-off? Some reviewers note the engine sound is more “industrial” than the smooth burble of the old V8, and acceleration isn’t breaking any speed records at 8.2 seconds to 60 mph. But remember, this is a Land Cruiser - it’s built for conquering trails, not drag strips.

2. Serious Off-Road Hardware Comes Standard

Here’s where Toyota proves they haven’t gone soft with the new Land Cruiser. Every model comes with full-time four-wheel drive and both center AND rear locking differentials straight from the factory.

The new Land Cruiser's off-road performance is exceptional, thanks to its advanced powertrains and robust GA-F platform, ensuring it can handle rugged terrains with ease.

Best of all, this isn’t an “option package” - that’s standard equipment. The electronic locking rear differential splits power 50/50 to the rear wheels, giving you maximum traction when things get sketchy.

For the technical trail sections, you’ve got CRAWL Control with five selectable speeds (think off-road cruise control), Multi-Terrain Select with specific modes for Mud, Dirt, and Sand, and Downhill Assist Control to keep your descent speeds in check.

The available front stabilizer bar disconnect mechanism (SDM) is a game-changer for articulation - push a button, and you get significantly more flex to keep your tires in contact with terra firma.

The available Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM) system uses cameras to show you what’s lurking around your rig, which is especially handy when you’re picking your line through a technical section.

All this sits on Toyota’s TNGA-F platform - the same bones used in the Tundra and Tacoma - with a high-strength boxed frame that’s been laser-welded for optimal rigidity where you need it and weight savings where you don’t.

3. Two Trims, Zero Confusion

Toyota kept things refreshingly simple with the 2025 Land Cruiser’s lineup. Forget wading through endless option packages - you’ve got two choices: the heritage-inspired 1958 grade (starting at $56,450) and the more premium Land Cruiser grade.

The Land Cruiser models offer a range of options that cater to both off-road enthusiasts and those seeking reliable daily use.

1958 Grade 

The 1958, named after the year the Land Cruiser first hit American shores, isn’t some stripped-down base model either. You get those round LED headlamps that scream “classic Land Cruiser,” the iconic “TOYOTA” heritage grille, and heated fabric seats that you won’t feel bad about getting muddy. It also includes a heated steering wheel, adding to the comfort and convenience of this trim.

Land Cruiser Grade

Moving up to the Land Cruiser grade brings more premium touches like rectangular LED headlights (think 60-series Land Cruiser vibes), power-heated and ventilated SofTex seats, and upgraded tech including a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. The steering wheel is also a highlight, featuring heating and user-friendly switchgear integration for enhanced driving comfort.

The real trail-ready bonus here? You get Rigid® color-selectable LED fog lights and that sweet front stabilizer disconnect system we mentioned earlier. A Premium Package is also available that adds leather seats, a 14-speaker JBL audio system, and a center console cooler for trail refreshments.

4. The Interior’s Ready for Both Trails and Town

Here’s where the new Land Cruiser shows its evolution. The cabin is still built to take a beating, but now it’s nice enough that you won’t mind driving it to dinner after a day on the trails. The view is excellent all around - crucial for technical off-roading - and plenty of headroom for those wearing helmets during rock crawling sessions.

With seating for five (Toyota dropped the third row this time around), you’ve got serious cargo space - 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row, to be exact. The base trim includes modern amenities like a heated steering wheel for added comfort and convenience.

Power outlets are everywhere, including a serious 2400-watt AC inverter in the cargo area that can power your base camp. Toyota Safety Sense is also included, enhancing vehicle safety with lane-departure warning, automated emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.

And while we know touchscreens aren’t usually a selling point for hardcore off-roaders, the available 12.3-inch display is useful, especially when paired with the Multi-Terrain Monitor system for spotting obstacles.

5. A Design That Respects Its Roots

If there’s one thing Toyota nailed with the 2025 Land Cruiser, it’s the looks. They went back to the well for inspiration, and it shows.

The Land Cruiser's electronically locking differentials, full-time 4WD system, hybrid powertrain, and stabilization mechanisms enhance off-road performance, traction, and overall driving experience.

The boxy profile isn’t just for show - those short overhangs and upright stance mean business on the trail. The 1958 grade rocks those round LED headlamps that’ll make any Land Cruiser purist smile, while both models keep the squared-off wheel arches and high ground clearance that made the original a legend in the first place.

For 2025, they’ve added a new monotone Heritage Blue option to the color lineup alongside the existing two-tone versions (Heritage Blue and Trail Dust with Grayscape roofs).

The rest of your color choices include Ice Cap, Underground Black, Wind Chill Pearl, and Meteor Shower. And while the 18-inch wheels might seem modest by today’s standards, they leave plenty of sidewall for the kind of tire upgrading we know you’re already thinking about.

6. Trail Tech That Actually Makes Sense

The Multi-Terrain Select system isn’t just marketing - it offers legit adjustable settings for different surfaces like Mud, Dirt, and Sand, working in both 4WD High and Low ranges. The Automatic Limited-Slip Differential (Auto LSD) kicks in when you need it, and standard Downhill Assist Control keeps things steady on the steep stuff.

The Land Cruiser drive during the Toyotathon event showcased its impressive on-road handling, power performance, and fuel efficiency, making it a standout compared to previous models.

Even the drive modes are trail-smart. CRAWL Control, which basically works like off-road cruise control, gives you five speeds to choose from - perfect for focusing on your line instead of your feet.

The available Multi-Terrain Monitor system uses cameras to show you what’s around and under your rig, which is super helpful when you’re spotting your own line through rock gardens.

And all this tech is integrated in a way that assists rather than interferes with your driving - it’s there when you need it, invisible when you don’t.

7. A Step Ahead for Toyota’s Trademark Cruiser?

After spending all this time breaking down the 2025 Land Cruiser, here’s the truth you’re probably wondering about: Yes, this is a very different Land Cruiser than what came before.

One of the standout trims is simply called Land Cruiser, which features ventilated seats and a premium stereo system, setting it apart from the base variant.

The hybrid powertrain, lower price point, and simplified lineup might seem like Toyota’s gone soft. But here’s the thing - they’ve actually made the Land Cruiser more accessible while keeping the core of what makes it a trail legend.

Look at what matters: standard front and rear locking differentials, full-time 4WD, serious trail control systems, and that overbuilt TNGA-F platform. The torque numbers don’t lie, and the improved fuel economy means more range in the backcountry.

Starting at $56,450, you’re getting a legitimate off-road machine that doesn’t require a second mortgage. Sure, it’s not the same as the $85,000+ Land Cruiser of yesteryear, but maybe that’s not a bad thing.

Whether you’re a longtime Land Cruiser fan or just getting into the overlanding scene, this new generation deserves your attention. It might not be your grandfather’s Land Cruiser, but it’s ready to write its own chapter.

Our Verdict? A New Chapter in the Land Cruiser Legacy

The 2025 Land Cruiser proves Toyota hasn’t forgotten what makes their off-road vehicles special. While it may be different from its predecessors, it joins the already impressive lineup of Toyota’s trail-ready family alongside the 4Runner, Tacoma, and Tundra. When comparing it to other Toyota models, the Toyota Tundra stands out with its hybrid powertrain and competitive pricing across various model years.

It’s a perfect ride for you if you…

You Want Modern Tech Without Sacrificing Capability 

The Land Cruiser delivers serious off-road hardware (those standard locking differentials don’t lie) while wrapping it in a package that’s comfortable and tech-savvy enough for daily use. If you’ve been eyeing something like a 4Runner but want more refined on-road manners, this hits the sweet spot.

When comparing off-road vehicles, the Jeep Wrangler stands out for its rugged capabilities, often being pitted against models like the Toyota Land Cruiser and Ford Bronco.

You're Looking to Get Into Overlanding 

With its 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space, excellent fuel range, and built-in 2400-watt power inverter, the Land Cruiser makes an ideal platform for overlanding adventures. 

The hybrid powertrain means fewer fuel stops on long expeditions, and the proven Toyota reliability means you can venture far off the beaten path with confidence.

You Appreciate Heritage But Need Modern Practicality 

The 1958 grade especially nails this balance - giving you those classic Land Cruiser design cues while delivering modern safety features, fuel economy, and comfort. If you've always wanted a Land Cruiser but couldn't justify the previous generation's luxury price tag, this new version makes the dream much more attainable.

Maybe Look Elsewhere If... You Need Maximum Towing Capacity 

With a 6,000-pound towing capacity, the Land Cruiser is capable but not class-leading. If you're regularly towing heavy loads, the Tundra or Sequoia might be better options in Toyota's lineup.

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