2025 Toyota Land Cruiser

Performance  

The Land Cruiser returns as another full hybrid model line by Toyota. Under the hood is the I-FORCE MAX found in the higher grades of the Tacoma and 4Runner. It combines a turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-4 with a 48-horsepower electric motor fed from energy stored in a 1.87-kWh nickel–metal hydride battery. The total system output is 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. Like the 4Runner and Tacoma, the hybrid system is paired to an 8-speed transmission before sending power to all four wheels, as all Land Cruisers have a 4×4 drivetrain, including a 2-speed transfer case. Its maximum towing capacity is 6,000 pounds, and the model has an EPA-estimated 23 MPG combined rating, a higher combined MPG rating than any previous Land Cruiser.

The model is built to keep its go-anywhere reputation intact. Thus, it includes center and rear locking differentials to ensure 50/50 power distribution front and rear and then 50/50 among the rear tires. The system consists of Crawl Control and Downhill Assist Control, which act as a form of low-speed, off-road cruise control. On the upper two grades, the Multi-Terrain system can adjust throttle, transmission, and traction control logic for Dirt, Sand, Mud Rock, and Deep Snow drive modes, all of which work for 4WD-High and 4WD-Low.

The front suspension consists of double wishbones and a stabilizer bar that can be electronically disconnected on all but the base model to increase wheel articulation off-road. The rear features a five-link, coil springs, and a semi-floating solid axle. The model line includes 2WD, part-time 4WD, and full-time 4WD. 2WD models are equipped with an automatic limited-slip differential (Auto LSD).

Exterior

Mechanically, the Land Cruiser is close to the 4X4 i-FORCE MAX-powered 4Runner and shares the same wheelbase. Visually, it couldn’t appear more different. Where the 4Runner is full of creases and bulges, the Land Cruiser is boxy and smooth like its predecessors. The flat roof of the Land Cruiser is half a foot taller than the 4-Runner, and the belt line is lower, enabling good visibility for everyone. Overhangs are short, particularly in the front, which allows a 31-degree approach angle with a 17-degree angle at the rear.

There are two distinct faces in the model line. The base model is called the “1958,” reflecting its first entry to the US. As such, it is fitted with round LED headlights as an homage to the first and subsequent early models. The next grade, simply called “Land Cruiser,” reverts to rectangular headlights, which also reflect previous Land Cruiser models.

Interior

The new Land Cruiser is strictly a two-row SUV with seating for five. While the 4Runner shares its dash with the Tacoma, the Land Cruiser sports its own design. Screen housings and other dash sections have a beveled rectangular design that reflects the exterior. Seating surfaces are cloth, SofTex®, and leather for the 1958 Land. All models have heated front seats with ventilation added past the 1958 grade.

A complete set of physical controls for the standard tri-zone automatic climate system is below the touch screen, while drivetrain controls are on the center console. Ambient lighting and six USB ports can be found throughout the cabin.

Technology

On the 1958 grade, the driver has a 7-inch digital gauge cluster and an 8-inch center touch screen. One step up brings a 12.3-inch driver information display and a 12.3-inch center touchscreen. Wireless compatibility for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard across the model line, as is SiriusXM compatibility and Bluetooth streaming for phone and audio. The 1958 has a 6-speaker audio system, growing to 10 speakers on the Land Cruiser grade, with a 14-speaker JBL Premium audio system available.

Safety and Driver Assistance

All Land Cruisers come standard with the latest version of the Toyota Safety Sense, TSS 3.0. This suite of safety and driver assistance technologies includes:  

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection  

• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist  

• Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control  

• Lane Tracing Assist  

• Road Sign Assist  

• Automatic High Beams  

• Proactive Driving Assist (PDA)

The PDA system helps detect pedestrians and cyclists at intersections and provides braking if necessary. The system can also provide gentle braking in curves when the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control is being used. Also available is a blind spot monitoring system to help detect vehicles behind you in adjacent lanes and a Rear Cross-Traffic alert, which can warn of approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking space.