Let’s get one thing straight: the king is back. But he’s not the same king that abdicated the American market a few years ago. The old Land Cruiser was a $90,000 V8-powered behemoth, a luxury icon wrapped in a flannel shirt. The new Toyota Land Cruiser (which we’re seeing as the 2025 model, though some may speculate about a “2026” version) is something else entirely. It’s a leaner, smarter, and angrier legend.
Toyota’s “launch” of this new model is a direct answer to a question the market has been screaming: “Can we have a real Land Cruiser again?” Not just a luxury barge, but the unbreakable, iconic 4×4 that earned its reputation across the Serengeti and the Outback.
The user-generated hype about a “7-Star Luxury Ride” is understandable—that’s the reputation the 200-Series built. But let’s be clear: this new 250-Series Land Cruiser isn’t about 7-star luxury. It’s about 7-star capability. As an expert who’s tracked this platform’s evolution, this is the most significant strategic pivot Toyota has made in decades. They’ve taken the luxury mission and handed it to its twin, the Lexus GX 550, freeing the Land Cruiser to get back to its rugged, dirty roots.
A Masterclass in “Iconic Design”
The first thing you notice is the look. It’s brilliant. Toyota’s designers have dug deep into the archives, pulling heavy inspiration from the 60 and 70-Series Land Cruisers. The result is a perfectly proportioned, boxy, and aggressive stance. It’s a design that has purpose.
You get two distinct flavors:
- The “1958” Model: This base trim is the true retro hero. It features iconic, round LED headlights and a simpler “TOYOTA” heritage grille. It’s a direct nod to the past that, in my opinion, is the best-looking of the bunch.
- The “Land Cruiser” Trim: The volume model gets a different personality. It swaps the round lights for slim, rectangular LED quad-headlights, reminiscent of the 80-Series and the new Lexus GX.
This design isn’t just for show. The squared-off corners and short overhangs are functional, providing an impressive 31-degree approach angle for serious off-roading. It’s a rare instance where the engineering team and the design studio were in perfect agreement.
The 4×4 Powertrain: A 4-Cylinder Hybrid?!
Here’s the most controversial—and, in my expert opinion, most impressive—part of the new Land Cruiser: the engine. The gas-guzzling 5.7L V8 is gone. In its place is a 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder turbocharged engine.
Before the purists riot, let’s look at the full name: i-FORCE MAX. This isn’t just a 4-banger; it’s a potent hybrid system. An electric motor is sandwiched between the engine and the 8-speed automatic transmission, resulting in a system total that blows the old V8 out of the water.
Key Specifications:
- Engine: 2.4L Turbo 4-Cylinder Hybrid (i-FORCE MAX)
- Horsepower: 326 hp
- Torque: 465 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed Automatic
- Drivetrain: Full-time 4-Wheel Drive
Let’s focus on that torque number. 465 lb-ft. That is a massive figure, and thanks to the hybrid motor, it’s available almost instantly. The old V8? It only mustered 401 lb-ft and you had to rev the engine hard to get it. This new hybrid setup is a modern off-road weapon. It provides the low-end grunt you need for rock crawling, delivered with a precision the V8 could only dream of.
And the best part? Toyota is projecting a combined fuel economy of 27 mpg. The old one? It got 14 mpg on a good day. This is a monumental leap.
Performance: The 4×4 Heart vs. The “Luxury Ride”
This is a body-on-frame SUV, built on the new and incredibly rigid TNGA-F global platform. This is the same skeleton under the Tundra, Sequoia, and the new Lexus GX and Tacoma. This is a very, very good thing.
Off-Road Prowess
This is where the Land Cruiser shines. It’s not an “all-wheel-drive crossover” with a tough-looking bumper. It is a purpose-built 4×4.
- Full-Time 4WD: Standard on all models, with a 2-speed transfer case (high and low range).
- Locking Differentials: It features a standard center-locking differential and a standard electronic rear-locking differential. This is non-negotiable for true off-road traction, and Toyota didn’t skimp.
- CRAWL Control: Toyota’s off-road cruise control. Set a speed (1-3 mph) and the truck manages the throttle and brakes; you just steer.
- Multi-Terrain Select (MTS): This system, now functional in 4-High and 4-Low, optimizes the vehicle’s traction for different surfaces like Mud, Sand, and Rock.
- New Front Stabilizer Bar Disconnect: On the “Land Cruiser” trim, you can disconnect the front sway bar with the push of a button. This dramatically increases front-wheel articulation, allowing the tires to stay on the ground over uneven obstacles.
The “7-Star Luxury” Reality Check
So, does it have a “7-star luxury ride?” In a word: no. And that’s a feature, not a bug.
This Land Cruiser is designed for capability, which means it has a solid rear axle and off-road-tuned suspension. The ride is firm, composed, and rugged. You will feel connected to the road in a way you simply don’t in a unibody crossover like a Highlander.
If you want the 7-star, cloud-like, whisper-quiet experience, Toyota has an answer for you: the Lexus GX 550. Built on the same platform, the Lexus is the luxury-focused twin. It gets a twin-turbo V6, an available 3rd row, and an air suspension option.
Toyota has brilliantly split the family. The Land Cruiser is for the adventure; the Lexus is for the luxury.
Inside the Cabin: 12.3-Inch Tech Meets Rugged Function
The interior perfectly matches the exterior’s philosophy: function-first, with a heavy dose of modern tech.
- The “1958” Base Model: This is the purist’s choice. It features manual-adjusting cloth seats and a smaller 8-inch infotainment screen. It’s durable, simple, and refreshingly honest.
- The “Land Cruiser” Trim: This is the “tech-forward” model most buyers will choose. It upgrades you to heated and ventilated SofTex (synthetic leather) seats and the beautiful 12.3-inch horizontal touchscreen infotainment system.
This 12.3-inch screen runs Toyota’s latest Audio Multimedia system. It’s a huge improvement, with crisp graphics, fast responses, and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
But what I, as an expert, appreciate most are the buttons. Toyota’s designers understood this vehicle’s mission. The climate controls, 4WD selector, differential lock, and drive mode switches are all large, chunky, physical buttons. This is critical for usability. You can operate them with gloves on, or by feel, without taking your eyes off the trail. This is a major win for real-world use.
The one major departure from the old 200-Series? This new Land Cruiser is a 5-seater only. The 3rd row is gone. This was a deliberate choice to maximize cargo space and prioritize the vehicle’s off-road packaging.
Pros vs. Cons: The Expert’s Scorecard
No vehicle is perfect. Here’s my honest breakdown.
Pros:
- Massive, Instant Torque: The 465 lb-ft from the hybrid system is a game-changer.
- Fuel Efficiency: A projected 27 mpg is nearly double the old V8.
- Iconic Design: It’s one of the best-looking 4x4s on the market, period.
- Standard 4×4 Tech: Locking center and rear diffs are standard. That’s serious hardware.
- Lower Price Point: Starting in the mid-$50,000 range, it’s tens of thousands cheaper than the old model, putting it in direct competition with the Ford Bronco and Land Rover Defender.
Cons:
- No 3rd Row: This will be a deal-breaker for many families who used the old 200-Series as a do-it-all hauler.
- No V8 “Rumble”: The 4-cylinder is powerful, but it lacks the sound and character of the old V8. It’s an emotional loss for some.
- Towing Capacity: Towing is capped at 6,000 lbs. The old V8 could pull over 8,000 lbs.
- “Rugged” Ride: Again, it’s not a luxury crossover. Buyers expecting a Lexus-like ride will be disappointed.
The Verdict: Who is This Land Cruiser For?
For decades, the Land Cruiser tried to be two things at once: an unkillable off-road tool and a $90,000 luxury status symbol. It was a contradiction.
This new 2025 Land Cruiser is no longer conflicted. It has a clear and singular purpose: to be the most reliable, capable, and desirable 5-seat adventure vehicle on the planet.
It cedes the “7-star luxury” crown to its Lexus GX twin and instead re-claims its own: the crown of the adventurer.
It’s a direct competitor to the Land Rover Defender 110, the 4-door Ford Bronco, and the Jeep Wrangler 4-door. Against those, it brings Toyota’s trump card: legendary reliability and build quality.
My Personal Recommendation: If you are looking for a 7-seat family SUV to cruise the mall, buy a Toyota Grand Highlander. If you want a 7-seat luxury 4×4, buy the Lexus GX 550.
But if you are one of the thousands of people who want a 4×4 that looks incredible, is packed with smart technology, will last for 300,000 miles, and will never let you down on a remote trail… the legend is well and truly back.