Toyota Land Cruiser is reborn for 2025 as rugged midsize SUV

Published 6:00 am Monday, October 28, 2024

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser is déjà vu all over again.

When it was first sold in America in the early 1960s, the simple and rugged LC competed against three similar vehicles that were not yet called Sport Utility Vehicles – the civilian version of the Jeep (known as the CJ), the first-generation Ford Bronco, and the International Harvester Scout. Although International Harvester is out of business, the completely redesigned 2025 LC is now competing against the current Jeep Wrangler that is the direct descendent of the CJ and the revived retro-styled Ford Bronco.

Remarkably, despite all the changes in the automotive world over the past six decades, the LC, Wrangler and Bronco are still among the most factory-ready off-road capable SUVs on the market today. All three are traditional, body on frame designs, not crossover that are designed like cars. That makes them stronger for serious off-road driving. They also come with four-wheel-drive systems, which provide better traction when the going gets tough than all-wheel-drive.

But as recently as 2021, it looked like the new LC wouldn’t even be available in this country. Toyota ended domestic sales in 2022 after the model had grown over the years into an expensive full-size, three-row luxury SUV that cost far more than the company’s own equally large Sequoia SUV, which was based on the full-size Tundra pickup and was just about as off-road capable.

But now Toyota has undoubtedly pleased the legion of LC fans with an all-new version that is much closer in spirit to the earlier models. For starters the 2025 LC is a roomy two-row midsize SUV with styling nods to earlier generations. Gone is the previous 5.7-liter V8 that got only 14 miles per gallon, replaced by a turbocharged hybrid 2.4-liter four that averages 24. The interior styling is also much cleaner but still available with practically all advanced automotive technologies.

More importantly, the new LC comes with multiple drive modes, including standard Crawl Control (CRAWL), available Multi-Terrain Select (MTS), locking center and rear differentials for maximum traction in extreme conditions. The available Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism (SDM) disconnects the front sway bar electronically from inside the cabin to increase the approach angles in steep terrain.

The new LC comes in two flavors. The base Land Cruiser 1958 model starts at $56,450 and includes such retro touches as round headlights, like that year’s version. The more premium model, simply known as the Land Cruiser, has more contemporary headlights, color-selectable LED fog lights, standard MTM and SDM, a 12.3-inch display, and more upgraded features. It starts at $62,450.

While the base 1958 price is more expensive than the entry-level Wrangler or Bronco, the starting price of the Land Cruiser is closer to their top-of-the-line versions (except for the Wrangler 392 Final Edition with the last Jeep V8 that start at $102,000). My test LC was the upper trim level Land Cruiser with several options, such as 20-inch black alloy wheels that cost $1,240 and a $4,600 Premium Package that included an upgraded JBL audio system, a power moonroof, leather-trimmed memory/power driver’s seat, and more. Together, they pushed the total suggested retail price to $71,534. Although costly, that’s about $15,000 less than the last Land Cruiser that I tested.

Having now driven roughly equivalent versions of the LC, Wrangler and Bronco, I can say the Toyota is nimbler and more comfortable than the Jeep or Ford. The LC feels like a modern SUV it is, while the other two are more like trucks. As a result, the LC’s ride was much smoother over the poorly maintained roads in my neighborhood, and much easier to drive downtown.

Although the I-Force MAX turbocharged hybrid 2.4-liter engine is not as powerful as the previous 5.7-liter V8, it still produces an ample 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. And because it weighs around 210 pounds less than the last generation version, it feels much faster in day-to-day driving.

The new LC drew a lot of second glances everywhere I went, which surprised me. It is not as retro styled as the Wrangler or Bronco. The look is perhaps closest to the mid-1990’s version, with modest fender flares accenting the blocky upright body. But a lot of people seemed to think it stood out from the crowd. Maybe they were all LC fans who knew it was coming.

I did not have a chance to seriously test the LC off road. It easily handled the deeply rutted, hilly dirt roads in my neighborhood, but I’m hoping it will be entered into competition in Mudfest 2025, the upcoming comparison of outdoor activity vehicles organized by the Northwest Automotive Writers Association.

Until then, I am sure off-road enthusiasts will welcome the return of the Toyota Land Cruiser that is closer to the company’s original smaller but still rugged off-road capable SUVs. The improved mileage and significantly lower prices will also be appreciated.

2025 Toyota Land Cruiser

Base price: $56,450

Price as tested: $71,530 (4WD Wagon Hybrid)

Type: Midsize two-row SUV

Engine: I-Force MAX turbocharged hybrid 2.4-liter inline 4 (326 hp, 465 lbs-ft)

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Drive modes: Eco, Normal, Sport

EPA estimated mileage: 22/25

Overall length: 196.5 inches

Curb weight: 5639 pounds

Final assembly: Hamura, Tokyo, Japan