Do you remember the Toyota Land Cruiser? If you're a Toyota fan, the chances are you’re well aware of this rugged off-road-capable SUV. It has been a long-running staple in Toyota’s lineup for years. However, if you don’t stay up-to-date with the latest vehicles, you may not have noticed the Land Cruiser left the lineup for a few years before making a game-changing return last year. This year, the 2025 Land Cruiser is here to keep the good times rolling with yet another phenomenal hybrid off-roading machine. Today, we have much to discuss about the current Toyota Land Cruiser for sale and many interesting topics to cover, so let’s get started!
We’ve Come a Long Way…
We’ve been impressed by the Land Cruiser’s performance ever since Toyota replaced its old fuel-hungry V8 engine with a hybrid powertrain. The performance achieved through the Land Cruiser’s hybrid powertrain reminds us just how far we’ve come since Toyota’s first hybrid: the Prius. When Toyota introduced the Prius almost 30 years ago, this Japan-exclusive hybrid only produced around 70 hp. Off-roading? Forget about it. Yes, 30 years is a long time. However, the evolution from Toyota’s first hybrid to the modern Land Cruiser is a night and day difference.
The earliest Toyota hybrids, like the Prius, were necessary steps to facilitate the research and development that gave Toyota its current lead in hybrid technology. Creating a viable consumer hybrid in the late 1990s and early 2000s was a challenge. However, it was ultimately half of the battle.
The second half of the battle was to convince the general public that hybrids would be an excellent alternative to traditional powertrains. The problem was convincing the masses that a vehicle only outputting 70 hp, no matter how efficient it was, was a great solution for replacing their current cars. This gave early hybrids a slow start, but that didn’t mean Toyota’s engineers weren’t working hard on the future they promised with their earliest efforts.
Modern hybrid powertrains now deliver exceptional performance and noticeably better fuel efficiency while significantly reducing your carbon footprint. You likely already know Toyota never gave up on the Prius, which became a fan favorite in the following years. However, Toyota’s lineup now has hybrids nearly everywhere you look. This includes the adventure-hungry Land Cruiser, which we’ll dive deeper into because we know that’s why you’re here.
That Honeymoon Feeling Isn’t Over
The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser follows in the footsteps of the wildly innovative 2024 Land Cruiser. It’s fair to say the honeymoon feeling isn’t over, and the 2025 Land Cruiser is the rule, not the exception. How does it compare to the Land Cruiser we all knew and loved years ago?
The 2021 Land Cruiser was the last model released before a three-year hiatus. It was a full-size SUV driven by a gas-guzzling V8 engine with a jaw-dropping price tag—and not in a good way. The 2021 Land Cruiser started at over $85,000. By comparison, the 2025 Land Cruiser has a starting MSRP of $56,700.[a] A nearly $30,000 price reduction instantly placed the Land Cruiser in the sights of more drivers who otherwise couldn’t fathom spending over $85,000 on such a fuel-hungry car.
Toyota made several changes when the Land Cruiser was reintroduced—its price wasn’t the only thing that lost weight. The new Land Cruiser is a midsize SUV, meaning there’s no third row of seats. However, this is an understandable compromise, especially once we discuss fuel efficiency compared to older models. The new and improved Land Cruiser also brought an upgraded infotainment center and a 16% increase in torque output, with its 2.4L i-FORCE MAX turbocharged I-4 hybrid powertrain creating 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. It also helps the 2025 Land Cruiser achieve its maximum towing capacity of 6,000 lbs.
The 2021 Land Cruiser was undoubtedly a strong and reliable 4WD vehicle. However, its fuel economy ratings of 13 MPG in the city, 17 MPG on the highway, and 14 MPG combined were anything but impressive. To mitigate this, a 24.6-gallon fuel tank was standard. Filling the tank with gas would provide around 344 miles of range before the next fill-up. It’s no secret that buying over 24 gallons of gasoline is expensive, even when the prices are favorable. Switching to the hybrid powertrain in the 2024 model circumvents all this at the source.
The 2025 Land Cruiser has EPA-estimated ratings of 22 MPG in the city, 25 MPG on the highway, and 23 MPG combined. These ratings—which are identical to the 2024 Land Cruiser’s fuel economy ratings—indicate that, like the 2024 model, the 2025 Land Cruiser should last around 412 miles on a full gas tank. This is an impressive 20% upgrade over its predecessor with a V8 engine, despite having a 27% smaller fuel tank.
You normally wouldn’t associate such impressive fuel efficiency with a 4WD off-road SUV. That’s what’s possible when you swap out a V8 engine with a turbocharged I-4 engine and introduce a hybrid assist. Who could have thought having half the cylinders could be so appealing? With the 1.87 kWh battery and electric motors under the hood complementing the turbocharged engine, now you know what’s possible.
A True Off-Road Hybrid
Toyota knew that people would expect the new Land Cruiser to provide a similar, if not better, off-roading experience than what was previously delivered. We’ve discussed how switching the powertrain from a V8 to a turbocharged I-4 hybrid solution has proven successful. However, let’s talk about its off-road capabilities. The 2025 Land Cruiser comes with Full-Time 4WD standard, meaning you’re always driving with full power sent directly to both axles. This is complemented by a two-speed electronically controlled transfer case where you can switch between 4Hi and 4Lo as needed.
The 2025 Land Cruiser has standard outboard-mounted twin-tube shock absorbers and an off-road-tuned multi-link rear suspension. Both trims have 7.9 inches of ground clearance, affording plenty of space between it and the trail. It also offers decent water-fording abilities without the risk of damaging your engine. A Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism is offered for exceptional off-road handling. You can disconnect your front sway bar by pressing a button, which allows for more flex in how your suspension reacts to uneven terrain.
The Land Cruiser also has rear and center locking differentials and selectable drive modes through the Multi-Terrain Select system. The Multi-Terrain Select system adds onto the Normal, Sport, and Eco drive modes that come standard, with modes for Dirt, Sand, Mud, Rocks, and Deep Snow. You can activate the Multi-Terrain Monitor on your 2025 Land Cruiser’s infotainment center screen to quickly access camera views of the road ahead and to the sides of your car—perfect for navigating tough terrains.
An Exciting Reimagining
Some vehicles have been discontinued in the past and never seen or heard from again. The Land Cruiser’s discontinuation following the 2021 model was the right call in retrospect because the market for $85,000+ cars is niche enough. Off-roading is a beloved hobby, but that doesn’t mean enthusiasts are interested in spending that much money for what the 2021 Land Cruiser ultimately delivered. That has all changed with the new Land Cruiser, including the 2025 model.
The 2025 Land Cruiser is proof that second chances can be great. However, we won’t pretend that shaving around $30,000 off its price and fundamentally going back to the drawing board was a small feat and not a costly endeavor on Toyota’s behalf. Fortunately, the Land Cruiser is in a solid position to sell well and provide a true next-generation hybrid off-roading experience.
