Toyota’s 2025 Land Cruiser blends rugged off-road ability with modern hybrid power and quiet refinement
The latest version of the Toyota Land Cruiser is loaded with luxury, along with a price tag of over $90,000.
Toyota’s Land Cruiser returned to Canada in 2024 after nearly 30 years, and the 2025 model reinforces that comeback with the same distinctive styling, hybrid powertrain and upscale features that made headlines last year.
While the fundamentals remain unchanged, this second year signals Toyota’s long-term commitment to offering a heritage-rich, off-road-capable SUV that refuses to blend in. In a market dominated by crossovers that prioritize comfort over capability, its return marks a rare nod to authenticity. But does it justify its near-$93,000 price tag?
The Land Cruiser is Toyota’s flagship off-road SUV—a global icon known for its durability, capability and long service life. It was once a favourite among farmers, ranchers and adventurers, and helped define the four-wheel-drive market long before “SUV” became a marketing term.
Toyota discontinued it in Canada after 1996 but brought it back in 2024 to mark its 60th anniversary in this country. Now, with the 2025 model, it’s clear this is more than a limited reissue—it’s a repositioning into the premium SUV space.
One of the Land Cruiser’s defining features is its upright, boxy silhouette, a visual callback to earlier generations, complete with round headlights and squared-off lines. It’s a sharp contrast to the sleek curves of models like the BMW X7, Lexus GX or Land Rover Defender, which compete in the same high-end off-road segment.
Inside, the First Edition trim I tested is practical yet premium. Leather seats are power adjustable in eight directions, and a powered steering wheel adds refinement. Controls are intuitive, visibility is excellent and storage is generous. Cargo capacity comes in at 1,062 litres behind the second row—enough for a family road trip or outdoor gear. Still, for a vehicle in this price range, the cabin design is a little too plain. A splash of colour or more varied textures would help justify the luxury positioning.
Under the hood is a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid system paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, producing 326 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. The power delivery is smooth and steady, ideal for long drives or towing—up to 2,722 kilograms, enough for a mid-size trailer or small boat. Fuel economy is respectable at 10.7 litres/100 km in the city and 9.5 on the highway.
The ride is impressively quiet and composed, and off-road capability remains a strength thanks to full-time four-wheel drive, a locking centre differential and multiple terrain modes. It also features generous ground clearance and multiple drive modes to adapt traction, throttle and suspension to mud, sand or snow.
The First Edition model I drove came in at $92,436.08, a premium figure, but one that includes nearly every available feature, from a 14-speaker JBL sound system to Toyota’s full suite of driver-assist technologies. The entry-level Land Cruiser 1958 trim, a nod to the model’s North American debut, starts at $73,278 and offers the same core capability with fewer frills.
If there’s one thing missing, it’s a stronger engine option. A V6 or V8 would bring the kind of power some buyers expect at this level, especially when performance is a key selling point in this segment.
Our Verdict
The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser is a confident follow-up to last year’s relaunch, blending classic design, hybrid efficiency and true off-road capability in a package that feels both refined and distinctive. It’s not built for speed or flash, but that’s exactly the appeal. It’s best suited for buyers who value mechanical honesty, brand heritage and the confidence to go places most SUVs wouldn’t dare. For those seeking something different from the typical luxury SUV, the Land Cruiser delivers authenticity and character in equal measure.
Dale Johnson is an award-winning author, broadcaster and journalist who has worked in TV, radio, print and online. While the manufacturer provided Dale with a vehicle to test drive, the content of this review was not reviewed or accepted by the manufacturer.
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