2025 Land Cruiser Review - It's The Better, Boxier 4Runner
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Date: 2025-06-18
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Comments and reviews: 20
supraphonic88
Picked up a 2024 1958 trim Land Cruiser last summer and it's been our family's adventure vehicle, with daily driver duties mostly handled by our EV. I've been very happy overall with the Land Cruiser, I love the rugged appearance, the hard-wearing cloth seats, the fully fit-for-purpose, UN-spec design about just about everything. I was turned off when the 6th-gen 4Runner was revealed, it felt too macho in appearance and I didn't love the Tacoma interior. I have been let down by the fuel economy, I was very excited to see a hybrid off-roader come out and was encouraged by the EPA numbers, but after putting more appropriate tires on ours, I'm still at around 18 to 19 mpg when accounting for the added diameter. I'm also still confused why the Land Cruiser calls for premium fuel when the identical hybrid engine in the 4Runner gets by fine with regular fuel.
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Picked up a 2024 1958 trim Land Cruiser last summer and it's been our family's adventure vehicle, with daily driver duties mostly handled by our EV. I've been very happy overall with the Land Cruiser, I love the rugged appearance, the hard-wearing cloth seats, the fully fit-for-purpose, UN-spec design about just about everything. I was turned off when the 6th-gen 4Runner was revealed, it felt too macho in appearance and I didn't love the Tacoma interior. I have been let down by the fuel economy, I was very excited to see a hybrid off-roader come out and was encouraged by the EPA numbers, but after putting more appropriate tires on ours, I'm still at around 18 to 19 mpg when accounting for the added diameter. I'm also still confused why the Land Cruiser calls for premium fuel when the identical hybrid engine in the 4Runner gets by fine with regular fuel.
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InvestBetter.
The problem with the Land Cruiser is two-fold:
1. People who love land Cruisers will never accept it as a Land Cruiser, since the actual LC is sold overseas. 2. It is now, really, just the most expensive 4Runner you can buy. It has the same smallish back seat, has a compromised cargo area, with the battery. It's not a great $70k vehicle, with 4-cylinders, and it is not a Land Cruiser. Too many compromises to be a Land Cruiser, a nd it doesn't hide them, very well. The Land cruiser is the best off-roader Toyota can make, and this is not it, as Maximus used to say
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The problem with the Land Cruiser is two-fold:
1. People who love land Cruisers will never accept it as a Land Cruiser, since the actual LC is sold overseas. 2. It is now, really, just the most expensive 4Runner you can buy. It has the same smallish back seat, has a compromised cargo area, with the battery. It's not a great $70k vehicle, with 4-cylinders, and it is not a Land Cruiser. Too many compromises to be a Land Cruiser, a nd it doesn't hide them, very well. The Land cruiser is the best off-roader Toyota can make, and this is not it, as Maximus used to say
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wrcarmack561
I have been satisfied with my 24 land cruiser, but toyota should have offered the LC with the diesel or V6 option and the GX with a V8 option.
The 4 cylinder is noisy and sounds unrefined.
The transmission is fantastic. Ground clearance should be at 10 inches instead of 8 inches, which is subpar for sure. Considering this is the first prado for the US toyota screwed up with the hybrid, gas mileage is not as advertised, I get 18 on a good day. Fit and finish is awesome, but for the price, I'm going with the GX550 next time around.
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I have been satisfied with my 24 land cruiser, but toyota should have offered the LC with the diesel or V6 option and the GX with a V8 option.
The 4 cylinder is noisy and sounds unrefined.
The transmission is fantastic. Ground clearance should be at 10 inches instead of 8 inches, which is subpar for sure. Considering this is the first prado for the US toyota screwed up with the hybrid, gas mileage is not as advertised, I get 18 on a good day. Fit and finish is awesome, but for the price, I'm going with the GX550 next time around.
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M1911jln
When it came time to replace my 2013 Land Cruiser, I considered the 250 LC. Unfortunately, they were very thin on the ground and Toyota dealers were insisting that I put down money before offering a test drive. And even then, they were asking for $10k over MSRP. I put down money on a GX 550 Overtrail at MSRP, but then the news about the engine problems came out. I found a low mileage LX 570 and bought that instead. I still love the styling of the 250 LC, but I’m not sold on the 4-cylinder engine.
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When it came time to replace my 2013 Land Cruiser, I considered the 250 LC. Unfortunately, they were very thin on the ground and Toyota dealers were insisting that I put down money before offering a test drive. And even then, they were asking for $10k over MSRP. I put down money on a GX 550 Overtrail at MSRP, but then the news about the engine problems came out. I found a low mileage LX 570 and bought that instead. I still love the styling of the 250 LC, but I’m not sold on the 4-cylinder engine.
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rightlanehog3151
Alex, Despite sharing a hp and torque rating with the 87 Octane 4Runner and Tacoma hybrids, the Land Cruiser 26: 06 enigmatically requires PREMIUM gas. The more generous headroom of the Land Cruiser is appreciated but they really ought to have built more flexibility into the second row seat of this SUV. The Toyota bean counters deleted the 40/20/40 and sliding functions that should come in a vehicle with this mission statement in this price range.
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Alex, Despite sharing a hp and torque rating with the 87 Octane 4Runner and Tacoma hybrids, the Land Cruiser 26: 06 enigmatically requires PREMIUM gas. The more generous headroom of the Land Cruiser is appreciated but they really ought to have built more flexibility into the second row seat of this SUV. The Toyota bean counters deleted the 40/20/40 and sliding functions that should come in a vehicle with this mission statement in this price range.
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afcgeo882
I get the point of this, but if you aren’t towing with it or going truly off-road in it, it’s objectively a bad vehicle. Tight headroom, horrible trunk usability, and a less than Toyota-reliable engine added to a poor on-road drive with a solid axle not for me. There is a niche market, but I suspect sales will dwindle over the next 5 years and it’ll be discontinued on favor of the 4Runner, which is slightly more livable.
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I get the point of this, but if you aren’t towing with it or going truly off-road in it, it’s objectively a bad vehicle. Tight headroom, horrible trunk usability, and a less than Toyota-reliable engine added to a poor on-road drive with a solid axle not for me. There is a niche market, but I suspect sales will dwindle over the next 5 years and it’ll be discontinued on favor of the 4Runner, which is slightly more livable.
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bigheadrec
Considering today's prices, these will not sell at high volume, as people are confused about it. Many don't understand why it's called a Land Cruiser. Overall I personally like the looks, but wish that the hybrid battery would be better integrated, so that it would take up less rear storage space and allow rear seats to be moved. Also, wish that the base model would include at least power driver's seat.
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Considering today's prices, these will not sell at high volume, as people are confused about it. Many don't understand why it's called a Land Cruiser. Overall I personally like the looks, but wish that the hybrid battery would be better integrated, so that it would take up less rear storage space and allow rear seats to be moved. Also, wish that the base model would include at least power driver's seat.
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VG22.
I dont know why no one points out the fact that the driver cabin space is very tight for some reason. Im an average built guy, not obese. I am 5'11 with long legs and when I sat in this generation landcruiser I felt very cramped in there. The center console is very high and gives you zero wiggle room to adjust your right leg from time to time when driving long distances. very cramped feeling front cabin.
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I dont know why no one points out the fact that the driver cabin space is very tight for some reason. Im an average built guy, not obese. I am 5'11 with long legs and when I sat in this generation landcruiser I felt very cramped in there. The center console is very high and gives you zero wiggle room to adjust your right leg from time to time when driving long distances. very cramped feeling front cabin.
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noctilucent7396
I bought the lc 250 over the gx because of the 2400w inverter, internal layout is better on the lc physical ac controls, better looking on the inside imo. And i prefer the exterior. The v6 is nice but the 4banger great and this isnt the first land cruiser with a 4cylinder. Like you said this is a happy medium between the choices and i see why toyota gave this one the land cruiser badge
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I bought the lc 250 over the gx because of the 2400w inverter, internal layout is better on the lc physical ac controls, better looking on the inside imo. And i prefer the exterior. The v6 is nice but the 4banger great and this isnt the first land cruiser with a 4cylinder. Like you said this is a happy medium between the choices and i see why toyota gave this one the land cruiser badge
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sentiencepsn2714
3: 04. That’s my issue with the new Land Cruiser. I’m sure in terms of capability it can keep up previous Land Cruiser, but in terms of interior quality, it’s a notable step down. Having sat in one, I thought it was closer to a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco than a Range Rover. Recent Land Cruisers were comparable to Range Rover. This thing is punching an entire class lower.
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3: 04. That’s my issue with the new Land Cruiser. I’m sure in terms of capability it can keep up previous Land Cruiser, but in terms of interior quality, it’s a notable step down. Having sat in one, I thought it was closer to a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco than a Range Rover. Recent Land Cruisers were comparable to Range Rover. This thing is punching an entire class lower.
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alex_on_autos
As soon as I can get a GX premium at msrp, that will be my next buy. It’s the only Toyota truck that provides a good value. (Maybe a base Tacoma SR 4x4 with a healthy discount) otherwise I cannot find any reason to buy any new Toyota truck. Way too many compromises along with huge price increases. I think they lost their way with the latest tundra which all others are now based.
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As soon as I can get a GX premium at msrp, that will be my next buy. It’s the only Toyota truck that provides a good value. (Maybe a base Tacoma SR 4x4 with a healthy discount) otherwise I cannot find any reason to buy any new Toyota truck. Way too many compromises along with huge price increases. I think they lost their way with the latest tundra which all others are now based.
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Overbill8831
I like my 2025 premium LC. Gas tank is small but it's a nice vehicle all around. I put some better on-road AT tires on it for a better off road ride, but didn't go all out with the hardcore mud tires so the on road ride is still great. I'll never pretend to be a hardcore off roader but I did want some good capability. I'm overall happy with the purchase.
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I like my 2025 premium LC. Gas tank is small but it's a nice vehicle all around. I put some better on-road AT tires on it for a better off road ride, but didn't go all out with the hardcore mud tires so the on road ride is still great. I'll never pretend to be a hardcore off roader but I did want some good capability. I'm overall happy with the purchase.
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miraphycs7377
Chrysler/Stellantis PHEV sucks. The 4xe is probably the worst PHEV in the business. Unsmooth, unrefined. Also despite being PHEV, they are not more powerful than regular Toyota 2. 4L hybrid used on TNGA-F like the land cruiser especially in all important torque. What a fail. Whole point of a PHEV is to give u more power, torque and response
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Chrysler/Stellantis PHEV sucks. The 4xe is probably the worst PHEV in the business. Unsmooth, unrefined. Also despite being PHEV, they are not more powerful than regular Toyota 2. 4L hybrid used on TNGA-F like the land cruiser especially in all important torque. What a fail. Whole point of a PHEV is to give u more power, torque and response
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PeakDecline
The problem is its mechanically inferior to the 4Runner. It has some notable downsides like the smaller rear differential, weaker tie rods, and some other just outright weird choices. Does this matter to most of the buyers Nope. But it would matter to me if I were intending to buy one of these to actually take off-road.
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The problem is its mechanically inferior to the 4Runner. It has some notable downsides like the smaller rear differential, weaker tie rods, and some other just outright weird choices. Does this matter to most of the buyers Nope. But it would matter to me if I were intending to buy one of these to actually take off-road.
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BearsinGamesNeo
I know you don't really do big multi vehicle tests very often but I'd love to see just how offroad some of those FWD quasi SUVs can go on the sorts of dirt roads around Alex's place. I've always been impressed with what some knobblier tires and ride height can do even with an FWD drivetrain
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I know you don't really do big multi vehicle tests very often but I'd love to see just how offroad some of those FWD quasi SUVs can go on the sorts of dirt roads around Alex's place. I've always been impressed with what some knobblier tires and ride height can do even with an FWD drivetrain
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husshardan3511
I wish the LC was available w/o the hybrid motor in the US. So like the standard 4Runner because I hate the raised floor and basically negligible improvement in mpgs.
The LC would be much lighter (I think the difference is about 600lbs, more cargo area, cheaper and less complicated!
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I wish the LC was available w/o the hybrid motor in the US. So like the standard 4Runner because I hate the raised floor and basically negligible improvement in mpgs.
The LC would be much lighter (I think the difference is about 600lbs, more cargo area, cheaper and less complicated!
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Jay-me7gw
I would hope its better considering it starts at $56, 700.
Problem is, mechanically, its actually inferior to the 4Runner. The CV axles, rear axle and some other key parts are actually smaller/less durable on the Land Cruiser than the are on the iforce max and offroad trims of the 4R.
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I would hope its better considering it starts at $56, 700.
Problem is, mechanically, its actually inferior to the 4Runner. The CV axles, rear axle and some other key parts are actually smaller/less durable on the Land Cruiser than the are on the iforce max and offroad trims of the 4R.
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james2042
And at 9: 30 is where the video should end. This isn't a landcruiser, and I really hope no one buys this thing. The sequoia is also just as bad. Honestly toyota couldn't have done worse with a redesign if they tried, and thats a damn shame because their fwd platform is phenomenal
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And at 9: 30 is where the video should end. This isn't a landcruiser, and I really hope no one buys this thing. The sequoia is also just as bad. Honestly toyota couldn't have done worse with a redesign if they tried, and thats a damn shame because their fwd platform is phenomenal
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D_F_L_
It doesn’t make a lick sense why they sell the land cruiser 70 in the states. Land Cruiser 200 and 250 are too big and expensive. Sales reflect that, granted the 250 sold more than the 200 but it’s literally the same size now, yet light duty and run you over 70k with tax.
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It doesn’t make a lick sense why they sell the land cruiser 70 in the states. Land Cruiser 200 and 250 are too big and expensive. Sales reflect that, granted the 250 sold more than the 200 but it’s literally the same size now, yet light duty and run you over 70k with tax.
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frb7603
You can doll up any vehicle with electronics, beautiful bodywork and great looks. It all ends up that what you’re paying for is the drivetrain. For the cost of these a 4 cylinder turbo is a disappointment. 4 cylinder engines are for economy cars, not 75k SUVs.
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You can doll up any vehicle with electronics, beautiful bodywork and great looks. It all ends up that what you’re paying for is the drivetrain. For the cost of these a 4 cylinder turbo is a disappointment. 4 cylinder engines are for economy cars, not 75k SUVs.
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