The Toyota Land Cruiser returns for a second season in its current iteration, a slimmed-down SUV that lacks the V-8 engine and opulent interiors previously offered. While previously Land Cruiser was priced similarly to its Lexus sibling, that changed for 2024 when Toyota switched the truck architecture used for the Toyota 4Runner, Sequoia, Tundra, Tacoma and Lexus GX.

But beyond the Lexus GX’s tonier trim, the biggest difference between it and the Land Cruiser comes under hood, where the Lexus sports a powerful V-6.

In contrast, the Land Cruiser no longer sports a V-8, or even a V-6. Instead, it receives a 2.4-liter turbocharged, four-cylinder, gas-electric hybrid driveline mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rated at 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, the EPA states the four-wheel-drive Land Cruiser returns 23 mpg in combined city/highway driving, albeit on premium unleaded fuel.

All Land Cruisers come with standard locking center and rear differentials, rear coil springs, full-time four-wheel drive, a two-speed transfer case and a brake controller. It allows for a 31-degree approach, a 25-degree breakover and 22-degree departure angle. Ground clearance is 8.7 inches.

Offered in Land Cruiser 1958 and upscale Land Cruiser grades, the former sports round headlights, which seem far more appropriate than the cliched rectangular lighting used on upper trim levels.

Having driven a 2024 model off-road last year, it was time to drive it the way most owners do — on-road.

Being the lower trim level, Land Cruiser 1958's infotainment screen measures a miserly eight inches, rather than the larger 12.3-inch display on the upper trim level. It’s equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, yet it lacks a wireless charging pad. There are heated seats, but no ventilated seats. There’s no sunroof.

Its price starts at $58,150, including destination charge. Opting for the Land Cruiser trim ups the price to $62,920, and adds the niceties missing on its more plebeian sibling. But when you consider that the Lexus GX only costs $2,365 more, including destination charge, suddenly the Land Cruiser doesn’t seem like such a sweet deal, especially since the Lexus boasts a smooth, powerful 349-horsepower V-6 engine.

And the price of the base Land Cruiser wouldn’t be an issue if it weren’t for a cabin trimmed in an excessive amount of cheap, hard black plastic. Sure, it’s easy to clean, but it’s charmless. And while the burlap-like cloth seats have a durable feel, the short carpet fibers seem guaranteed to trap sand and dirt. A rubberized floor covering would be preferable and easier to keep clean. But the manual controls for seats and steering wheel tilt play into this Land Cruiser’s back-to-basics aura. Of course, it would be easier to stomach if it cost a whole lot less than nearly $60,000 before options.

Then there’s the driveline, which has sufficient power for what’s asked of it. Its eight-speed automatic is far better than any continuously variable transmission Toyota typically saddles its hybrids with. There’s decent grunt when you need it, and there’s little noticeable turbo lag. And it returns 23 mpg in mostly highway driving during the week-long test-drive.

The Land Cruiser’s square-jawed style pays dividends once behind the wheel. It makes it very easy to place all four corners, on-road and off. Its low beltline and large windows provide excellent external visibility. The cabin remains fairly quiet, but that’s mainly due to the test vehicle’s street tires rather than off-road rubber.

But the Land Cruiser’s milieu comes once the sidewalk ends. There, its ability and agility make off-roading work a snap. Throttle response is perfect. But its steering is as much an issue on-road as off, where a surprising lack of precision necessitates constantly cranking the wheel. It seems to be a fairly slow ratio, and will ensure some level of upper-body workout. Of course, being a true off-roader means it has a compliant suspension that allows for a fair amount of dive while braking and body lean while cornering. But that’s expected of a true off-road warrior. Its tall, boxy style does drive smaller than you expect, and increasingly rare.

That said, you can buy the equally new 2025 Toyota 4Runner, which is built on the same platform and starts at $40,770, albeit with a four-cylinder power plant, although the Land Cruiser’s hybrid setup is offered as well.

That makes the Land Cruiser one choice in the Toyota lineup, one that’s worth comparing to others in the showroom, as they each sport their own unique personalities and price tags.

2025 Toyota Land Cruiser 1958

Base price: $58,150-$62,920

Engine: 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid driveline

Horsepower/Torque: 326/465 pound-feet

EPA rating (combined city/highway): 23 mpg

Fuel required: 91 Octane

Length/Width/Height: 194/78/76 inches

Ground clearance: 8.7 inches

Payload: 1,687 pounds

Cargo capacity: 38 cubic feet

Towing capacity: 6.000 pounds

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