2025 Toyota Land Cruiser: Does the New Hybrid Drive Better Than the Old V8?

Redesigned 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser

• 🚀 The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser returns to the US market with a redesign aimed at making it more obtainable than the previous generation's high price tag.
• 🎨 The exterior features a classic Land Cruiser look with a "sand" color and two-tone option, reminiscent of its decades-long heritage.
• 💡 Notable exterior features include triple LED headlights, functional corner air curtains, and Rigid Industries fog lamps, though some areas like fake vents and gloss black accents are questioned.

Powertrain and Performance

• ⚡ The new Land Cruiser is powered by a 2.4L turbocharged inline-4 hybrid engine, dubbed "I Force Max," replacing the V8.
• 📊 This hybrid system produces 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 7.6 seconds with an estimated 22 MPG city and 25 MPG highway.
• 🛠️ The vehicle utilizes Toyota's TNGA box frame, offering nearly 10 inches of ground clearance, metal skid plates, and good wheel travel, with options to lock the rear and center differentials and disconnect stabilizer bars for off-road capability.

Interior and Technology

• 🛋️ The interior boasts a spacious two-row layout with a two-tone color scheme, soft-touch materials, and contrast stitching.
• 📱 A 14-inch infotainment system with touchscreen climate controls is standard, though navigation requires a subscription service.
• 🔌 Comfort features include heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless charging, and multiple USB-C ports, but a panoramic sunroof is notably absent.

Driving Experience and Comparison

• 💨 On the road, the hybrid system provides instant torque from the electric motor, offering a smooth and comfortable ride without artificial V8 engine sounds.
• ✅ The reviewer notes that the new Land Cruiser drives significantly better, rides better, and is easier to control than the previous generation.
• 💰 While priced around $67,000 for the reviewed model, the reviewer suggests that for a slightly higher cost, the Lexus GX might be a more appealing personal choice.

Cargo and Practicality

• 📦 The cargo area offers 38 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up, expanding to 83 cubic feet when folded, and includes a home power source.
• 🧊 A notable interior feature is the cool box integrated into the center console, perfect for keeping beverages chilled.
• ⚠️ The reviewer points out some minor drawbacks, such as the lack of a rear seat sliding function and a low-hanging exhaust tailpipe.