2025 Toyota Land Cruiser Review – Hybrid Power, Off-Road Capability & Infotainment Insights

Introduction – The Legend Returns with a Modern Twist

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser marks the return of one of the most respected names in off-road motoring. With a rich heritage of reliability, capability, and go-anywhere confidence, this latest generation adds a hybrid powertrain, improved efficiency, and Toyota’s latest safety systems. But while it retains the rugged personality that Land Cruiser fans love, it also inherits some infotainment and screen frustrations that keep it from being a perfect all-rounder.

During our extended testing, we’ve discovered that the Land Cruiser offers plenty to admire—from its torque-rich turbocharged hybrid engine to its configurable driver displays—but it also shows Toyota’s conservative approach to in-car tech. The infotainment screens are better than before but still behind the industry’s best.

If you’re looking for a durable family SUV with true off-road credentials and are willing to tolerate some quirks, the 2025 Land Cruiser is worth serious consideration. Let’s dive into the details.

Screen Technology – A Step Forward, but Not Quite Cutting Edge

Historically, Toyota has taken a “wait until it’s proven” approach to new in-car tech. While this ensures reliability, it often means their infotainment systems lag behind competitors. The 2025 Land Cruiser breaks that pattern slightly, offering screens that are up-to-date—but they still fall short of being industry-leading.

The main infotainment touchscreen, shared with other Toyota models, is functional and responsive but lacks the refinement and cutting-edge graphics seen in rivals like the Land Rover Defender or Jeep Grand Wagoneer. Physical controls for climate and key functions are a welcome touch for usability, but the combination of on-screen menus and physical buttons sometimes feels redundant.

For everyday use, the screen is perfectly serviceable. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is a huge plus for tech-savvy drivers. However, Toyota’s own interface feels like it was designed with simplicity over sophistication—fine for older buyers, but younger audiences might find it underwhelming.

Infotainment Weak Spots – Mismatched Graphics & Overcomplicated Menus

While the Land Cruiser’s infotainment is a step up from past models, it’s far from flawless. The first thing you notice is the mismatched graphics between the central infotainment screen and the digital instrument cluster. Different fonts, color schemes, and icon styles make the overall user experience feel disjointed—something many $70,000 SUVs have long since addressed.

More problematic is the way many important vehicle functions—including safety system settings—are buried inside the smaller instrument cluster display. Accessing them requires using the steering wheel D-pad to scroll through layered menus full of cryptic acronyms, many of which aren’t explained on-screen. This design choice creates two issues:

Driver distraction – Navigating menus while driving is unsafe.
Passenger limitation – A passenger can’t assist, as controls are tied to the driver’s side.

Owners may find themselves checking the manual or Googling abbreviations just to understand what a feature does. This system feels especially outdated in an era when most automakers centralize these functions into the main touchscreen with clear, tappable icons.

The Upside – Customizable Displays That Adapt to Your Needs

It’s not all bad news for the Land Cruiser’s tech. Spend some time exploring its menus, and you’ll find that the instrument cluster is highly customizable. Toyota offers multiple layout options, letting drivers choose how much information they want to see at a glance.

You can configure three separate “home screens” within the cluster, each optimized for different driving scenarios. For example:

Daily Driving Mode – Shows only key speed, fuel, and navigation data.
Driver Assist Mode – Highlights adaptive cruise control and lane-centering details.
Off-Road Mode – Displays pitch, roll, and traction distribution for trail driving.

This flexibility means you can tailor the displays to your preferences without constantly digging into settings. The head-up display adds another layer of convenience, projecting speed and key alerts directly onto the windshield to keep your eyes on the road.

Looking Ahead – Hope for a Midcycle Tech Upgrade

There’s light at the end of the tunnel for those frustrated with Toyota’s current infotainment setup. In the recently updated Toyota bZ series, the brand introduced a new infotainment system that moves many buried controls to the main touchscreen, accessible via a dedicated vehicle settings icon. Climate controls were also integrated into the screen but with physical knobs mounted to it for a blend of tactile and digital interaction.

If Toyota follows its usual technology trickle-down strategy, it’s reasonable to expect that the Land Cruiser will adopt this improved system during its midcycle refresh. While Toyota hasn’t confirmed anything, the precedent suggests that a more user-friendly and modern interface could be on the way within a few years.

Performance & Hybrid Powertrain – Efficiency Meets Torque

Under the hood, the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser combines tradition and innovation with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-hp electric motor. This hybrid setup produces a total system output of 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, channeled through an 8-speed automatic transmission to a full-time 4WD system.

Thanks to the hybrid assistance, torque delivery is strong right from 1,700 rpm, making the Land Cruiser quick off the line despite its substantial curb weight of 5,557 pounds. The hybrid’s 1.9-kWh nickel-metal hydride battery is small enough to avoid significant weight penalties but provides a noticeable boost during acceleration and when climbing steep off-road trails.

In our tests, the Land Cruiser managed:

0–60 mph: 8.3 seconds
Quarter mile: 16.4 sec @ 84.4 mph
Braking 60–0 mph: 132 ft

While not a performance SUV, these figures are competitive for a rugged, off-road-focused vehicle. The EPA rates it at 22 mpg city / 25 mpg highway / 23 mpg combined, though our real-world figure of 18.2 mpg shows that heavy off-road use or aggressive driving will eat into efficiency.

Off-Road Capability – Still a Land Cruiser at Heart

Despite its tech frustrations, the Land Cruiser remains a true off-road champion. The full-time 4WD system, combined with Toyota’s proven traction management features, makes it equally comfortable on rocky trails and muddy backroads.

Key off-road features include:

Selectable terrain modes for mud, sand, and rock crawling
Locking differentials for maximum traction
Skid plates and rock rails (optional) for underbody protection
Generous ground clearance for clearing obstacles
Perfect 50/50 weight distribution for stability

While modern SUVs often trade ruggedness for road comfort, the Land Cruiser delivers both. On pavement, the ride is smooth and quiet, while off-road it confidently tackles challenges that would leave crossovers stranded.

Pricing & Options – Premium but Well-Equipped

The base price of the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser is $62,920, but our fully equipped test vehicle came to $70,559 with options, including:

Premium Package – $4,600
Rock Rails – $990
Skid Plates – $805
Two-Tone Roof – $350
Connected Services (3-Year Trial) – $325
Rear Bumper Guard – $230
Carpet Floor Mats – $199
Liftgate Light – $195
Carpet Cargo Mat – $130

While not inexpensive, the Land Cruiser’s price undercuts luxury-branded rivals with similar off-road capabilities, such as the Land Rover Defender and Mercedes-Benz G-Class, making it an appealing value for buyers who prioritize durability and performance.

Full Specifications – At a Glance

Layout: Front-engine, 4WD, 5-passenger, 4-door hybrid SUV
Gas Engine: 2.4L turbocharged I-4, 278 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 317 lb-ft @ 1,700 rpm
Electric Motor: 48 hp, 184 lb-ft
Total System Output: 326 hp / 465 lb-ft
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Battery: 1.9-kWh NiMH
Dimensions: 193.8 in L / 77.9 in W / 76.1 in H
Wheelbase: 112.2 in
Curb Weight: 5,557 lbs
Tires: Michelin LTX Trail 265/70R18 M+S
Fuel Economy: 22/25/23 mpg (EPA)
Range: 412 miles (EPA)

Ownership Experience – Living with the 2025 Land Cruiser

During our first three months and 2,211 miles of ownership, the Land Cruiser has been trouble-free. We’ve had:

No recalls
No mechanical failures
No cosmetic damage

Maintenance has been minimal, and Toyota’s track record for reliability suggests the Land Cruiser will remain dependable for years to come. The only ongoing cost concern is fuel economy—especially for drivers who plan frequent long-distance travel or heavy towing.

Verdict – A Rugged Icon with Room for Improvement

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser blends classic off-road toughness with modern hybrid efficiency and improved in-cabin tech. Its infotainment system still lags behind segment leaders, with mismatched graphics and confusing menu structures, but its customizable displays, wireless smartphone integration, and Toyota’s potential for future updates provide hope.

If you value durability, capability, and heritage over cutting-edge tech, the Land Cruiser remains a standout in its segment. And if Toyota delivers the infotainment upgrades hinted at in newer models, this SUV could easily go from “very good” to “segment-best” in a few years.