2025 Toyota Land Cruiser: A hybrid-powered icon returns with retro

 A Hybrid Rebirth for the Land Cruiser Legacy

2025 Toyota Land Cruiser returns to the U.S. with hybrid power, a smaller frame, and classic styling built for modern adventures. The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser is technically the Land Cruiser Prado, downsized compared to its global sibling but still promising the same grit and capability.

Gone is the V8. In its place: a turbocharged I-4 hybrid pumping out 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque, all while delivering a significant boost in fuel economy to 22/25/23 mpg. Whether this “smaller” Land Cruiser is worthy of the badge is something we’ll spend the next 12 months discovering.

 Specs, Power, and Tech: What You Get

Our Land Cruiser came in the fully loaded trim (not the base 1958 Edition) and includes:

• 12.3″ digital cluster & infotainment
  
• Heated/ventilated front seats
  
• Multi-Terrain Select (6 modes)
  
• Skid plates + rock rails for off-roading
  
• Premium Package: JBL audio, moonroof, leather, HUD, cool box, more
  
• Two-tone Trail Dust/Grayscape paint
  
• Price as tested: $70,559
  

It may be called “smaller,” but its 112.2-inch wheelbase is identical to the global 300 Series Land Cruiser. The interior feels just as roomy. Toyota simply compressed the body’s sheet metal, not the DNA.

 Hybrid Power Meets Rugged Terrain

Under the hood lies a 2.4L turbo I-4 paired with a 48-hp electric motor. The hybrid system doesn’t just enhance efficiency—it adds low-end torque, essential for rock crawling and overland adventures. The Land Cruiser tackled tough trails alongside the Bronco Sasquatch and Wrangler Rubicon without getting stuck.

Fuel economy improves drastically over the V8 predecessor:

• Old Land Cruiser: 13/18/15 mpg
  
• New Hybrid: 22/25/23 mpg (EPA)
  

 Real-World Use: Off-Road, Road Trips & More

In just two months, we’ve logged over 2,200 miles, including:

• Off-road testing
  
• Long highway drives
  
• Trail adventures and camping prep
  

While we missed out on the front anti-roll bar disconnect due to supply issues, our goal is to test if it’s truly necessary or just nice to have.

 Cool Features That Stand Out

• Cool Box: A mini fridge in the center console
  
• Digital Rearview Mirror
  
• HUD & Advanced Safety Suite
  
• Connected Services for 3 Years
  
• Liftgate Lighting for Night Cargo Access
  

Performance stats:

• 0–60 mph: 8.3 sec
  
• Real-world MPG: 19.2 mpg
  
• Braking (60–0): 132 ft
  
• Figure-eight: 29.2 sec @ 0.56 g
  

 First Impressions: Does It Feel Like a Land Cruiser?

Yes—and no. The feel, capability, and poise are there. But purists may miss the old-school grunt of the V8 and its overbuilt nature. Still, the Land Cruiser 250 Series hybrid offers a refined experience without sacrificing trail prowess. And that’s a promising start for the next generation.

Source: Motor Trend