For over six decades, the Toyota Land Cruiser has been synonymous with rugged reliability and exceptional off-road prowess, seamlessly blending highway comfort with the capability to tackle challenging terrains. It’s long been a top choice for adventurers and overlanders needing a dependable vehicle to carry them and their gear deep into the backcountry. The latest generation, a completely redesigned model launched last year, brings a new level of affordability and efficiency to the esteemed Land Cruiser lineage, making it a strong contender in the Best 4wd Suvs category.
The previous generation Land Cruiser, discontinued in 2021, boasted a powerful but fuel-consuming V8 engine. The 2025 model adopts a more efficient yet potent 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain, delivering 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, paired with a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. True to its heritage, every Land Cruiser destined for the U.S. market features a highly capable 4WD system, ensuring drivers can confidently navigate demanding off-road environments. The Land Cruiser maintains its traditional SUV body-on-frame construction, incorporating an independent front suspension for on-road comfort and a robust solid axle rear suspension for enhanced durability off the beaten path. Coil springs at all four corners contribute to a comfortable ride across various surfaces, solidifying its position among the best 4WD SUVs for both daily driving and weekend adventures. Engage the rear differential lock, shift into Low Range, and disconnect the front sway bar, and the Land Cruiser transforms into an exceptionally skilled off-road machine, ready to conquer virtually any obstacle.
This new Land Cruiser generation’s more accessible price point is set to attract a broader range of buyers seeking impressive off-roading capabilities without sacrificing modern features. For those desiring even more luxury, power, and towing capacity while retaining similar off-road DNA, the Lexus GX 550 presents a compelling alternative within the premium best 4WD SUVs segment.
While the 2025 Land Cruiser is lighter and more compact than its V8 predecessors, it still provides ample space for five occupants. The slightly reduced length and the incorporation of a hybrid battery pack mean a third-row seating option is no longer available, focusing instead on maximizing passenger and cargo utility for its intended adventurous purpose.
The interior of the modern Land Cruiser is appointed with refined soft-touch materials and cutting-edge technology. Drivetrain controls are intuitively positioned around the shifter, ensuring essential functions are easily accessible. The base 1958 model, starting at $57,900, offers remarkable off-road aptitude thanks to standard features like an electronic locking rear differential, Crawl Control (an off-road cruise control system), and an 8-inch touchscreen with a rearview camera. Stepping up to the Land Cruiser grade, priced at $63,900, adds further luxury and enhanced capability, including an electronic sway bar disconnect system for superior articulation in challenging terrain, a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, and distinctive rectangular LED headlights. These features solidify the Land Cruiser’s place among the best 4WD SUVs available today.
The design of the 2025 Land Cruiser cleverly blends modern engineering with nostalgic styling cues reminiscent of the iconic Land Cruiser FJ60 wagons of the 1980s. This appealing combination is poised to capture the attention of buyers considering authentically capable SUVs such as the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, or Land Rover Defender. When considering the best 4WD SUVs on the market, the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser presents a compelling package of heritage, capability, and modern refinement.
