For over six decades, the Toyota Land Cruiser has carved a reputation as a paragon of off-road prowess blended with on-road comfort. Globetrotters and adventurers in search of a reliable vehicle capable of conquering challenging terrains while carrying both people and equipment consistently choose Land Cruisers. The latest generation, launched as a completely redesigned model, injects a dose of modern affordability and enhanced efficiency into the esteemed Land Cruiser lineage, solidifying its place as a top contender in the Best Four By Four Suv category.
The previous iteration of the Land Cruiser, discontinued in 2021, boasted a potent but fuel-guzzling V8 engine. In a significant shift towards modernization, the 2025 model embraces a new 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain. This engine, despite its smaller displacement, delivers an impressive 326 horsepower and a robust 465 pound-feet of torque, channeled through a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. True to its heritage, every Land Cruiser destined for American roads is equipped with a highly capable 4WD system, ready to transport drivers and passengers deep into rugged landscapes. The Land Cruiser’s robust body-on-frame construction, a hallmark of traditional SUVs, features an independent front suspension and a durable solid axle rear. Comfort-tuned coil springs at each wheel ensure a composed ride across diverse surfaces, from paved highways to uneven trails. For serious off-road expeditions, engaging the rear differential lock, shifting into Low Range, and disconnecting the front sway bar transform the Land Cruiser into an exceptionally skilled off-road machine, truly deserving of recognition as one of the best four by four SUVs available.
This new Land Cruiser generation’s more accessible price point is poised to attract a broader spectrum of buyers eager to tap into its legendary off-roading capabilities. For those seeking to amplify the Land Cruiser’s off-road aptitude with heightened luxury, increased power, and enhanced towing capacity, the Lexus GX 550 presents a compelling alternative within the same vehicle family, albeit at a premium price. Both vehicles cater to the discerning buyer looking for the best four by four SUV experience, each with its own unique flavor.
While the new Land Cruiser is dimensionally leaner and lighter than its V8-powered predecessors, interior space remains generous, comfortably accommodating five occupants. However, the slightly reduced length and the incorporation of the hybrid system’s battery pack mean that a third-row seating option is no longer available. The interior of the modern Toyota Land Cruiser is characterized by refined soft-touch materials and cutting-edge technology. The drivetrain controls are intelligently positioned around the gear shifter, placing essential functions conveniently at the driver’s fingertips. The entry-level “1958” model, starting at $57,900, is already equipped for serious off-road adventures, featuring a standard electronic locking rear differential, Crawl Control (an off-road cruise control system), and an 8-inch touchscreen interface with a rearview camera. Stepping up to the Land Cruiser grade, priced from $63,900, adds further enhancements in both luxury and capability, including an electronic sway bar disconnect system for improved articulation on challenging trails, a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen display, and distinctive rectangular LED headlights. These features underscore why the Land Cruiser is consistently considered among the best four by four SUVs in its class.
The design language of the 2025 Land Cruiser masterfully blends modern engineering with nostalgic cues, drawing inspiration from the iconic Land Cruiser FJ60 wagons of the 1980s. This harmonious fusion of retro aesthetics and contemporary technology is likely to capture the attention of buyers considering genuinely capable SUVs such as the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, or Land Rover Defender. In a competitive market segment, the Toyota Land Cruiser distinguishes itself as a prime example of the best four by four SUV, offering a compelling mix of heritage, capability, and modern features.
