For over six decades, the Toyota Land Cruiser has been synonymous with rugged reliability and off-road prowess, seamlessly blending highway comfort with the capability to conquer challenging terrains. It’s long been a favored choice for adventurers and overlanders seeking a dependable vehicle to navigate diverse landscapes with both passengers and gear. Now, the latest generation of the Land Cruiser emerges, bringing a fresh wave of affordability and efficiency to its esteemed lineage, prompting many to ask: could this be the Best Midsize Hybrid Suv on the market?
Departing from its previous generation’s thirsty V8 engine, the 2025 Land Cruiser embraces a modern 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain. This new engine doesn’t compromise on power, delivering a robust 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission. True to its heritage, every Land Cruiser retains a highly capable 4WD system, ready to venture far off the beaten path. The vehicle’s body-on-frame construction, a hallmark of traditional SUVs, coupled with an independent front suspension and a durable solid rear axle, ensures resilience. Coil springs at each corner provide a comfortable ride across varied surfaces, from smooth highways to rocky trails. For serious off-road situations, features like a locking rear differential, low-range gearing, and a front swaybar disconnect transform the Land Cruiser into an exceptionally skilled off-road machine.
With a more accessible price point, this new Land Cruiser broadens its appeal, attracting buyers who value off-road capability in a more economical package. For those desiring a step up in luxury, power, or towing capacity without straying far from the Land Cruiser’s core strengths, the Lexus GX 550 offers a similar foundation at a premium. However, for many, the Land Cruiser hits a sweet spot, balancing capability and value in the competitive midsize hybrid SUV segment.
While slightly smaller and lighter than its V8 predecessors, the 2025 Land Cruiser still provides ample space for five occupants. The trade-off for its compact dimensions and hybrid battery packaging is the absence of a third-row seat, focusing instead on maximizing comfort and utility for five passengers and their cargo.
Inside, the Land Cruiser offers a blend of soft-touch materials and contemporary technology. The driver-centric design places drivetrain controls conveniently around the shifter, ensuring essential functions are readily accessible. The base 1958 model, starting at $57,900, is well-equipped for off-road adventures, featuring a standard electronic locking rear differential, Crawl Control, and an 8-inch touchscreen with a camera. Upgrading to the Land Cruiser grade, priced from $63,900, adds further enhancements like an electronic swaybar disconnect, a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, and distinctive rectangular LED headlights, further solidifying its position as a top choice in the best midsize hybrid SUV category.
The design of the 2025 Land Cruiser cleverly merges modern engineering with nostalgic cues from the iconic Land Cruiser FJ60 wagons of the 1980s. This appealing combination of retro aesthetics and contemporary mechanics is poised to attract buyers considering genuinely capable SUVs such as the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, or Land Rover Defender. However, the Land Cruiser distinguishes itself with its hybrid powertrain, potentially setting a new benchmark for efficiency in the midsize hybrid SUV class and making a compelling case for being considered the best midsize hybrid SUV for 2025.
