The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser Review: Are the Older Models Better?

Toyota is a fan favorite among car enthusiasts due to its reliability and performance. Since 1951, the Japanese automaker has produced the ever-popular Land Cruiser and satisfied drivers. The model got a facelift a couple of years ago, leading to debate over which vehicles stand out. Are the older Land Cruisers better, or is new school paving the way? Here’s a comprehensive guide to the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser and its predecessors. 

Why the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser Stands Out

Does newer mean better? Here are four reasons the latest Land Cruiser is head and shoulders better than the past models. 

1. New Hybrid Engine

One of the top features of the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser is the engine. Previous models used a V-8 engine similar to what you’d see in a Lexus GX. Now, you get a turbocharged I-4 and hybrid motor with 465 lb-ft of torque. 

While horsepower is down, the engine is more efficient and ready for modern demand. Turbocharged motors are smaller and can give peak torque at lower speeds. Therefore, the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser is typically more responsive and accelerates better than past models. 

2. Better Fuel Mileage

A new engine also includes better fuel economy. The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser gets 22/25/23 mpg on the city, on the highway and combined ratings. How does that stack up to the past models? Toyota’s older cars got 13/18/15 mpg and didn’t meet expectations for people with green thumbs. 

You should expect fuel efficiency from Toyota vehicles, especially in the new sustainability era. For instance, the RAV4 Hybrid gets 40 mpg, leading the way for the manufacturer’s gas mileage. Better fuel economy means longer road trips and fewer stops in your Land Cruiser!

3. Off-Roading Capabilities

You can take older Land Cruisers to the back roads without issues. After all, it’s in the name! However, the 2025 model is better than ever in the dirt and sand. The increased torque means it plays outside as well as anybody, and drivers get six off-road modes to modify how much power they need. 

Motor Trend took the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser for a spin with 18-inch Michelin LTX Trail tires and said it outpaced the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler. Thanks to the vehicle’s rock rails, you can crawl over rocks without worry. There’s a reason why experts laud the vehicle’s off-road capabilities — it’s been top shelf for decades. 

4. Interior Technologies

The new Toyota has two trims: the Land Cruiser and the 1958. The former is the souped-up model with a deluxe cabin and ventilated seats. Conversely, the latter is a more basic trim paying homage to the original model. The base trim is more minimalist, though it still has heated seats and a nice stereo. 

If you want entertainment, the newer Land Cruiser has you covered. Each trim includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making music and podcasts more accessible on the go. While the 1958 version leaves room to be desired, the upper trim has a massive 12.3-inch display for all your infotainment needs. 

Where the Older Models Reign Supreme

Toyota vehicles age like fine wine, so how do the older Land Cruisers stack up to the 2025 model? Here are four areas where they excel beyond the newest model. 

Towing Capacity

Believe it or not, the newest Land Cruiser actually has a weaker towing package than its predecessors. The 2025 model has a maximum rating of 6,000 pounds if you have the proper equipment. While it’s better than the Bronco and Wrangler, it doesn’t match how older ones performed.

Consider the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser — the last of its generation before the 2024 refresh. This vehicle could tow up to 8,100 pounds, an impressive feat for the older vehicle. The 2025 version might not cut it, meaning you’ll have to search for other models. Another Toyota option is the Sequoia, which tows over 9,500 pounds with 437 horsepower. 

Third Row

You may be disappointed with the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser if you carry five or more people. The newest model dropped the third row to downsize and compete with the Bronco and Wrangler instead of larger three-row models. Toyota wants an increased off-road focus, so say goodbye to the sixth and seventh seats!

Another reason for the move is to differentiate the Land Cruiser from the Lexus GX, considering these models use the same platform. Removing the third row distinguishes the vehicle and makes it more rugged. Meanwhile, the Lexus GX can serve those needing six or seven seats. 

The Tiny Details

Nostalgia can heavily influence your opinion if you like to live in the past. Some Land Cruiser owners can look at their past vehicles and pick certain features they think were better. Are they correct? Here are all the small things you might care about: 

• CD player: The 2025 Toyota  Land Cruiser no longer lets you play CDs. Where else could you play your old AC/DC or Taylor Swift albums? 
• Turn assist: Older vehicles like the 200-series Land Cruiser had trail turn assist, which helped your SUV in tight corners.
• Cup holders: This detail might seem small, but drivers miss the bigger cup holders. They’re convenient when you need a place to put that large, refreshing fountain drink. 
• Interior design: The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser interior is simple with the 1958 trim. However, some drivers prefer the simplicity found in older models. 

Proven Reliability

If you’re spending a lot of money on a vehicle, you want to know it lasts. Prices for all cars have increased lately due to government tariffs and supply chain disruptions, so you want more reliability. The old Land Cruisers have proven their worth by lasting multiple decades and taking advantage of Toyota engine builds. 

In contrast, the newer Land Cruisers have a lot to prove. The older models used a 5.7L V8 engine, which is as reliable as Eli Manning beating Tom Brady in the Super Bowl. The future could be kind to the newer hybrid engine, but car buyers won’t know for decades. Plus, the V8 engine had more power and aggressiveness to it. 

Final Verdict: 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser or its Ancestors?

The answer boils down to your preferences, so we won’t be offended if you love one and hate the other. The new one’s enhanced off-roading capabilities and increased ruggedness make it more palatable to guys — unless you need to carry three or more people in your vehicle. Fuel mileage and a hybrid engine put it over the top to make it better than its predecessors.