Toyota Land Cruiser review

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Rejuvenated icon promises better on-road manners without compromising off-road capability

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The Toyota Land Cruiser is proof that the Japanese firm truly offers the most diverse model range in the business. 

Sure, one could haul a Mercedes A-Class inside a Mercedes Actros, but they don’t live next to each other in showrooms. Whereas you could drive away from a Toyota dealer in anything from a 65mpg hybrid supermini to a straight-six manual sports car – or an off-roader with a ladder-frame chassis, a live rear axle and a 2.8-litre four-cylinder diesel engine.

The Land Cruiser helped build the Japanese brand’s reputation for solid engineering, and although it is a bit of a niche thing in Europe, elsewhere it’s still massive.

You can take that literally: in some markets, the Land Cruiser has its own model range, including the 4.6m-long Land Cruiser 300 Series and the ultra-old-school Land Cruiser 70 Series. That comes with a 4.5-litre V8 diesel and a manual ’box.

Over here, we get just the 250 Series, also known as Prado, and it entered a new generation in 2024. It’s not electric, it’s not even a hybrid (not over here, anyway) and the mechanical specification hasn’t radically altered from the old one.

But although the new J250-generation Land Cruiser isn’t a radical departure from the J150  before it, there’s still plenty to talk about.

The Toyota Land Cruiser range at a glance

All Land Cruisers sold in the UK are powered by the familiar 2.8-litre four-cylinder diesel engine from the old Land Cruiser and the current Toyota Hilux pick-up truck, although it has been updated for a broader spread of torque through a new, smaller turbocharger. A 48V mild-hybrid version will join the range later.

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The four-pot diesel is paired with a new eight-speed automatic gearbox. Toyota calls it Direct Shift, which means it is a torque converter with a lock-up clutch that closes at lower speeds than before. 

Toyota offers two specifications: Invincible and First Edition. The First Edition, offered in limited numbers and now sold out, exclusively features a paint job reminiscent of the classic 1960s Land Cruiser 40, with round headlights and either Smoky Blue or Land Sand paint, matched with a grey roof. 

All cars come as standard with black leather upholstery, dual-zone air conditioning, a 12.3in touchscreen and a head-up display. Other equipment includes a JBL stereo, a panoramic reversing camera, a digital driver’s display, 20in alloy wheels and a sunroof.

What’s quite unusual is that you can choose from two entirely different headlight designs: one square, one circular. First Edition cars get the circular lights as standard, and Invincible cars get square ones.

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DESIGN & STYLING

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Toyota Land Cruiser side

First, just look at it. The design is pretty well-liked, being quite retro-inspired but still modern. A square-edged form just makes a lot of sense for an off-roader anyway.

It’s not all about style, though: there’s plenty of functionality in the design. A number of body panels are made to be deformable so that they can stand up to being bashed about, and if the bumper does need replacing, it can be done in sections (as on the new GR Yaris hot hatch).

Two headlight styles are available based on the trim level: the round ones in most of the photos, and a more square design. I actually prefer the latter, but mostly I like that you have the choice. Reminds me of the Jaguar XJ40.
Illya Verpraet
Road Tester

The edges of the bonnet have been raised to make the car easier to place, and the windscreen is more upright than before. The latter thing isn’t great for aerodynamics, but it also benefits visibility (and helps with the retro look). The side window line is also 30mm lower than before.

At the back, the option of a rear-mounted spare wheel has gone (the full-size spare is underslung) and the tailgate hinges have moved from the right to the top. In case you need to access the boot in a tight spot, it’s possible to open just the glass, which will please a few disgruntled BMW 5 Series Touring buyers.

Engine efficiency is further boosted by it no longer having to drive a hydraulic pump. The old Land Cruiser was one of the last cars on sale with purely hydraulic power steering (even McLarens use an electrohydraulic pump).

Electric power steering is just one of the upgrades in improving the Land Cruiser’s road manners. That was one of the main goals with this new model – without compromising its off-road and towing capabilities, of course.

A ladder chassis is still present and correct, and torsional rigidity has been increased by 50%, thanks to 84 additional weld points and it being bonded as well. It contains 11.9m of structural adhesive.

A host of detail improvements to the suspension (still by double wishbones at the front and a live axle at the rear) and application of more sound-deadening and enhanced body sealing further boost refinement. There’s even an active noise-cancelling system.

Naturally, a number of off-road goodies feature as well: you can option in a rear Torsen differential (in addition to the standard centre one, also Torsen) and a disconnect system for the front anti-roll bar.

INTERIOR

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Toyota Land Cruiser interior

Climb up into the cabin – and yes, this is one of those SUVs that require a bit of a climb and make you thankful for the side steps – and things are a magnitude more modern than in the outgoing car. No wonder, since that could trace its roots back to 2009.

There’s a pair of 12.3in screens (cars in lower trims get smaller 8.0in versions) and generally a fresh feel. You wouldn’t call it luxurious, but nor does it feel cheap or unpleasant, just appropriately utilitarian.

The second-row bench has an adjustable backrest, and easily flips forward to allow access to the third row
Illya Verpraet
Road Tester

Toyota says it was important to maintain buttons for all the essential functions, so that you can still operate them when wearing gloves or being jostled off road. There’s a proper ‘shove it backwards and forwards’ lever for the gearbox as well. That’s what we like to see.

Well, almost. There are more than a few blank switches, which we wish had been put to use for turning off the assorted nagging safety systems. 

That being said, Toyota’s lane-keeping assistance is better than most, and when you drive on clearly-signed roads, the visual indicator for the speed limit is reliable. Turning off these ADAS systems requires some menu diving within the digital instrumentation display, which is a hassle to do every time you switch the car on.

Otherwise, the multimedia is Toyota’s usual unit, which is okay, although switching between smartphone mirroring and the native interface is too clunky.

The digital gauge cluster, too, is familiar from other Toyotas, and is nicely clear and configurable, if a bit fiddly to adjust.

Having grown slightly in length, the Land Cruiser offers even more generous rear seat space and an optional third row. The latter is the usual fare: useful for kids or a trip to the pub but no more, and boot space is minimal with those two seats up. Raising the seats is done electronically across the range.

ENGINES & PERFORMANCE

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Toyota Land Cruiser front downhill

Off-road, there isn't much the Land Cruiser can't handle. With four-wheel-drive low-range engaged and the systems in Mud mode, you can turn on Crawl Control. The latter is effectively off-road cruise control that tries to maintain a set speed, which you can vary in 1kph increments up to 6kph by twisting the drive mode switch.

So configured, the Land Cruiser drags itself up and down slopes and through water troughs while you just have to steer. The hardcore off-road enthusiast may enjoy the lever-pulling in an old Defender, but for everyone else this is mighty convenient. Traversing axle-articulating courses, wading deep water and negotiating steep, slippery slopes, the Land Cruiser feels slightly more effortless than the Ineos Grenadier, and comfortably matches the capabilities of the world-class Land Rover Defender.

There are shift paddles on the steering wheel, which seems a little optimistic, but they're not in the way.
Illya Verpraet
Road Tester

Whether the Land Cruiser is good on the road depends on your perspective. With its chugging, large-capacity four-cylinder diesel and body-on-frame construction, it’s no match for the Defender or Discovery, let alone more road-bound 4x4s like the BMW X5.

The Land Rovers won’t tow any less (3500kg) and are just as capable off-road, though, so the ultimate reliability must be a major factor if you are to choose the Toyota.

The Land Cruiser is perfectly pleasant and usefully upgraded. While the ’box is a little slushier than some modern autos, that’s not such a bad thing, and it’s nicely smooth and responsive. But while the engine is quieter, it’s still a bit of a truck lump; you feel some vibrations under acceleration, and you're more aware of being higher in the rev range than you are in a straight-six Land Rover Defender.

RIDE & HANDLING

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Toyota Land Cruiser jump

It steers lightly, more directly and with greater precision than before, and without the disconcertingly disconnected feel of the Ineos Grenadier. That, plus the commanding view out and the boxy body, makes it easy to place, even in tighter city streets.

Even on all-terrain tyres, grip on the road is decent. But in short, it’s no sports SUV: body roll is noticeable in tight corners and its pace is leisurely at best. 

Toyota hasn’t released a full set of off-roading numbers yet, but the approach and departure angles and ground clearance are 31deg, 23deg and 215mm. The Grenadier touts 36deg, 22.5deg and 264mm, and a coil-sprung Defender 110 31.5deg, 37.5deg and 226mm.
Illya Verpraet
Road Tester

You won’t mistake it for a monocoque, independently suspended SUV from behind the wheel. Although it’s softly sprung and its tyre sidewalls are tall, it still crashes and shimmies over poorly surfaced roads. There is, however, an air of invincibility about it, especially when you're travelling on poorly surfaced roads or over sleeping policemen. You don't feel the effects of them as much as you would in a car with smaller tyres.

Things smooth out at speed and the seats are comfy and quite supportive, so it won’t be taxing on long journeys. At motorway speeds, wind and tyre noise are much better subdued than in a Grenadier, but it can't quite match the impressively hushed Defender.

MPG & RUNNING COSTS

Toyota Land Cruiser lead

Prices start from around £75,000 for the Land Cruiser Invincible. That makes it slightly more expensive than an equivalent-spec Defender and considerably more than a Jeep Wrangler. But it's about even with the Grenadier. 

Taking in motorways, B-roads and village streets, a fuel economy figure of 32mpg means this is far from the most efficient diesel engine ever made, but the equivalent Defender – which has a larger, more powerful engine – manages just 1mpg more.

Its official kerb weight of between 2330kg and 2550kg means it’ll chew through wear and tear components like tyres, bushes and brakes faster than lighter - if less immediate-feeling - rivals such as the Dacia Duster and Ford Ranger.

VERDICT

land cruiser

Few cars offer quite the same duality of ability to go to Waitrose or on a desert expedition. Being a Toyota, it can be expected to return from both too.

Realistically, few people in this country need a Land Cruiser. Most would be better off with, say, a Skoda Kodiaq. But those who choose this 4x4 are getting an excellent update on an already very fit-for-purpose car.

Toyota Land Cruiser news

Autocar magazine 3 April: on sale now
Autocar magazine 3 April: on sale now
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Toyota Land Cruiser V8 prices announced

It does the same as the Defender in combining a retro-inspired design with modern flourishes that make it distinctive to look at, and even though it can’t match the Land Rover for interior ambience and perceived quality, it is a markedly improved product over the previous car. Combine this with its largely easy-to-use infotainment and the fact that it is unfathomably capable off road, and it becomes a compelling prospect.

It's a pity the gearbox is slushy and the engine unrefined, but in spite of minor niggles, the Land Cruiser offers a package that is as capable as it is credible against its establishment.

The only version you can currently buy - Invincible - was originally and still is our recommendation anyway, because it’s generously equipped and just as capable as the sold-out First Edition car. But if you would like more luxury and generally more refined driving manners, you’re better off with a Defender.

Jonathan Bryce

Jonathan Bryce
Title: Social Media Executive

Jonathan is Autocar's social media executive. He has held this position since December 2024, having previously studied at the University of Glasgow before moving to London to become an editorial apprentice and pursue a career in motoring journalism. 

His role at work involves running all of Autocar's social media channels, including X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, LinkedIn and WhatsApp. 

Illya Verpraet

Illya Verpraet Road Tester Autocar
Title: Road Tester

As part of Autocar’s road test team, Illya drives everything from superminis to supercars, and writes reviews, comparison tests, as well as the odd feature and news story. 

Much of his time is spent wrangling the data logger and wielding the tape measure to gather the data for Autocar’s eight-page road tests, which are the most rigorous in the business thanks to independent performance, fuel consumption and noise figures.