The Toyota Land Cruiser has been a symbol of off-road dominance for decades, and the 2025 model brings it back to the U.S. with a fresh, compact design and hybrid efficiency. This midsize SUV blends heritage charm with modern tech, making it a direct rival to the BMW X5—offering more trail capability at a lower starting price of $56,700.
It’s built for adventurers who want reliability without the bulk of full-size trucks. Let’s explore the standout elements that position it as a game-changer in the luxury SUV segment.
Heritage-Inspired Design with Modern Refinements
The 2025 Land Cruiser draws from its storied past, especially in the base 1958 trim with round LED headlights and a boxy silhouette that echoes the original FJ25. A prominent “TOYOTA” grille anchors the front, paired with squared-off wheel arches and black cladding for a tough, athletic stance.
At 193.7 inches long and 78.0 inches wide, it’s more maneuverable than its predecessor, fitting midsize SUV dimensions while maintaining 8.7 inches of ground clearance for light trails. Functional touches like frame-mounted tow hooks and skid plates enhance off-road readiness. Compared to the BMW X5’s sleek lines, the Land Cruiser’s retro-modern vibe feels more authentic for exploration, available in colors like Trail Dust and Underground.
i-FORCE MAX Hybrid Powertrain for Balanced Performance
Power comes from Toyota’s i-FORCE MAX hybrid system: a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired with electric motors, delivering 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. This setup provides strong low-end pull for rock crawling or highway passing, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Full-time four-wheel drive includes a locking center differential, low-range gearing, crawl control, and Multi-Terrain Select for six modes like Mud or Rock. It accelerates to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds, blending efficiency with capability. Towing reaches 6,000 pounds, suitable for trailers or boats.
| Powertrain Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.4L Turbo 4-Cyl + Hybrid Motors |
| Horsepower | 326 hp (combined) |
| Torque | 465 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic |
| Drivetrain | Full-Time 4WD with Low-Range |
| Towing Capacity | Up to 6,000 lbs |
| Ground Clearance | 8.7 inches |
Fuel Efficiency and Real-World Range
The hybrid powertrain shines in economy, earning EPA estimates of 22 mpg city, 25 highway, and 23 combined— a big improvement over the previous V8’s 14 mpg. Real-world testing shows around 21 mpg on highways, with the 17.5-gallon tank providing over 400 miles of range.
This setup undercuts the BMW X5’s hybrid variants, which start around 24 mpg combined but lack the Land Cruiser’s off-road focus. It’s ideal for mixed driving, reducing fuel stops on long adventures.
| Efficiency | City/Highway/Combined MPG | Tank Size | Est. Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid | 22/25/23 | 17.5 gallons | 385-440 miles |
Interior Comfort and Practical Features
The cabin seats five comfortably with supportive cloth or SofTex seats, offering 41.5 inches of front headroom and 98.3 cubic feet of passenger volume. Cargo space measures 37.5 cubic feet behind the seats, expanding to 82.2 with them folded—practical for gear or groceries.
A 12.3-inch touchscreen handles infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and cloud-based navigation. The Multi-Terrain Monitor provides underbody views via cameras, and a 2,400-watt inverter powers devices off-grid. Unlike the X5’s gadget-heavy dash, this setup feels intuitive and trail-ready.
| Interior Feature | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Infotainment | 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto |
| Utility | Multi-Terrain Monitor, 2,400W inverter, power tailgate (higher trims) |
| Space | 37.5 cu ft cargo (seats up); 82.2 cu ft (folded) |
| Comfort | Heated/ventilated seats (available), dual-zone climate |
Advanced Safety and Off-Road Tech
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is standard, featuring adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. It earns high marks from IIHS and NHTSA for crash protection, with eight airbags and a rigid body-on-frame chassis.
Off-road aids like hill-descent control and downhill assist make it approachable for novices. The X5 offers similar ADAS, but the Land Cruiser’s system integrates better with terrain modes for safer trails.
| Safety Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Driver Aids | Adaptive cruise, AEB, lane keep (TSS 3.0) |
| Monitoring | Blind-spot, rear cross-traffic, 360-camera (available) |
| Off-Road | Crawl control, Multi-Terrain Select (6 modes) |
Pricing, Trims, and Value Edge Over BMW
The 2025 Land Cruiser starts at $56,700 for the 1958 trim, rising to $61,470 for the Land Cruiser model—significantly under the BMW X5’s $66,000 base. Both share the hybrid powertrain, but the Land Cruiser adds superior off-road hardware and Toyota’s renowned durability, backed by an 8-year/100,000-mile hybrid warranty.
It’s positioned as a value leader, blending luxury with capability that the X5 can’t fully match on rough terrain. Availability is now at U.S. dealers, with strong demand noted in reviews.
| Trim | Starting MSRP | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| 1958 | $56,700 | Round headlights, cloth seats, heritage styling |
| Land Cruiser | $61,470 | Larger screen, leather options, premium audio |
Why the 2025 Land Cruiser Outshines Competitors
This revival captures the Land Cruiser’s essence—unwavering reliability and go-anywhere spirit—while adding hybrid smarts and a competitive price. It challenges the BMW X5 by prioritizing adventure over pure luxury, earning praise from outlets like Car and Driver for its balanced performance. For buyers seeking a versatile SUV with proven longevity, it’s a compelling choice.
FAQs About the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser
What engine powers the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser?
It features a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid (i-FORCE MAX) producing 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic.
What’s the fuel economy of the 2025 Land Cruiser?
EPA ratings are 22 mpg city, 25 highway, and 23 combined, with a 17.5-gallon tank for 385-440 miles of range.
How much does the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser cost?
The base 1958 trim starts at $56,700, while the standard model begins at $61,470—lower than the BMW X5’s starting price.
What off-road features does the 2025 Land Cruiser have?
It includes full-time 4WD, locking center differential, low-range gearing, crawl control, and Multi-Terrain Select with six modes.
How does the 2025 Land Cruiser compare to the BMW X5?
The Land Cruiser offers better off-road capability and hybrid efficiency at a lower price ($56,700 vs. $66,000+), with similar power but more trail-focused tech.