I’ve owned my current Toyota Land Cruiser for 18 years, buying it when it was just 2 years old. Long-term ownership was always the goal. It boasts 8 comfortable leather seats, ideal for a then growing family.

One of the main reasons for choosing a Land Cruiser is my very rural locale, with some roads frequently left ungritted in the depths of winter. And there have been some challenging conditions over the years which the Toyota’s 4x4 system has dealt with, and very easily too.

Reliability has been peerless, with regular maintenance ensuring the Land Cruiser is always ready when called upon. And with press cars coming and going, it often sits for weeks on end without complaint. I have just had to replace the twin batteries, but that is only the second time so I cannot really complain.

My only issue has been some corrosion to the underside, necessitating some welding for an MOT or two. The unfortunate consequence of using the car mainly in winter these days, the salty roads doing their worst.

Have I any plans to change any time soon? Well, the new Land Cruiser looks so very appealing and having just had a week behind the wheel, I could be very tempted. Price is the only barrier as the new model is now rather dear at nearly £78,000 on the road.

Design

The 2025 Land Cruiser is unmistakably a Land Cruiser. The designers have leaned into the model’s past, especially with the limited-run First Edition, which nods to the classic 40 Series with round headlights and bi-tone paintwork. Even the standard Invincible model, as tested, with its squared-off stance and purposeful detailing, exudes a sense of rugged capability. It’s big, boxy, and unashamedly functional qualities that will appeal to those who see an SUV as more than just a fashion accessory.

Interior & Practicality

Inside, Toyota has struck a balance between durability and comfort. Both the Invincible and First Edition offer seven seats with black leather upholstery, and the cabin feels robust yet inviting. There’s a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and the Toyota Smart Connect+ multimedia system, all intuitive and easy to use, with controls placed exactly where you’d want them.
Practicality is paramount: the boot is vast (566 litres), and the rear door now features a top-hinged design with an independently opening glass hatch for easier access.

Performance & Powertrain

Under the bonnet, the new Land Cruiser is powered by a re-engineered 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel, producing 202bhp and a healthy 500Nm of torque. It’s paired with a new eight-speed automatic gearbox, delivering smoother shifts and improved efficiency. While a mild hybrid version is due in late 2025, for now, the diesel remains the workhorse, capable of towing up to 3,500kg, a figure that will please caravaners and horsebox haulers alike.

If I had a complaint, it is that the engine is somewhat vocal, especially when pressing on, which rather spoils the calm of the cabin. More sound deadening required, perhaps?

On the road, the Land Cruiser feels solid and composed, if not exactly sprightly. It’s no sports SUV, but then it doesn’t pretend to be. The steering, now electrically assisted, is lighter than before, making town driving less of a chore, while the ride quality-thanks to the new platform and body-on-frame construction-remains reasonably supple, even on rougher surfaces.

Off-Road Ability

Where the Land Cruiser truly shines is off the beaten track. The Multi Terrain Select system automatically adjusts the vehicle’s settings for mud, sand, rocks, or snow, while the new Stabiliser Disconnect Mechanism allows the front anti-roll bar to be disengaged, improving wheel articulation on gnarly trails.

Permanent all-wheel drive, generous ground clearance, and a raft of electronic aids mean the Land Cruiser is still the SUV you’d trust to get you home when the going gets tough.

I tackled one of my local tracks and it made it all seem rather easy. There was no need to deploy any of the considerable off-road weapons in its arsenal. Left it drive, and with low speeds, there was no drama or hint of wheelspin. More capable that my old girl, undoubtedly, but perhaps not by as much as you would think.

Equipment & Technology

Toyota hasn’t skimped on kit. Both models come with a panoramic view monitor, JBL premium audio, sunroof, and a suite of safety features. The Invincible gets 20-inch alloys, while the First Edition rolls on 18-inch black wheels and boasts unique interior trim. All the essentials for modern family life are present, from climate control to wireless smartphone connectivity.

Verdict

The new Toyota Land Cruiser is a rare beast: a genuinely capable off-roader that hasn’t sacrificed its soul at the altar of luxury or tech for tech’s sake. It’s not cheap with prices starting at £77,845 for the Invincible model, but you’re buying more than a car. You’re buying into a legacy of reliability, durability, and go-anywhere ability.

For those who need a true workhorse or simply want an SUV that stands apart from the crowd, the Land Cruiser remains in a class of its own. It’s not for everyone, but then it never was. It is for me though.

Rivals are of course the latest Land Rover Defender and perhaps the Ineos Grenadier. The Defender is more accomplished on the road and more refined too, whilst the Grenadier majors in its off-road prowess.

As someone who keeps their cars for a long time and places reliability high on my priority list, the Land Cruiser would likely still get the nod if I was in a position to purchase new. Its rarity will likely keep prices high for many years to come, so I will keep on motoring in my LC4. Time to get the Waxoyl out ahead of its impending MOT.

Fast Facts
Toyota Land Cruiser Invincible
Price £77,845 on the road
2.8-litre 4-cylinder engine
202bhp
500Nm torque
0-62mph in 10.9 seconds
Combined economy 26.4mpg
Test economy 28.4mpg
Emissions 280g/km CO2