Toyota Land Cruiser (2025) review – A car for life
Unprecedented reliability
Toyota is synonymous with reliability, and the Land Cruiser is the ultimate proof of that. This is not a car you buy because it is hip or packed with the latest tech gadgets. No, this is a car you choose because it always starts, always drives and is always ready for the next adventure. Whether it’s muddy jungle trails, scorching hot deserts or snowy mountain passes, this car always comes home. So it makes sense that organizations like Unicef, the Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders worldwide rely on the Land Cruiser.
Diesel
In Europe, under the hood of the new Land Cruiser you will always find a 2.8-liter turbodiesel with 150 kW (204 hp) and a solid 500 Nm of torque. Later in 2025, Toyota will introduce a mild hybrid variant. The sound of the diesel engine may not always be music to your ears, but the performance of the four-pitter is impressive. With a towing weight of as much as 3,500 kg and a maximum ballast pressure of 140 kg, this is the ideal choice for those who need to tow a horse trailer, boat or an oliebollenkraam.
Spatial and functional
With dimensions of nearly five meters in length, two meters in width and two meters in height, the Land Cruiser is anything but modest. The interior is therefore spacious, but mostly functional. Toyota has opted for simplicity: large buttons, a clear infotainment screen and strategically placed soft materials that ensure that you will not bruise during a tough game of offroading.
Off-road enthusiasts will therefore appreciate its sturdy build and attention to comfort. The Land Cruiser is not only a workhorse, but also a car in which you can sit comfortably for hours. With features such as crawl mode – which allows you to drive up and down steep hills in a controlled manner – and the ability to lock all differentials – you never have to fear difficult terrain.
Design with a nod to the past
Toyota has invested heavily in the Land Cruiser’s design this time around. The result? A car that looks tough and robust, but at the same time carries a touch of nostalgia. The imposing grille, large wheel arches and short overhangs are reminiscent of the Land Cruiser models of the 1970s and 1980s. For the real fans, there is the First Edition we drive, with round headlights and optional retro striping. It’s a successful blend of retro and modern that gives the Land Cruiser a character of its own.
Who is this car intended for?
Let’s face it: the average Dutchman doesn’t need a Land Cruiser. But those who need to tow a heavy trailer daily or are simply looking for a car that is ready for anything and everything, this is the ultimate choice. While a diesel engine is not the epitome of durability, remember one thing: the Land Cruiser is not a car for a while. This is a car for life. And what car is more durable than one that will last 30 or 40 years without a hitch?
Price: quality has its price
The Land Cruiser is not a cheap car. On gray license plate it starts at about 86,000 euros, but if you want it on yellow license plate, you have to reckon with a price tag of 186,850 euros. The chances of a private individual driving out of the showroom with this Japanese off-road king are therefore about as likely as finding a parking space in downtown Amsterdam in which the Land Cruiser fits. Anyway, for those who have the money, this is an investment for life. In the video below we tell you more about the new Land Cruiser: