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Toyota Land Cruiser (2025) review: better in every way

At a glance

Pros: Still monstrously capable off-road but now much better on it, retro looks
Cons: Fuel economy, doesn’t ride as well as a Defender

What’s new?

By the time the new Land Cruiser arrives in the UK at the back end of 2024, it’ll have been 15 years since the current-generation model has been on sale, and in the car world, that’s an awfully long time.

In terms of looks, it’s very different, with a new modern-retro design harking back to past versions introduced. It will likely go down a storm with buyers – think new Suzuki Jimny and Land Rover Defender (and how well they’ve done) and you get the idea. There’s minimal overhangs, classic ‘Toyota’ badging, lots of glass and characteristically tough styling without being too try-hard. Depending on trim level, it also gets round or square headlights. It’s properly cool.

Under the surface, it retains the body-on-frame structure but uses a new platform shared with the larger Land Cruiser 300, while accommodating various mechanical changes. A key one is adopting electric power steering for the first time, replacing the old hydraulic setup. This provides less kickback while off-roading, and importantly allows lane-keeping assists to be introduced to meet the latest safety requirements.

What about the specs?

Toyota has stuck with the Land Cruiser’s 2.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine for this new model, but with extensive modifications that include a redesigned turbocharger. There’s a new eight-speed automatic gearbox too, bringing two more gears than before.

Its 201bhp and 369lb ft of torque figures remain the same as before, but courtesy of the new turbo and gearbox, it feels considerably quicker than the old Land Cruiser’s 12.9-second 0-62mph time. The Land Cruiser is still in prototype stage, so various stats remain ‘tbc’ until it’s properly homologated, but we anticipate a couple of seconds being shaved off that 62mph sprint time.

Efficiency figures remain under wraps as well, but we averaged around 28mpg on our test route. Expect CO2 emissions to be well above 200g/km too.

You will be able to buy a (lightly) electrified Land Cruiser in 2025, though, with a 48-volt mild-hybrid setup. Toyota is being clear it’s about making the SUV ‘smoother and quieter’, rather than boosting fuel economy.

How does it drive?

The on-road manners of the previous Land Cruiser were previously the main weak point, but Toyota has worked hard to address that. Ride comfort is a real step up, and it feels far more settled and less jittery than the previous car, albeit not as silky-smooth as a Land Rover Defender’s ride.

The new electric power steering is another major advancement, and makes a real difference to how it behaves on the road. It feels more planted, settled and responsive, with the old Land Cruiser’s steering being slow and often unpredictable.
Read More https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/toyota/land-cruiser-prototype/


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