I owned a brand new 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser in the Land Cruiser trim, equipped with the JBL sound system, moonroof, cool box center console, and other premium features. Visually, it’s a beautiful SUV—but for a $69K+ vehicle, I expected more.
Over six months and 8,200 miles, I averaged 18.5 mpg. That was disappointing, especially for a hybrid marketed at 22–23 mpg combined. I hoped for better real-world efficiency.
Wind noise was also a major issue. Having owned Wranglers and other vehicles with flat windshields, I expected some noise—but this was excessive, particularly on the highway, and made long trips uncomfortable.
The full-time 4WD helped in deep snow during the polar freeze in Estes Park, but created serious drivetrain tension. The vehicle squeaked, jolted, and resisted through every turn and roundabout. Quick U-turns were nearly impossible, even on wide roads.
Interior durability was another letdown. Within six months, there were multiple signs of wear—including two tears in the material. One occurred when a garage door opener slid off the driver-side visor while closing it, tearing the fabric. The other came when a TV lightly bumped the door panel during a move, causing it to rip and bunch near the window. The materials felt loose and fragile—far from what I’d expect from Toyota, especially at this price point.
For a brand built on durability and longevity, this was a disappointing experience.…
4.0
Well-rounded off-road SUV
by SJBu | on Wednesday, December 18, 2024
My observations after 2 weeks of ownership of a 2024 LC 1958.
Positives:
- Off-road capability: Stating the obvious. What I like most is the simplicity. No fancy, gimmicky (and unreliable) computer-controller AWD system that relies on electronics and clutches. Simple, mechanical 2-speed transfer case, locking central and rear differential, full-time 4WD with Torsen central differential. In hands of a capable driver it will outperform any "technology" based pseudo-4WD.
- Ride: For an off-road oriented SUV, ride is very good.
- Noise: Road noise level is low, wind noise is barely noticeable at highway speeds. The engine is noisy when accelerating, but at constant highway speeds it's very quiet.
- Comfort: Seats are comfortable (both front and rear), and you get some creature comforts like 3-zome auto A/C, heated seats and steering wheel.
- Build quality: I am en engineer and I am very picky. I can honestly say that I still haven't found a single manufacturing defect.
- Plenty of buttons: You can control all the important functions with a simple push fn a button without having to use the infotainmet screen.
- You get a complete package: You don't need to add off-road features, towing package, safety upgrades or any other options to get a fully functional vehicle. Unlike most other manufacturers where you start with a low MSRP, but in order to make the vehicle truly usable you need to add a number of expensive "options" and "packages".
Neutral:
- Powertrain: It's nimble (for the type of vehicle). There is no turbo lag thanks to the electric motor. Transmission shifting is OK when accelerating, but downshift can be hard and jarring. Some refinement would help.
- Interior finish: Everything is very solid, but it's all hard plastic. It's practical, easy to clean and it will outlast more sophisticated materials, but a bit of padding on the doors and armrests would not cost much and make the interior a nicer place to be.
- Fuel economy: I'm getting 22 mpg in mostly city driving. It's not terrible, but it isn't outstanding either.
Negatives:
- Storage space: There is very little storage space. The glove box is minuscule, the central console is small, and there are two small compartments under the trunk floor.
- Cargo space: Trunk floor is very high, and the overall cargo volume is small for a vehicle of this size. It's pretty ample in absolute terms, but less than other mid-size SUVs.
- Tires: They are quiet but have zero off-road capability. The LC should come with better on-road / off-road tires.
Final verdict: Compared with other off-road SUVs (Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco), the LC is way more "civilized" and comfortable. It can't match the practicality and comfort of a unibody crossover like Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot, but neither of these can go off-road like the LC can. It strikes the right balance between capability and practicality, making it a good weekend and road trip vehicle, family hauler and daily driver for an active-lifestyle family. And it will take you take you places other SUV drivers can only dream about.…
5.0
Nearly perfect SUV/ proper Off Roader
by SamJ | on Thursday, July 24, 2025
So I have been driving my Subaru Outback "Wilderness" For 3 years now and put it thru hell, but every time I was out with guys with "Body on Frame" trucks/SUV's they'd always leave me in the dust... I was recently at an event where fully customized Jeeps, Land Rovers, Chevy and Ford as well as even a G-Wagon were present, and of course Toyota's, to include a Land Cruiser (in 100% stock and street tires)... and guess which vehicle performed best? Yep... Left even the G-wagon in the dust. As an off roader, this probably is the king of the hill in 2025. So I went into the local Toyota dealer to look at them, and of course they were all out except for 3 1958's... I looked at them, and while as a "truck" they were nice, the hard plastics interior and missing basic comforts that I expect now in 2025 were a deal breaker... so I waited, and 2 weeks later the dealer called an a blue "Land Cruiser" trim arrived with a sticker of $72079, which he agreed to sell at sticker... I went in, test drove it.... loved how industrial it felt (almost agricultural - reminded me of driving my Chevy Duramax diesel).. Was build as solid as an M1 Tank... interior / dash was nicer than my 2020 BMW X5 that I sold 2 years go... Made in Japan quality! What else can you ask for? And the styling was just the icing on the cake... a true heavy duty Toyota truck experience, fused with a fancy Land Rover vibe... It's as if Land Rover kept making the Defender (original defender) and imported it into the US. Final note, this 2.4L 4-cylinder Hybrid is amazing.. a technological marvel.... lots of power, decent economy, and my neighbor who is a 25 year mechanic and owner of a large shop says it's laid out like a modern mechanics dream... no gimmicky plastic. covers, no hight tech, untested engine technology.... all analogue style, tried and tested toyota engine tech... and as a bonus has the port injectors to prevent the dreaded carbon buildup.. Anyway, I'd give it 6 starts but 5 is the limit.…
3.7