2025 Toyota Land Cruiser Review | Baby Land Cruiser FJ

For over seven decades, the Toyota Land Cruiser has symbolized durability, reliability, and all-terrain dominance. Loved by explorers, farmers, and city dwellers alike, it’s the SUV that can climb mountains in the morning and attend a gala in the evening.
Now, in 2025, Toyota is reintroducing the legend with a sharper focus—retaining its off-road heart but embracing new design, technology, and hybrid innovation. With the addition of the all-new “Baby Land Cruiser FJ”, Toyota expands its off-road dynasty to appeal to a broader range of buyers who crave adventure in a compact form.

This article dives deep into everything the new Land Cruiser lineup offers—its performance, technology, design evolution, and how it blends tradition with future readiness.

Gallery: 2025 Toyota Baby Land Cruiser FJ

A Legacy Forged in the Wild

Since its debut in 1951, the Land Cruiser has been Toyota’s longest-running nameplate. Initially developed as a military vehicle inspired by the Willys Jeep, it evolved into a civilian workhorse known for going where others couldn’t. From the African savannahs to the Australian Outback, the Land Cruiser earned its reputation through dependability and rugged engineering.

The 2025 model pays homage to this storied legacy. It brings back the Land Cruiser’s boxy, old-school design while integrating modern engineering. It’s a careful balance of heritage and innovation, designed to attract both traditionalists and a new generation of eco-conscious adventurers.

Design: Retro Charm Meets Modern Precision

Toyota has returned to the Land Cruiser’s roots, crafting a design that blends nostalgia with purpose. The 2025 Land Cruiser features square fenders, round headlights, and a flat hood, reminiscent of the iconic 70 and 80 Series models. Every angle communicates toughness.

The front fascia is upright and commanding, emphasizing width and strength. LED headlights with retro-inspired circular housings pay tribute to classic Land Cruisers, while the grille integrates Toyota’s modern design language. Large skid plates, 18-inch alloy wheels, and optional off-road tires complete the look.

In contrast, the Baby Land Cruiser FJ—a smaller sibling introduced in Japan—channels similar rugged styling in a more compact footprint. Its short overhangs, modular bumpers, and urban-friendly proportions make it ideal for those who want adventure-ready looks without full-size bulk.

Platform and Engineering: Built to Conquer

The new Land Cruiser rides on Toyota’s TNGA-F platform, shared with the Sequoia and Tundra. This ladder-frame chassis is lighter, stronger, and more modular than ever, improving both on-road handling and off-road stability.

Powertrain and Performance

Under the hood, the 2025 Land Cruiser debuts a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid powertrain, replacing the old V8. Don’t let the smaller displacement fool you—it delivers a combined 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, thanks to Toyota’s i-Force Max hybrid system.

This setup pairs a turbo engine with an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission, sending power to a full-time 4WD system with a locking center differential.

Acceleration is brisk for a rugged SUV, clocking around 6.5 seconds from 0 to 60 mph—a noticeable improvement over its predecessor. The hybrid setup also enhances fuel economy, offering up to 27 mpg combined, a massive leap from the gas-guzzling V8 days.

Off-Road Capability: Still the King of Terrain

The 2025 Land Cruiser is every bit as trail-ready as its ancestors. It’s engineered for resilience, featuring:

• Full-time four-wheel drive
  
• Low-range transfer case
  
• Multi-Terrain Select for sand, mud, and rock
  
• Crawl Control (a low-speed off-road cruise control)
  
• Front and rear locking differentials
  

Its approach and departure angles—32° and 24° respectively—combined with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, allow it to traverse serious off-road obstacles.

Thanks to the new platform, body rigidity has improved by over 20%, while the suspension geometry enhances articulation and ride comfort. Whether it’s rocky trails or snow-covered passes, the Land Cruiser maintains its near-mythical reputation for durability.

Off-Road Comparison Chart

Model	Powertrain	Horsepower	Torque	Drivetrain	Ground Clearance	0–60 mph
Toyota Land Cruiser 2025	2.4L Turbo Hybrid	326 hp	465 lb-ft	4WD	8.7 in	6.5 sec
Land Rover Defender 110	3.0L Mild Hybrid I6	395 hp	406 lb-ft	AWD	8.5 in	5.8 sec
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe	2.0L PHEV	375 hp	470 lb-ft	4WD	10.0 in	6.0 sec
Ford Bronco Raptor	3.0L Twin-Turbo V6	418 hp	440 lb-ft	4WD	13.1 in	5.8 sec

While the Defender and Bronco have more outright performance, the Land Cruiser offers a refined balance of reliability, hybrid efficiency, and genuine off-road engineering.

Interior: Heritage Comfort with Modern Tech

Step inside, and the new Land Cruiser strikes a perfect balance between function and finesse. The dashboard is upright, the switchgear chunky and glove-friendly, and materials are robust yet premium.

Toyota has replaced clutter with clean, intuitive design. The 12.3-inch infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while a fully digital driver display delivers critical off-road data like pitch, roll, and torque distribution.

The cabin’s design language evokes durability—leather-trimmed surfaces, metallic accents, and rubberized grips. Higher trims feature ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium JBL audio system.

The Baby Land Cruiser FJ takes a simpler approach. It uses MOLLE panel accessories for outdoor gear, washable surfaces, and modular storage options—ideal for younger adventure enthusiasts.

Driving Experience: Comfortable Yet Capable

One of the biggest improvements in the 2025 model is its on-road behavior. The electric power steering (a first for Land Cruiser) provides better control at higher speeds, while the adaptive suspension softens bumps without losing the signature “truck feel.”

The hybrid powertrain ensures smooth, instant torque delivery. In city driving, it feels surprisingly refined, with near-silent low-speed operation. On highways, the Land Cruiser cruises effortlessly, aided by Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, blind-spot monitoring, and pre-collision braking.

Off-road, it’s unstoppable. Reviewers have already confirmed that it “feels smaller than its size” and delivers impressive precision when rock crawling or climbing steep terrain.

The Baby Land Cruiser FJ: Compact Freedom on Four Wheels

Toyota’s newest addition, the Land Cruiser FJ, also known as the “Baby Land Cruiser,” is aimed at adventurers seeking a smaller, affordable 4×4. Built on a shorter wheelbase (270 mm shorter than the 250 Series), it retains a body-on-frame construction, ensuring real off-road credibility.

It’s powered by a 2.7-liter four-cylinder petrol engine producing 160 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While not as powerful as its big brother, the FJ focuses on accessibility and customization.

Its modular bumpers, exterior MOLLE panels, and outdoor-ready design embody Toyota’s “Freedom and Joy” philosophy. The cabin is youthful and practical, with washable materials and fold-flat seats for camping gear.

Toyota even showcased a concept folding electric scooter, called the Land Hopper, that integrates with the FJ—bridging automotive and personal mobility.

Currently, the FJ is slated for the Japanese market, but its international release is eagerly anticipated.

Fuel Efficiency and Sustainability

Toyota’s hybrid powertrain plays a crucial role in reducing the Land Cruiser’s carbon footprint without compromising capability. The electric assist optimizes torque at low speeds and reduces engine load, achieving a combined fuel economy improvement of over 30% compared to the previous V8.

The use of sustainable materials, lightweight components, and improved aerodynamics contributes to Toyota’s global carbon-neutral vision. It’s clear that the new Land Cruiser aims to remain future-proof, balancing performance and environmental responsibility.

Pricing and Trim Levels

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser will be available in three trims: 1958 Edition, Land Cruiser, and First Edition.

• 1958 Edition ($55,000) – Retro styling cues, LED headlights, fabric seats, and steel wheels for purists.
  
• Land Cruiser ($61,000) – Adds premium touches like heated leather seats, digital instrument cluster, and advanced driver assistance.
  
• First Edition ($67,000) – Limited to 5,000 units, includes roof rack, rock rails, skid plates, and exclusive two-tone paint options.
  

The Baby Land Cruiser FJ pricing has not yet been confirmed internationally, but estimates place it between $30,000–$35,000, making it a strong entry point into Toyota’s off-road family.

Verdict: The Return of a Legend

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser is a masterful blend of nostalgia and innovation. It honors its iconic lineage while embracing modern-day efficiency, comfort, and digital sophistication. For purists, it’s reassuringly rugged. For new buyers, it’s refined and responsible.

Meanwhile, the Baby Land Cruiser FJ ensures that Toyota’s off-road spirit continues in smaller, urban-friendly proportions. Together, they reaffirm Toyota’s commitment to durability, adventure, and evolution.

In a world of increasingly soft SUVs, the Land Cruiser remains a symbol of authenticity—a reminder that true capability never goes out of style.

Read: 2026 Infiniti QX80 Sport: Redefining Luxury Performance in Full-Size SUVs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What engine does the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser use?
It uses a 2.4-liter turbocharged hybrid engine producing 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque.

2. Is the 2025 Land Cruiser still good off-road?
Absolutely. It retains a full-time 4WD system, locking differentials, and advanced off-road features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select.

3. What is the price of the new Land Cruiser?
Pricing starts around $55,000 for the base 1958 Edition and goes up to $67,000 for the limited First Edition.

4. What is the Baby Land Cruiser FJ?
It’s a smaller version of the Land Cruiser designed for urban and adventure use, featuring a 2.7-liter engine and compact off-road dimensions.

5. Will the Land Cruiser FJ come to global markets?
As of now, it’s limited to Japan, but Toyota is evaluating international demand for potential exports.