For over six decades, the Toyota Land Cruiser has carved out a reputation as a vehicle that seamlessly blends on-road comfort with exceptional off-road prowess. This legacy has made the Land Cruiser a top choice for adventurers and overlanders who demand a reliable and capable vehicle to navigate challenging terrains while carrying passengers and gear. The latest generation, introduced just last year as a completely redesigned model, aims to broaden its appeal by offering increased affordability and improved fuel efficiency to the esteemed Land Cruiser lineage, potentially positioning it as the Best Four By Four Suv for a wider audience.
The previous iteration of the Land Cruiser, discontinued in 2021, boasted a powerful but fuel-guzzling V8 engine. In contrast, the 2025 model adopts a modern 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain, delivering a robust 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Staying true to its heritage, every Land Cruiser destined for the U.S. market is equipped with a highly capable 4WD system, ensuring drivers can confidently venture far off the beaten path. The Land Cruiser’s traditional body-on-frame construction, akin to classic SUVs, features an independent front suspension and a durable solid axle rear. Comfortable coil springs at each wheel contribute to a smooth ride quality, making this SUV well-suited for both everyday driving and rugged trails. For serious off-road situations, engaging the rear differential lock, shifting into Low Range, and disconnecting the front sway bar transforms the Land Cruiser into an exceptionally talented off-road machine, arguably claiming its stake as a contender for the best four by four SUV.
This more accessible price point of the new Land Cruiser is expected to attract a wider range of buyers seeking genuine off-road capability in a four by four SUV. For those who appreciate the Land Cruiser’s off-road pedigree but desire added luxury, power, and towing capacity, the Lexus GX 550 presents a similar, albeit more premium, alternative. Both vehicles share a similar platform, but the Land Cruiser prioritizes ruggedness and value, while the GX 550 leans towards refinement and upscale features within the best four by four SUV category.
While the latest Land Cruiser is more compact and lighter than its V8 predecessors, it still provides ample space for five occupants. The slightly reduced length and the incorporation of the hybrid system’s battery pack mean that a third row of seats is no longer available. This design choice reinforces the Land Cruiser’s focus on being a highly capable and comfortable four by four SUV for off-road adventures and everyday use for five passengers.
The interior of the modern Toyota Land Cruiser is appointed with pleasant soft-touch materials and contemporary technology. Drivetrain controls are conveniently located around the gear shifter, ensuring essential functions are easily accessible. The base “1958” model, starting at $57,900, is well-equipped for off-roading, featuring a standard electronic locking rear differential, Crawl Control (an off-road cruise control system), and an 8-inch touchscreen with a rearview camera. Upgrading to the $63,900 Land Cruiser grade adds further luxury and enhanced capability, including an electronic sway bar disconnect for improved articulation in rough terrain, a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, and distinctive rectangular LED headlights. These features contribute to making the Land Cruiser a strong contender for the title of best four by four SUV in its price range.
Although the 2025 Land Cruiser incorporates modern engineering, its exterior design pays homage to the iconic Land Cruiser FJ60 wagons of the 1980s. This blend of retro styling and contemporary technology is expected to appeal to buyers considering authentically capable SUVs such as the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, or Land Rover Defender. When evaluating the best four by four SUV options, the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser presents a compelling combination of heritage, capability, and modern features that warrants serious consideration.
