For decades, the Toyota Land Cruiser has been the go-to vehicle for serious off-roading. But how does the new 2025 passenger version handle the daily grind of suburban life? We took the 2.8 diesel automatic for a spin to find out if this seven-seater beast is more than just a mud-slinging machine.
A Familiar Face With A Retro Vibe
Even though it’s a new model, the 2025 Land Cruiser sports a retro look that’s instantly recognizable. The grille is classic Toyota, and the bumpers are designed in sections. This is a smart move for off-roaders, meaning if you scratch or dent a part, you only need to replace that section, not the whole bumper. It’s a big, imposing vehicle, almost like a Tonka toy for adults. Just a heads-up, that "tax disc" on the front represents a hefty €2,400 in annual road tax for this 2.8-liter diesel, even with its modest horsepower. If you’re considering the passenger version, be prepared for that cost.
Built For The Rough Stuff
The Land Cruiser is built tough. It has a 700mm wading depth, meaning it can handle crossing rivers and water with ease. We tested this capability in the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, and it handled everything thrown at it. Underneath, it’s still a ladder-frame chassis, which is great for durability. It also features lockable differentials and a stabilizer bar that can be disconnected for better wheel articulation off-road. These features make it incredibly capable when the going gets tough.
Key Takeaways
- Off-Road Prowess: Legendary capability with features like locking diffs, crawl control, and a 700mm wading depth.
- Practicality: A massive 640L boot space with the rear seats folded, though it shrinks to 130L with the third row up.
- Comfort & Tech: Offers full-size SUV comfort with features like cooled seats, a JBL sound system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
- Towing: Can tow up to 3.5 tonnes, making it a workhorse.
- Running Costs: Expect around 10.8L/100km fuel economy and a significant annual road tax of €2,400.
- Price: The passenger version starts at €140,000.
Space For The Family (Mostly)
When it comes to space, the Land Cruiser is a mixed bag. With the rear bench folded down, you get a huge 640 liters of boot space. However, pop up the third row of seats, and that space shrinks dramatically to just 130 liters. Most seven-seaters offer a bit more room in the boot with the third row in use. The seats in the back can be raised and lowered electronically, which is handy, though manually folding them down can be a bit of a chore. When the seats are flat, the cargo area is completely level, making it easy to load large items. There are also charging ports and air vents for rear passengers, and even a 100W output socket in the back.
Getting into the Land Cruiser can be a bit of a climb due to its height, but thankfully, Toyota includes grab handles. Inside, the attention to detail is impressive. Even the seatbelt receivers have felt to stop rattles. The rear bench seat has adjustability, allowing you to recline or move the seats forward or backward for more legroom, though there isn’t a bar underneath to adjust them easily. ISOFIX points are on the outer seats of the second row, but not in the rear. Passengers in the middle row get their own climate control and air vents.
Luxury Meets Ruggedness
The passenger version comes loaded with features. You get a JBL upgraded sound system, a head-up display, and air-cooled seats – a real treat on a hot day. There’s a wireless charging pad, three USB-C ports, and an HDMI port. The mode select dial is easy to use, offering Sport, Normal, and Eco modes, along with DAC (Downhill Assist Control) and Crawl mode. These off-road modes are simple to engage, and the display helps guide you. You can also easily access high/low ratio gears and the stabilizer bar disconnect here. For entertainment, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included.
Toyota has opted against air suspension in Europe to keep the vehicle rugged and reliable. There’s also a surprisingly effective cooler box under the center armrest that kept milk chilled on a warm day. The cabin is filled with physical buttons, which are easy to use and clean. While the materials feel nice and soft, some of the driver assistance systems can be a bit fiddly to turn off, like the speed limiter beep, which requires a few menu steps. For off-roading, you get a chassis view camera that shows you exactly where your wheels are going, which is incredibly useful on uneven terrain. Heated seats and a heated steering wheel add to the premium feel.
On The Road And Off
While the Land Cruiser is undeniably at its best off-road, it performs decently on tarmac. The steering is a bit vague, but that’s understandable given its off-road focus. The eight-speed automatic transmission is much smoother than the previous six-speed, shifting like a modern car. Fuel economy is rated at 10.8L/100km, which is acceptable for its size and permanent all-wheel drive system, though the emissions are high, contributing to the road tax. The 2.8-liter diesel engine, with just under 200 horsepower, doesn’t feel fast for acceleration. If you’re coming from a performance SUV, this won’t match that.
However, this is the most luxurious Land Cruiser ever made. The interior is more refined, with better insulation and less road noise. It handles speed bumps like they aren’t there, and you feel incredibly secure behind the wheel. The diesel engine does prefer longer journeys, as the DPF regeneration light came on during shorter trips, a reminder that diesels aren’t ideal for constant short runs.
Is It Worth The Price Tag?
The passenger version of the 2025 Land Cruiser starts at a hefty €140,000. It was never a big seller in Ireland, with most buyers opting for the commercial version. The commercial model, which we’ll look at soon, is significantly cheaper, starting around €57,192 ex VAT. While the passenger version might benefit from a plug-in hybrid option, and the commercial version is well-suited to diesel, the price is still substantial. Compared to rivals like the Land Rover Defender, the Land Cruiser focuses on reliability and longevity. Toyota owners often pass their Land Cruisers down through generations, a testament to their build quality. It’s an incredibly capable tool, like a Swiss Army knife for extreme conditions, rather than a smooth-riding road car. If you need a vehicle that will simply get you there and back, no matter what, the Land Cruiser is your man. But if you just want a comfortable SUV for city driving, there are likely better, more affordable options out there.