Few names in the automotive world carry as much weight as Land Cruiser. For decades, Toyota’s legendary off-roader has symbolized durability and capability in every corner of the globe, from Australian deserts to African savannas. But over the years, the Land Cruiser gradually transformed into a plush, tech-heavy luxury SUV—reliable, yes, but far removed from its utilitarian roots.
For 2025, Toyota has course-corrected. The all-new Land Cruiser is leaner, more focused, and proudly retro. It sheds the excess of the outgoing 200 Series in favor of a smaller footprint, a new hybrid powertrain, and styling that celebrates its heritage. And at the heart of this reboot is the Land Cruiser 1958, a base trim that channels simplicity and authenticity.
Named for the year the Land Cruiser first came to U.S. shores, the 1958 doesn’t try to impress with leather, massive screens, or endless chrome. Instead, it’s a modern homage to the brand’s roots: a purpose-built SUV that values utility over flash while embracing Toyota’s latest engineering.
Design: Retro Charm Meets Modern Engineering
The Land Cruiser 1958 is unmistakably old-school in its design, yet it feels fresh and purposeful in today’s SUV landscape. Its boxy silhouette and upright stance are functional choices, improving visibility on trails and giving it the rugged charm that enthusiasts love. Short overhangs at both ends enhance approach and departure angles, while squared fenders and flat panels give it a no-nonsense, almost military look.
The round LED headlights, unique to this trim, are a standout design feature. Paired with the heritage-inspired grille emblazoned with TOYOTA block lettering, they create a face that instantly recalls classic FJ40s. Black cladding around the wheel arches and lower body panels adds to its tough persona and offers practical protection.
At just under 200 inches long, the new Land Cruiser is noticeably smaller than its predecessor. It now fits comfortably in a midsize category, competing with vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, Ford Bronco, and Land Rover Defender. The TNGA-F platform—shared with the new Tacoma and Lexus GX—gives the SUV a strong, modern backbone, yet Toyota wisely retained the body-on-frame construction that’s key to the Land Cruiser’s legend.
The 1958 rolls on 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain rubber, and its stance strikes a nice balance between on-road civility and off-road readiness. It looks serious without screaming “mall crawler,” which is refreshing in a market crowded with SUVs that talk the talk but rarely walk the walk.
Interior: Simple, Functional, and Durable
Step inside, and you’ll see that the Land Cruiser 1958 was designed with utility in mind. There’s no leather, wood trim, or panoramic moonroof here—just a clean, straightforward layout that puts function first.
The dashboard features a blend of soft-touch materials and durable plastics, with large, tactile buttons and knobs for critical controls. Climate adjustments are made via chunky dials, and the infotainment system, while modern, is refreshingly restrained. The 8-inch touchscreen runs Toyota’s latest software, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus physical shortcut buttons for ease of use. It’s proof that you don’t need a massive screen to be high-tech.
Seats are upholstered in durable cloth, a practical choice for those who plan to use this SUV in the wild. The front seats offer plenty of comfort and support, while the rear bench is roomy enough for adults. Cargo capacity is generous, with split-folding rear seats that make it easy to haul camping gear or hardware store runs.
The cabin doesn’t feel spartan, though. Keyless entry, push-button start, multiple USB-C ports, and a six-speaker audio system are all standard. Toyota managed to deliver a rugged vibe without stripping away the conveniences modern buyers expect. It feels like a truck you’d take to a national park, not a boutique hotel—and that’s exactly the point.
Powertrain: Hybrid Torque for a New Era
Under the hood is Toyota’s i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, a bold departure from the V8 that powered previous Land Cruisers. This system pairs a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor integrated into the transmission, producing a combined 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque.
Those torque numbers tell the story. The electric motor’s instant shove gives the Land Cruiser a diesel-like feel, delivering strong, smooth acceleration right off the line. The eight-speed automatic transmission is well-matched to the engine, providing crisp shifts and making the most of the torque curve.
This setup isn’t just about performance; it’s also about efficiency. The hybrid system improves fuel economy significantly over the thirsty old V8, with estimates around 23 mpg combined—a big win for buyers who want a capable SUV without constant fuel stops.
Full-time four-wheel drive is standard, with a two-speed transfer case and a locking center differential. There’s also a locking rear differential for added traction in extreme situations. With a 6,000-pound towing capacity, the Land Cruiser remains a serious workhorse, even in its entry-level trim.
On-Road Comfort: Civilized, Yet Truck Tough
Despite its rugged construction, the Land Cruiser 1958 is surprisingly comfortable on pavement. The TNGA-F platform brings a stiffer, lighter frame, and the suspension tuning strikes an impressive balance between off-road articulation and highway stability.
Around town, the hybrid system makes low-speed driving smooth and quiet. The electric motor masks turbo lag and helps the SUV feel responsive in stop-and-go traffic. On the highway, the Land Cruiser cruises comfortably, with minimal wind and road noise for such a boxy vehicle. Steering is light but precise, and while there’s body roll, it’s controlled and predictable.
It’s not a luxury SUV, and Toyota doesn’t pretend it is. The ride is firm, the cabin isn’t whisper-quiet, and the steering is more truck-like than crossover buyers might be used to. But that’s part of its charm—the Land Cruiser feels like a machine built for adventure, not just commuting.
Off-Road Capability: Born for the Backcountry
Off-road, the Land Cruiser 1958 comes alive. Even in base trim, it’s armed with serious hardware. Its 8.3 inches of ground clearance, short overhangs, and generous approach and departure angles allow it to tackle challenging trails with confidence.
Toyota’s Crawl Control system acts as an off-road cruise control, automatically managing throttle and braking over rough terrain so you can focus on steering. Downhill Assist Control is also standard, helping maintain a steady pace on steep descents.
While higher trims offer more trail tech—like a front stabilizer disconnect, Multi-Terrain Select drive modes, and a 360-degree off-road camera—the 1958 proves that raw mechanical capability is more than enough for most adventures. In many ways, its simplicity is a strength; fewer electronics mean fewer potential failure points in remote locations.
Safety Features: Modern Protection, Standard
Toyota equips the Land Cruiser 1958 with the full Toyota Safety Sense suite. Standard features include adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. A backup camera is standard, though advanced camera systems are reserved for upper trims.
It’s reassuring to see Toyota pack in these features, especially given the 1958’s off-road focus. This makes it a practical daily driver as well as a weekend adventure rig.
Value: The Land Cruiser for Enthusiasts
Starting around $55,000, the Land Cruiser 1958 is positioned as an accessible entry into the world of Toyota’s iconic SUV. That’s still a premium over a midsize crossover, but it undercuts many similarly capable off-road SUVs, especially when you factor in Toyota’s reputation for reliability.
Where the previous Land Cruiser was a $90,000 luxury tank, this one is a throwback to the nameplate’s original spirit: a tough, dependable, go-anywhere vehicle. For enthusiasts who want a solid base for modifications—roof racks, off-road bumpers, overlanding gear—the 1958 is the perfect blank canvas.
Verdict: An Instant Classic
The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser 1958 feels like the Land Cruiser we’ve been waiting for. It’s smaller, simpler, and far more affordable than its predecessor, yet it sacrifices none of the toughness that made the name famous.
Its boxy styling and retro touches are more than a design exercise—they’re a statement of intent. This SUV isn’t chasing luxury buyers; it’s built for people who actually use their vehicles off-road. And with a powerful hybrid system, modern safety tech, and Toyota’s legendary engineering, it’s ready for decades of adventures.
For those who value substance over flash, the Land Cruiser 1958 is a welcome return to form.