Toyota has been in the auto industry for almost one hundred years. From humble beginnings in Japan, the company slowly moved into the American market but struggled to find footing. The automaker toyed with several different types of vehicles, but some failed to entice audiences as planned. While many of their cars have been trial and error, one model has remained popular with buyers since the very beginning.
The Land Cruiser made its mark when the company officially began American sales in 1958. Back then, there was only one lonesome Toyota Land Cruiser for sale compared to 288 of their other model, the Toyopet. While the automaker banked on the latter being their bread and butter, buyers found it overpriced for its offered performance, and it was eventually discontinued in 1961.
Although the Toyopet may not have caught buyers' attention, the Land Cruiser certainly did. From 1961 to 1965, it remained the company's top-selling vehicle, outperforming newly introduced models. Although the Land Cruiser is approaching its 67th birthday, Toyota has continued to make it a car buyers will love. The 2025 model is a prime example of the company's dedication to reliable and safe vehicles that still perform at the top of their class.
The Evolution of the Land Cruiser
In its almost 67 years, the Land Cruiser has lived many lives. Before it was offered to the public, this rugged SUV found itself in the crosshairs of a trademark battle and a war. Before it was the Land Cruiser, it was dubbed the Toyota Jeep BJ and was planned to be a military truck prototype for US forces during the Korean War. While it was extremely well received, it was ultimately passed upon in favor of the Willys Jeep, which would eventually come to be known as the Jeep Wrangler.
The maker of the Willys Jeep did not appreciate the name Toyota chose for its similar vehicle and claimed infringement on their trademark from Toyota. Rather than engaging in a legal battle, the company simply decided to rename its vehicle the Land Cruiser and, four years later, gave it a test run with the general public.
Although the Land Cruiser's initial release was extremely limited, buyers loved the vehicle immediately. Sales continued to skyrocket, and in 1967, Toyota began expanding the model's options; shoppers could then choose from more spacious, passenger-friendly options than the original design. Throughout the following decades, the automaker continued creating improved iterations to stay on top of the market. For the 2025 Land Cruiser, Toyota made a point to offer all the power and strength buyers would expect, with a much more affordable price tag.
Continuing the Legacy in 2025
Toyota had a long reputation to live up to when releasing the 2025 Land Cruiser. With so much history, it could be challenging to keep introducing exciting concepts that draw buyers in. However, the automaker never needs to worry, as their latest model has even more appeal than previous years.
For starters, the Land Cruiser comes in at an incredibly reasonable price for an SUV of its size and capabilities. Two trims are currently available for the 2025 model year, and both clock in well under price expectations.
The Land Cruiser 1958
Not to be confused with its original model year, Toyota is throwing it all the way back with its retro-inspired trim, the 1958. This option starts at $56,700 and comes loaded with features. Buyers will enjoy heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, 18-inch dark gray metallic alloy wheels, and three stunning exterior paint choices.
The model also has rear and center locking differentials to improve traction on difficult terrain. Its rugged capabilities will truly make you feel like you've stepped back in time to the vehicle's original introduction almost 70 years ago, but this model also includes all the essential modern amenities.
The Classic Land Cruiser
Although it does not have the same rugged appearance as its counterpart, the standard trim has plenty to offer buyers. Available in eight different exterior colors, it starts at $61,470 and is packed with impressive features.
The model comes equipped with a Multi-Terrain Monitor, a handy tool that uses cameras on the vehicle's front, rear, and sides to help you be fully aware of your surroundings. You can also enjoy Muli-Terrain Select, a feature that will help you navigate challenging terrain like snow, sand, and mud; select the terrain, and your Land Cruiser will adjust the engine throttle and brakes to improve traction.
The off-roading features may be impressive, but the inside won't be outshined. You'll love the included SofText-trimmed seats and 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen. Even though your vehicle is equipped to handle the most challenging roads, you'll feel like you're sitting in luxury while traveling.
Incredible Features and Capabilities
Both trims for the Land Cruiser are incredible, but there are some features you can enjoy no matter which option you choose because they come standard on this enticing SUV. All Land Cruisers come standard with a full-time four-wheel drive system; by continuously powering the front and rear axles, traction and stability are improved so you can take your SUV even farther off the beaten path.
You can also enjoy Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, the automaker's safety suite, which includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, full-speed-range dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, automatic high beams, and proactive driving assist. These features combine to better protect you and your passengers behind the wheel.
The Land Cruiser is safe but also powerful. You can enjoy an incredible towing capacity of 6,000 lbs, along with remarkable roof capacity. Made for the great outdoors, those who love camping can rejoice at the SUV's 770-lb roof weight limit while stopped; while driving, the vehicle can carry up to 165 lbs, so you can load up your gear for your next trip.
For those looking for just a little more, Toyota offers plenty of additional features you can add to your Land Cruiser. For drivers who never want to take their eyes off the road, the automaker offers a head-up display that will show all your essential drive information right on your windshield, so you'll never have to worry about looking down. You can also opt to add a console cool box to keep drinks chilled, so no matter how far away you go, you can always have an ice-cold drink ready to go.
Find Everything You're Looking for in a 2025 Land Cruiser
There are not many vehicles on the market today that have the history and reputation of the Land Cruiser. From its original design as a wartime vehicle back in the 1950s to its present-day popularity, this vehicle has never released its hold on the public's attention.
Toyota ensured that its latest model for 2025 kept the vehicle's celebrity going. With two incredible trims available, both starting at extremely reasonable price points, it's never been easier for buyers to purchase an off-road SUV that boasts all the luxury expected in this modern age.
Whether you're drawn to the throwback trim or the more modern version, one thing is for certain: you will get everything you want and more out of this impressive midsize SUV. From incredible adaptive handling on challenging terrain to luxurious optional features, the Land Cruiser delivers it all in one affordable package.