Living in our little SoCal bubble, we’ve noticed that certain vehicles become the “cool car” that everyone seems to want. The first gen Miata, or if you needed more room, the Lexus LS400 come to mind. And the Tesla was king for a long time.

But now it seems like the coolest of cools is the all-new Toyota Land Cruiser. With the squared off looks that are owned by the name (and also chased by the Hyundai Santa Fe and Land Rover) it’s caught the eye of a lot of SUV buyers. And another thing – with the previous model getting close to $100k, a more affordable model started looking really good. The last time we tested one, it was just coming out of the starting blocks, but with a little time under its belt we felt like it was time to visit the ‘Cruiser again. Hey, we want to hang with the cool kids too!

Boxy Cool

When Toyota introduced the new Cruiser, they offered a “1958”model that made some visual nods to the original model, circa 1958. We loved the look of our tester, with iconic round LED headlights and “TOYOTA” heritage grille made it clear you were in the heritage model. Sharing the platform with the new 4Runner it’s impressive how different it looks.

This time around we had the step-above Land Cruiser model, with rectangular LED headlamps that give it a squintier look that’s still serious, cool Rigid Industries switchable White/Amber LED fog lights, and a different lower grille with contrasting lower skid plate. It looks tough and mean, and a cool mix of modern and retro.

The profile remains epic, and shows a vehicle that’s become a bit smaller, with a squared-off profile since the last generation. You also see very short front and rear overhangs, to help off-road capability, while it also rides tall in the saddle with an 8.7-inch ground clearance. We also dug the squared-off wheel arches, and blacked-out 18-inch alloy wheels.

One thing we absolutely loved about our tester was the cool gold Trail Dust paint with the optional two-tone roof. While this is a nod to the original, it also reminded plenty of passersby of the popular FJ Cruiser Toyota sold a few years back. Double memories!

From the rear, you still see the boxy fender flares as they roll back into a tall squarish tailgate. Another cool feature – the rear window pops up with a touch of a button in the corner – great for loading/unloading in tight spaces, or you just want to look cool with a surfboard hanging out. We also loved LAND CRUISER in block letters – but Toyota didn’t go overboard and smear it across the tailgate. Tasteful and reserved. Very cool.  Like the front, a lower contrasting bumper and skid plate reinforce the off-road cred. 

Rugged is as Rugged Does

Inside is an interesting blend of toughness, tech and luxury.

Being a Premium model, our Cruiser was notably posher than the 1958 we previously tested. Open the door, and you’re greeted by leather-trimmed seats in a rich cocoa color. Getting in is a healthy step up – good thing you’ve got a grab handle, and on our tester, a step rail!

The seats are super comfy, heated and cooled with driver’s power lumbar and memory system.  The driver gets a configurable, 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster (lesser models only a 7-inch) that’s fresh and crisp to read. Even though it is digital, we liked the analog-looking 8,000 rpm tachometer and 140-mph speedo.

While some manufacturers like to do a wall of digital displays, and others a large separate tablet for info-tainment, the Land Cruiser splits the difference, with clean lines but a definite break between screens creating a blocky but useful cockpit, and Toyota still finds room to give us an actual volume knob.

The screen is also a step up, while lesser models get a slightly dinky 8-inch touchscreen, the 12.3-inch display in our tester was big and easy to read, and with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, you’re ready to rock. Speaking of rock, our tester’s 14-speaker JBL premium audio system did a great job of filling the Cruiser’s great indoors with quality sound. We also loved the optional console cool box to keep your drink or stash of chocolates nicely chilled!

Beneath the info-tainment, there’s a dedicated climate control system that’s easy and intuitive, and it’s especially clear that Toyota took the time to put key controls for driving and off-roading close at hand.

You get the serious off-road intent with a variety of switches for the systems like locking center differential, and optional rear stabilizer disconnect. We especially liked the large drive mode select controller, and the chunky shift lever. While the little nub switch is popular now – see our 2026 Lexus ES350h review – in a real truck, we want a real shifter!

The Real Deal in Off-Road

While there are plenty of “rugged looking” SUVs, the Land Cruiser has the bona fides of a serious off-road vehicle.

Under the hood is Toyota’s high-tech, I-FORCE MAX turbocharged, hybrid 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine – also found in the new Tacoma. This is a powerhouse, too, making 326 horsepower, and a massive 465 lb.-ft of torque at just 1,700 rpm. This provides plenty of punch off the line, and the 8-speed automatic transmission grabs gears smoothly and quickly.  It’s polished as well and only gets a little harsh up in the rpm band – probably a place where most drivers won’t spend much time.

Acceleration at the top end slows down a little bit, and we think that’s due to the overall weight and blocky aerodynamics. You’ll be ready to deal with just about anything else with an impressive array of tech including 4-wheel drive, locking center and rear differentials, a 2-speed transfer case with low-range, crawl and hill descent control.  The Premium model also enhances the off-road experience, adding Multi-Terrain Select, and a Multi-Terrain Monitor. It also adds a digital rearview mirror that works great on-road and off. Our tester also enjoyed an optional stabilizer disconnect mechanism to help the suspension fully articulate in extreme conditions.

We’re pleased that Toyota didn’t let the Cruiser go soft and kept the abilities that make it legendary intact.

While this is one very adept vehicle in the rough stuff, you won’t be paying penalties in the day-to-day. The ride is surprisingly supple, with rear coil springs and lots of suspension travel (8-inches of ground clearance!) And despite the big blocky body, it’s impressively quiet on the road, with wind noise barely noticeable.

Whether it’s a ski trip, Rubicon run, or just a getaway weekend to a spa, the hybrid powertrain sips away at a combined EPA rating of 23 mpg – we did find around town and hitting the turbo zone often brings down the number to low-teens, though. Trailers and Boats and all can come along for the ride with a 6,000 lb. max towing rating, and a standard brake controller.  

You may have traditional off-road ruggedness, but Toyota also gives you state of the art safety, with their Safety Sense 3.0 system that includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Full-speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist and Auto high beams.

Also on board is Proactive Driving Assist, designed to provide gentle braking into curves or gentle braking and/or steering to help support driving tasks such as distance control between a preceding vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist.  

While that sounds like plenty, our tester’s Premium package raised the stakes with added goodness, including a Head-Up Display, Lane Change Assist, Front Cross-Traffic Alert, Digital Key Cross-Traffic Alert, Digital Key and Traffic Jam Assist. Impressive, and you really feel confident behind the wheel.

Priced to Move

Well, at least compared to the previous model that started at over $87,000 and could easily clip $100K!

The entry-level1958 model starts at $58,080, and for legendary looks and rugged performance it’s a great off-road vehicle – if a little spartan.

Our Land Cruiser model builds on that with added goodies and started at $62,045. We scored some tempting options, including a Rear Bumper Guard ($230), Console Cool Box ($170). Land Cruiser Premium Package ($4,335), Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism ($1,230), Liftgate Light ($195), Two Tone Roof ($350), Front + Transmission steel skid plates ($805) and Connected Services ($325). Add in $1,495 for Destination, and we rang the bell at $71,200.

Those wanting more oomph and luxury, can opt for the sibling Lexus GX 550 comparably equipped coming in at $83,445. A significant step up, but the slightly more powerful 3.4-liter V6 with 10-speed automatic, and that Lexus premium vibe may be worth stretching the budget.

We’d also look at Kia Telluride, which got a full re-do for 2027. It’s a strong truck, and it does have a 3^rd row seat. A loaded model comes in at $59,580, so it strikes us as an impressive value. But with a turbo 4-cylinder, the acceleration would be similar to the Toyota, but we doubt it would have the same off-road chops.

On the luxury end of the spectrum we think the elegant Mazda CX-70 at $61,905 is worth a look. With a 340-hp, turbo V6 it’s quicker, but much more of an on-roader.  

Comfortable, incredibly capable and ruggedly handsome, the 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser is the king of rugged SUVs!