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2025 Toyota Land Cruiser
There are no major changes between the 2024 and 2025 Land Cruiser, other than no longer offering the “First Edition” trim from 2024.
I like the Land Cruiser overall, but I keep coming back to how tight that second row feels for a car this size. There are some thoughtful car seat features here though and the anchor setup is pretty functional.
- Lower anchors only in the outboard seats: both driver and passenger side second row seats have full LATCH (lower anchors + tether), so installs are straightforward on the sides
- Top tether anchors in all three second row seats: you can run a forward-facing seat in any position, including the middle, which I always like to see
- Flexible forward-facing setup across the row: with three tether anchors, you have more options for multiple forward-facing seats than some competitors
- Flat, wide seat cushions help with installs: even though it’s not a true three-across car, the seat shape itself doesn’t fight you
- Ceiling vents directly above the second row: huge win for rear-facing kids who need airflow
- No third row = more cargo space: you’re trading that extra seating for a really usable trunk for strollers and gear
This is one of those setups where the anchor coverage is actually solid, but the spacing is what limits you. You’ve got the right hardware, just not quite enough room to fully take advantage of it.
The Exterior
Boxy, Rugged Design That Feels Fun Again
I really like the way this looks. It feels like Toyota brought some personality back here, and it leans a little more premium while still keeping that rugged, off-road vibe.
- Boxy, upright styling stands out: it gives major Bronco, Rivian, even a little Hyundai Santa Fe energy
- Two-tone color options add personality: the fun colors paired with the contrasting roof make it feel more playful than traditional Land Cruisers
- More FJ Cruiser than old Land Cruiser: it definitely feels like a modern throwback rather than a continuation of the previous generation
Taller Ride Height Gives You Great Visibility
One thing I immediately noticed getting in is how tall this vehicle feels, and I actually really like that.
- Higher seating position: great visibility when you’re driving, especially in traffic or parking lots
- Plenty of headroom: even at six feet tall, there’s still space above your head, which makes it feel open vertically
Big SUV Presence, But Slightly Different Proportions
This is still a big SUV, but the proportions are a little different than what you might expect.
- Same frame as the Lexus GX: so you’re getting a substantial vehicle in terms of overall size
- No third row changes the feel: it’s a five-passenger SUV, which shifts how the space is used overall
- Long hood and shorter cabin feel: it gives it a strong, bold look, but it might not be everyone’s favorite proportion
Functional, But Not Focused on Easy Access
There are a few small things I noticed that impact day-to-day usability.
- Door opening isn’t super wide: I would love closer to a 90-degree opening, especially when dealing with kids and car seats
- Step-in height is noticeable: the added height is great for visibility, but it’s something to keep in mind for little kids climbing in
First Row
I actually like this front row more than I expected. It feels a little more premium for Toyota, but still super practical and easy to use, which I care about way more than flashy tech.
Easy-to-Use Controls That Just Make Sense
This is one of those setups where you don’t have to think too hard.
- Big physical buttons, simple layout overall: easy to find everything quickly
- No digging through screens: heated steering wheel and climate are right there
Tech Feels Modern but Not Overwhelming
You’re getting good features, but it still feels approachable.
- Digital dash and head-up display: helpful without being distracting
- Large screen and 360 camera: great for a car this size
- Rear camera mirror: especially useful with kids or car seats behind you
Storage Is Good, With One Miss
There’s a lot to like here, but one thing feels unnecessary.
- Cupholders and charging are solid: everything is where you want it
- Cool box in the center console: takes up a lot of space and I would rather have more storage
Comfortable with Great Visibility
It just feels good to sit up here.
- Nice high driving position: you can see everything
- Plenty of headroom: even if you’re tall
- Seats are comfortable: nothing fancy, just easy for everyday driving
Overall, it’s just really usable. Not overcomplicated, not trying too hard, and that’s exactly what I want.
Second Row
This second row is honestly where this car loses me a bit. For a five-passenger SUV this size, it just feels tighter than you’d expect, especially once you start dealing with car seats.
Lower anchors on the sides, tether anchors across all three seats
The anchor setup is actually solid, it’s the space that’s the issue.
- Lower anchors in both outboard seats: easiest spots for car seats
- No lower anchors in the middle: you’ll need to use a seatbelt there
- Top tether anchors in all three seats: you can do a forward-facing seat anywhere
Tight spacing makes installs and everyday use harder
This is what you’re really feeling back here.
- Flat seats are car seat friendly: installs sit nicely
- Overall width is tight: three across is going to be tough
- Rigid buckles get in the way: they make tighter setups harder
- Front seat has to come forward: especially with a rear-facing seat behind a taller driver
- Door doesn’t open super wide: getting kids in and out takes more effort
A few things they did get right
There are still some positives.
- Ceiling vents right above: great for airflow
- Climate control and charging: easy for everyday use
- Seats are comfortable: just wish there was more room
Overall, it works, but it doesn’t feel like it’s working with you. It’s one of those setups where everything is technically there, it just feels tighter than it should.
Third Row
Trunk
Big trunk, just not class-leading
You get about 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row, which is great for everyday family use, it just doesn’t feel huge for a vehicle this size.
- Similar to a RAV4 (37.6 cu ft): so it’s more compact-SUV level space
- Smaller than a Honda Passport (41.2 cu ft): some midsize SUVs give you more
- Boxy shape helps it feel usable: easy to load strollers and gear
- Opening rear glass is a win: quick access without opening the whole trunk
Overall, it’s very practical, just not as big as you’d expect.
Safety
The 2024 Land Cruiser has not been crash tested by IIHS
As of now, there is no IIHS rating for the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, so it has not been evaluated for Top Safety Pick or individual crash categories.
Strong standard safety tech comes on every model
Even without crash test ratings yet, it still comes well equipped.
- Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 standard: includes pre-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and automatic high beams
- Available 360 camera and driver-assist features: helpful for visibility and everyday driving
Overall, it checks the box for standard safety features, but until IIHS and NHTSA complete testing, there just isn’t a full crash performance picture yet.
Two LATCH seats on the sides, seatbelt install in the middle
This is a pretty straightforward setup, it’s just the spacing that makes it tricky.
- Outboard seats: have lower anchors + top tether anchors
- Middle seat: top tether only, no lower anchors
- All three seats have tether anchors: so you can do a forward-facing seat anywhere
Easy installs individually, tight when you combine them
- Flat seats help installs: car seats sit nicely
- Not a three-across car: width is tight
- Rigid buckles take up space: harder to squeeze multiple seats
Rear-facing and daily use feel tighter than expected
- Front seat has to move forward: especially for taller drivers
- Door opening is narrow: getting kids in and out is more work
- No sliding second row: you can’t adjust for more space
Overall, it works, but it feels tighter and less flexible than it should for a car this size.
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