Toyota Land Cruiser Invincible 2025 Review: The Rhino

Introduction & Overview

The new Toyota Land Cruiser is one of the finest off-road vehicles ever made—even when compared to top-specced luxury off-roaders. Born as the Toyota BJ on 1 August 1951, it made history by conquering Mount Fuji’s sixth station. Renamed in 1954, it has since become Toyota’s longest-running model, with over 11.3 million sold across 170+ countries.

Toyota calls the Land Cruiser ‘Invincible’, and honestly, that’s an understatement. This thing is big. You could take on a rhino with it—and the rhino would probably apologise. Next to it, all other cars look like toys. If David had driven one of these, Goliath wouldn’t have stood a chance.

Off-Roading Experience

I took the Land Cruiser for an off-road spin on a private farm in Sussex, where it proved its worth. It crushed steep hills like they were gentle inclines, waded through streams like a crocodile in its element, and when I engaged the downhill assist, it took over with an eerie calm. It ignored my grip on the steering wheel, my foot hovering over the brake, my mild panic—it simply did what it was built to do: master the terrain with absolute precision. It was like riding an unstoppable force, and looking good while doing it.

There’s nothing quite like a proper Land Cruiser for tackling the sun-drenched hills of Sussex. And it’s a lot of fun.

Specs

The new Toyota Land Cruiser is powered by a 2.8-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine producing 202 bhp. It features an all-wheel-drive system and a newly introduced eight-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission. While not built for speed, it accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in a relaxed 10.9 seconds and has a top speed of 105 mph.

For the first time, the Land Cruiser comes with electric power steering and a new disconnecting anti-roll bar system, enhancing both comfort and off-road capability. It sits on 20-inch alloy wheels, providing a commanding presence on any terrain. And if you need to tow something heavy—say, a trailer, a boat, or even a small house—it boasts an impressive 3,500 kg towing capacity.

Exterior

The Land Cruiser doesn’t just look tough—it looks like it was forged in the depths of an active volcano. The Decuma Grey paint option gives it a brooding presence, while the metallic sand premium paint (£965) is sheer temptation. The rectangular LED headlights and double cube grilles give it a stance that falls somewhere between a rhino and a hippo—majestic, formidable, and unlikely to be messed with, yet strangely attractive. If this car were on safari, I reckon some of the Big Five would try to mate with it.

This is the car you’d pick in a fight. It’s like a Transformer on steroids. The angular, clean-cut lines give it a boxy presence, but the softened edges keep it from looking like a shipping container. The bonnet is a statement—broad and mighty—announcing to oncoming cars that this narrow country lane belongs to you. Move aside.

It sits high off the ground, with 215mm of running ground clearance. The towering wheel arches leave plenty of space for the suspension to do its thing. And those 22-inch alloys? They complete the look—functional, fearless, and ready to roll over anything in its path.

Interior

Inside, the grey leather seats are large, spacious, and supremely comfortable—ideal for long journeys or, let’s be honest, a quick nap. There’s ample legroom, and the chunky drive mode selector sits proudly on the centre console, ready for action. A diamond-knurled roller controls volume and scrolling—because every adventure should have the perfect soundtrack.

Toyota even consulted professional rally drivers when designing the combination of a dial selector and push switch for functions like Multi-Terrain Select. You might not be competing in Dakar, but at least your fingers will feel like you are.

The centre console is well thought out, with two cup holders and a perfectly positioned gear stick, so your arm never gets strained—something you can’t always take for granted. Rear seats recline for added comfort, which is vital when transporting older passengers (or anyone who enjoys a good snooze).

Every key function is accessible from the steering wheel, while the 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen blends seamlessly into the dash, creating a stylish, layered effect. The digital cluster provides a wealth of information—perhaps too much, like an overenthusiastic tour guide.

Then there’s the panoramic sunroof, now a must-have in luxury cars. It floods the cabin with light, making every journey feel just a little more epic. Visibility is superb—you sit higher than nearly every other car on the road. You can see boulders ahead, valleys below, and probably even tomorrow’s weather forecast.

It’s a perfect fusion of comfort and function—pretty enough to make you proud, yet rugged enough to handle whatever adventure you throw at it. Of course, the seats fold flat, and the boot is absolutely cavernous.

Tech & Gadgets Galore

As always, Toyota includes a wireless charging pad for your phone. Another feature I’ve come to appreciate is the excellent Heads-Up Display. Never take your eye off the road-especially when off-roading!

Toyota’s infotainment system remains one of the best, effortlessly connecting to my phone via Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto without the slightest glitch. USB-C ports are conveniently placed in both the front and rear, ensuring everyone stays charged. And of course, keyless entry and locking make life that little bit easier.

Security features include a transponder engine immobiliser, remote alarm, and interior microwave protection (which I assume stops people from stealing your car while also reheating their leftover pizza).

A digital rear-view mirror can be switched to a standard one—because digital requires refocusing the eyes, which is frankly annoying. As for safety, airbags cover every conceivable angle; if you crash, expect to resemble the Michelin Man. I won’t list everything—the features just keep coming. But if you're wondering whether it has auto high beam, flashing hazard lights, heated seats and steering wheel, 360-degree parking sensors, or a blind spot monitor—just assume it does.

Performance

It’s like the old complaint about classic Mustangs—great in a straight line, but you wouldn’t want to tackle a tight corner in one at speed. In truth, the Land Cruiser is less of a sports car and more of an Arnold Schwarzenegger. It may take a moment to get out of the armchair, but once it’s moving, there’s real power beneath the surface.

Throttle response is relaxed at first. This isn’t a track car—it’s made for conquering terrain, not setting lap times. Power delivery on the road is restrained, and while it takes corners with durability rather than precision, Sport mode does tighten things up. The body roll smooths out, and the ladder frame with its beam axle becomes less wobbly. For a vehicle of this size, it can still surprise you in a quick lane change.

But when you plant your foot with confidence, that 2.8-litre diesel has plenty to give. The Land Cruiser gathers pace effortlessly, though you might not feel it thanks to those oversized leather armchairs. One glance at the speedo, however, tells you that you’re moving faster than expected.

Off-Road

This is where the Land Cruiser really earns its name. Built for off-road dominance, it prioritises muscle over speed, with power saved for the moments that truly matter.

Taking it across the Sussex Downs was an absolute blast. At one point, we faced a tight 180-degree turn that climbed two metres, flanked by stone walls and trees. No problem—it tackled it with ease, inspiring complete confidence. There are only two brands that truly excel at off-roading, and Toyota is one of them.

Steep inclines, tight stone-walled turns, deep potholes—it devours them all. The lack of air suspension is a plus, reducing complexity and increasing reliability. Mechanically, it’s a tank. If it were any more durable, it would be legally classified as a military vehicle. Mud, gravel, sand, rocks—it handles them all with an effortless confidence that leaves you grinning like a maniac.

The only real compromise for sheer authenticity? The amazing number of gadgets inside. Mechanically, it’s as tough and dependable as they come.

Of course, Toyota and Lexus always deliver when it comes to safety. The adaptive cruise control is still the best out there.

• Pre-Collision System
• Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control
• Road Sign Assist
• Lane Departure Alert, Lane Trace Assist & Lane Change Assist

Only Maserati does adaptive cruise technology this well. And let’s be honest—you don’t buy a Land Cruiser for cutting-edge aerodynamics, you bought it because it’s the best tool for the job.

Off-Road Tech & Capabilities

• Permanent all-wheel drive with H4 & L4 transmission
• Approach angle: 32 degrees (because obstacles should fear you, not the other way around)
• Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC) & Downhill Assist Control (DAC)
• Crawl Control for steady progress over rough terrain
• High/Low gear range for when things get really gnarly
• Electronic rear differential lock for superior traction
• Multi-Terrain Select & new disconnecting anti-roll bar system

Parts of the car are even designed to be deformable, allowing it to take knocks and bumps without looking worse for wear—like a boxer with a plastic-memory nose. Tough, capable, and always ready for the next adventure.

Some of my friends live down dirt tracks so brutal that only a Land Cruiser could survive for more than a year. Lesser cars would give up, their suspensions rattling into oblivion. But the Land Cruiser? It thrives on this sort of challenge.

The Land Cruiser is the ultimate safari vehicle—rugged, dependable, and built to conquer the wild. Whether you're exploring the African savannah, tackling the British countryside, or simply navigating the crater-sized potholes of the UK’s roads, this rhino is up to the task.

At the end of the day, does it bring joy? If you value adventure, character, quality, and reliability—absolutely. Driving it is huge fun. It’s a vehicle that makes every journey feel like an expedition, whether you're climbing mountains or just popping to the shops.

And for those thinking ahead, a 48V mild hybrid model is set to join the range in 2026.

Prices start at £74,995 for the Invincible (aptly named).

Toyota Land Cruiser Invicible.