The Toyota Land Cruiser, a legendary off-roader with a rich heritage and an unwavering commitment to conquering any terrain that comes its way. Despite its relatively recent introduction to the Canadian market, nonetheless, this term is still gaining traction. Following the 1996 model year, Toyota discontinued production of the Land Cruiser in North America, instead redirecting efforts to serve Asian and African markets with this iconic off-road vehicle. Comfortably acquiring a range of vehicles, including the luxurious Lexus LX and GX, rugged Toyota 4Runner, and adventurous FJ Cruiser. Given the dominance of sport utility vehicles (SUVs) in North American roads, it is intriguing to consider why this market remains largely underserved by manufacturers producing innovative and eco-friendly alternatives.
Toyota’s highly sought-after, reliable, and functional SUV has finally arrived in Canada, leaving us genuinely enthusiastic about this newly accessible offering. While setting expectations may seem obvious, it’s crucial that we clearly define what we hope to achieve. In global markets, the vehicle is known as the Toyota Land Cruiser 250, commonly referred to as the Prado, with a shorter designation of LC 250; however, in Canada, it stands alone without a direct equivalent. While considered a “lite” model, distinct markets such as Japan and Australia continue to offer larger LC 300 and 70-Series Land Cruisers that have been in production since the 1980s, albeit with minor updates and a 2024 facelift.
Isn’t that to compromise its rugged efficiency? With its rugged body-on-frame construction, robust rear axle, and advanced differential controls – including rear and front locker modes, as well as an electronically adjustable sway bar – this vehicle was never intended to be a boulevard cruiser. This reliable workhorse appears to be the ideal solution? The Land Cruiser’s imposing silhouette, mirroring its Lexus GX counterpart in terms of aspect ratio and exterior design elements, presents a boxy, powerful, and ruggedly rigid appearance that exudes visible muscle. The ’58 Entry Trim exudes a nostalgic vibe, evoking the essence of a bygone era for an unparalleled sense of retro charm. The trim boasts spherical LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels featuring integrated mudguards and functional running boards, while matte-black accents adorn the front bumper and wheel arches, crafting a rugged and unassuming appearance. Despite the name’s unclear origins, it’s evident that Brown Sugar doesn’t actually contain any brown tones; equally puzzling is the absence of any silver-hued sugar references, rendering the product description misleading at best. The vintage mannequin from 1958 is available in a limited palette of earthy tones: rich brown sugar hues, crisp white shades, and deep black tones.
Inside design is fundamental, ergonomic, and purpose-driven. What’s behind this utilitarian icon’s subtle makeover? In a $70,000 vehicle, there’s an abundance of cheap black plastic that raises questions about its luxury credentials; meanwhile, the paneling and even seat materials seem amateurish, yet this mishmash of mediocrity perfectly encapsulates the car’s character. Minimalist camping with heightened attention to tent details. On offer is an 8-inch heart touchscreen for those who opt out of the 12.3-inch display in higher trims, accompanied by a more compact 7-inch driver’s monitor that replaces the 12.3-inch digital cluster. While the Corolla-like garnish may spark feelings of FOMO due to its modest starting price and five discreetly placed buttons on the dashboard, it’s essential not to forget that this vehicle prioritizes off-road capabilities above all else. For those seeking a substitute option, consider examining the Grand Highlander as a viable alternative.
The 1958 Land Rover, now restored, boasts the modern conveniences of a heated steering wheel, warm seats, and advanced hill-descent control, elevating its retro charm. When selecting seating materials, we prioritize comfort and temperature regulation, finding no fault in their manual adjustability unless sharing the vehicle with others. The Toyota logo’s transformation to a bold, lettered script on the steering wheel badge gives the vehicle a newfound air of ruggedness and confidence, abandoning its earlier more reserved demeanor for a showy, attention-grabbing statement. While there’s no paddle shifter on this 1958 model, its true strength lies in its performance. Precise buttons for the heating controls are thoughtfully arranged, providing an intuitive user experience free from the complexity of touchscreens. The absence of pesky capacitive touch-sensitive buttons is remarkably liberating? It’s disappointing to see that driver performance was executed properly, yet Toyota still didn’t seize the opportunity to fully digitize their processes, which warrants no commendation.
While the latest model does away with a traditional cut-out tailgate, it does offer an innovative feature: the ability to open the trunk window independently of the trunk lid. While this feature enables you to conveniently load groceries without needing to exit the vehicle’s doorways, please note that the trunk floor is slightly raised due to the battery placement beneath. Can we consider abolishing traditional project management tools? For taller individuals like myself, these mats are a hindrance rather than a help, consistently leaving unsightly stains on the rear of my pants during winter exits.
The windshield rises steeply, while the home windows stand tall, and a plethora of controls await your touch to manipulate differentials, driving modes, and the 4-wheel drive switch case. Perched atop this rugged landscape, one can’t help but feel invincible, gazing out at a sea of Civics and Corollas, which is precisely why the G-Wagon, Bronco, Wrangler, and Defender have earned such enduring popularity. While 90 percent of off-road vehicles may never venture onto an official trail, the real appeal lies not just in the destination, but in the adventure, the attitude, and the aesthetics that come with it. The allure of freedom on the open road lies not solely in the thrill of driving, but also in the journey’s unpredictable nature, accompanied by the inherent risks that come with it?
One powertrain option is currently available for the LC: the i-FORCE MAX Hybrid configuration. The hybrid powertrain combines a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, paired with a 1.87-kilowatt-hour nickel-metal hydride battery. Producing a potent 326 horsepower and a substantial 465 pound-feet of torque, the vehicle is equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission and a capable selectable four-wheel drive system.
However, aren’t Land Cruisers renowned for their reliable diesel engines and robust V8 powerplants? Given the subtle nuances of suburban lifestyles, effectiveness appears to have been a more plausible consideration for our target market, whose primary objective is likely to find products suitable for their everyday routines. The hybrid system enables near-silent operation at extremely low speeds or during extended periods of low-energy driving, allowing for whisper-quiet crawling in parking structures and other low-speed situations. As with various Toyota hybrids, the engine restarts automatically when needed; however, by being precise with your accelerator input – using a feather-light touch with deliberate pedal modulation – you can optimize the vehicle’s electric power output. By leveraging our innovative raise-and-coast technology, we’ve achieved an impressive fuel economy of 11.8 liters per 100 kilometers, even in a mixed urban and highway driving scenario. While still not as environmentally friendly as some competitors, such as the Wrangler’s hybrid model, which achieves an impressive 11.0 L/100km, our vehicle fares better than others in its class, like the Defender P300 at 14.9 L/100km, Bronco Everglades at 13.6 L/100km, and Lexus GX 550 at 15.1 L/100km.
Despite the possibility, we deeply lament the absence of the 5.7-litre naturally aspirated V8 from Toyota’s current lineup. While the turbo-four excels in low-demand driving, its performance is hampered by noticeable turbo lag, resulting in a sluggish and uninspiring acceleration experience. Supply fluctuations are unpredictable and erratic, resulting in either swift or labored accelerations that leave little margin for maneuvering. With every acceleration, the motor’s potent thrum reverberates through the vehicle, coursing up from the floorpan to vibrate the steering column beneath your palms. While this vehicle’s ability to effortlessly steer through tight corners is certainly impressive, the fact that it relies on an outdated electrical power steering rack does little to inspire confidence in its overall refinement. Vibration energy is directly proportional to the amount of fuel being injected, serving as an easy indicator that the engine has been shut off, transitioning into full-electric mode. Despite a slight whining noise emitted by the electric motors during acceleration, it remains imperceptible when the stereo is in use.
The engine’s uninspired din, lacking the panache of a well-tuned V8, leaves us yearning for a revved-up symphony instead. Unfortunately, we’re underwhelmed by the absence of the twin-turbo V6 from the latest Lexus GX – a truly exceptional powerplant is sorely missed. Occasionally, we encountered instances where the engine and transmission failed to synchronize, resulting in jerky gear shifts and stumbling engine performance, particularly during rolling stops, gentle acceleration from partial throttle, and slow deceleration at low speeds. The overall refinement and integration, however, fall short of the seamless experience typical of Toyota’s hybrid offerings.
While craving the off-road prowess of a four-wheel-drive vehicle combined with refined on-highway manners and a touch of style, the Toyota Land Cruiser stands out as a more practical choice than its rivals, such as the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco. While the price tag may be steep, the engine’s lackluster performance is somewhat offset by the vehicle’s overall efficiency, smooth highway handling, and unmistakable design. While the 1958 model offers an impressive list of amenities at a lower entry price, those seeking geometric muscle on a budget may find the new and more affordable 4Runner to be a better fit. For those eager to upgrade from their 1958 Land Cruiser, they’ll find a modern, fully-equipped SUV boasting all the bells and whistles. When did people forget that dependability breeds abundance? Here’s a revised version: We’re delighted to welcome you back to Canada, Land Cruiser!
2025 Toyota Land Cruiser 1958
Brown Sugar Metallic $70,195
$70,195
2,850
4,990 / 1,940 / 1,925
2,430
Turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and a 1.87-kWh nickel-metal hydride battery pack.
326 hp 465 lb-ft
8-speed automated
Entrance engine, 4WD
: 11.8
Yokohama Geolandar 245/70R18
