Many vehicle segments are seeing an increase in the number of new fully electric or hybrid models. However, the SUV and truck segments are lagging behind. This is because it’s more challenging to electrify or hybridize a truck or SUV while maintaining its usability and capability.

There are only two hybrid SUVs that have successfully combined efficiency with great off-road abilities: the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe and the upcoming Toyota Land Cruiser J250. Most other hybrids are crossovers and lack the abilities and features of the Jeep and Toyota.

The Toyota Land Cruiser J250 will feature the same hybrid drivetrain as the 2024 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid. It appears to be the best all-around off-roader on the market. Let’s take a closer look at why.

What’s The New Land Cruiser All About?

You might be wondering why a new Land Cruiser has already been released when the 300 Series was introduced just a few years ago. Well, the all-new J250 isn’t a replacement for the 300 Series. The Land Cruiser lineup consists of three models: the luxurious 300 Series, the utilitarian 70 Series, and the smaller Prado. The 300 Series and the 70 Series are not available in the US or Europe, and until recently, the US did not even get the Prado.

However, Toyota has announced the return of the Land Cruiser to the US with the introduction of the J250. The J250 is essentially a replacement for the current 150 Series Prado. Being smaller and lighter than the 300 Series, it is expected to be more capable and better suited for off-road use. It will also be more affordable with an expected starting price of $50,000. While this is not cheap, it is lower than the price of the previously available 200 Series model in the US.

The Land Cruiser J250 Blends New Technology With Old Underpinnings

New 4x4s need to combine new technology with old-school chassis. New technology provides efficiency, economy, and reduced emissions, while old-school underpinnings bring ruggedness and off-road abilities. In the case of the new Land Cruiser, Toyota has opted for a body and frame design with a solid rear axle and independent front suspension. But what does this mean exactly?

First and foremost, the solid rear axle is better at carrying heavy loads, allowing the Land Cruiser to tow and haul more weight than a conventional crossover. This design also provides better wheel articulation, which helps keep the Land Cruiser’s wheels in contact with the ground when off-roading. Maximizing contact with the ground improves grip and enhances off-road performance.

The front suspension of the Land Cruiser has been designed with an independent suspension system for many years. The combination of a rear solid axle and independent front suspension strikes a balance between good road manners and off-road capabilities. Independent suspension, commonly found in regular cars or crossovers, offers better road manners but is not as tough or as capable off-road.

This old-school chassis is paired with a modern powertrain. The Land Cruiser utilizes Toyota’s new 2.4-liter engine paired with a hybrid system, resulting in a total power output of 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. Power is delivered to all four wheels through a permanent four-wheel-drive system.

The Land Cruiser Offers Good Off-Road Features

A vehicle bearing the Land Cruiser name must be capable of cruising any land, regardless of how uneven or rough it may be. The new J250 Land Cruiser is equipped with features such as a rear differential locker, Multi-Terrain Select, Downhill Assist, Crawl Control, and a disconnectable front sway bar to handle any off-road challenge.

The rear differential locker ensures power is evenly distributed to both rear wheels regardless of the terrain’s unevenness or slipperiness. Multi-Terrain Select functions as an off-road traction control system, while Crawl Control acts as off-road cruise control, allowing the driver to take their foot off the gas pedal and let the car do the work. Crawl Control is particularly effective in getting a vehicle unstuck from sand. Toyota’s newest generation vehicles, including the Land Cruiser and Tacoma, have a much quieter version of Crawl Control compared to previous models.

What Does The Land Cruiser Hybrid Compete Against?

Returning to our initial point, the Land Cruiser doesn’t have much direct competition. The only other hybrid vehicle that is also a proper off-roader is the Jeep Wrangler 4xe. While the Jeep is more capable in extreme off-road scenarios like hardcore rock crawling or tackling tough trails, being equipped with both solid front and rear axles, differential lockers, and larger tires, it being the most capable doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best choice.

The Toyota Land Cruiser Is The Hybrid Off-Roader To Get

If you don’t plan on tackling extreme off-road trails like the Rubicon or Moab, the Land Cruiser is the best choice as an all-around hybrid off-roader. It offers more interior space, a more comfortable seating position, better on-road performance, enhanced safety features, and potentially greater reliability.

The Land Cruiser’s new 2.4-liter engine is designed to be simple and reliable. It utilizes a mechanical fuel pump and a vacuum-operated wastegate on the turbos, minimizing potential problems. Internally, the engine is based on the proven and reliable 2.5-liter naturally aspirated unit found in other Toyota models like the RAV4. While the hybrid system does add complexity to the vehicle, Toyota has extensive experience producing reliable hybrids.

Toyota Land Cruiser J250 VS Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe

In summary, while the Land Cruiser may not be the most capable off-roader, it is the best choice as an all-around hybrid off-roader.