2026 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser is a compelling off-road-oriented SUV wrapped up in a retro-themed design. It also features a hybrid powertrain paired with its full-time four-wheel-drive system, resulting in significantly improved fuel economy compared to other rugged SUVs, including the Lexus GX, its more posh corporate sibling. Most of Toyota's other SUVs are more practical and sensible choices, but the Land Cruiser stands out for having a rather compelling outdoorsy vibe to it.

Two of the Land Cruiser's strongest alternatives are mechanically related: the less expensive Toyota 4Runner and the more expensive Lexus GX. The 4Runner is available in a wider array of price points and trim level options, while the GX offers a more luxurious cabin and a more powerful V6 engine. Both offer third-row seats, whereas the Land Cruiser is solely a five-passenger SUV. Outside the Toyota empire, the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco may be more rugged and capable, but they're less livable and practical. The Land Rover Defender is a good comparable, too, though it is much more expensive.

The Land Cruiser is more capable off-road than your typical RAV4. It has 8.7 inches of ground clearance and stubby front and rear bumpers to help you drive over rocks and ruts without scraping the underside of the vehicle. It's further bolstered by some helpful off-road gear, such as a locking rear differential, skid plates, and, in the upgraded Land Cruiser trim level, specialized off-road drive mode functions, a multi-view camera system and an available disconnecting front stabilizer bar. That latter feature allows you to enhance the Land Cruiser's wheel articulation when off-roading, thereby improving your chance of having the tires stay in contact with the ground over very challenging terrain.