great review Sam! There are only TWO youtuber's that I trust to give an honest opinion of a vehicle...Sam Haymart and Savage Geese !! You guys always tell it like it is. And the all important gravel road test you do is SO HELPFUL for us rural folks who drive those roads daily. Thank you!
Base GX550 is the only way to go. Nicer interior power rear hatch and no hybrid 4cyl. If you can swing the extra 5k in a year when the markups go away, that would be my pick.
I sat in a new 2025 Land Cruiser 1958 and it was very comfortable but the materials inside felt kinda low end. and I'm wondering if it will last 7-10 years in good shape, or if we'll see cracks, etc. Overall I like the new Land Cruiser, but I feel the interior is too delicate. It will be important to take exceptional care of the interior.
Honest review Sam, but you are way to kind with your stars. Toyota needs to get with Mazda, beautiful interiors and a Turbo inline six on their CX9. Toyota have lost there way.
Honesty. Love it. I am not a fan of the powertrain. Jeep is trending the same way it seems. I will say the Toyota 4 cyl sounds better than my JL's 2.0L.
They saved the V6 for the Lexus version (the GX 550) that also gets a third row because it has more room in the back for a third row seat because there is no hybrid battery back there.
The hybrid battery takes up too much space. I could get over that if it really supplied a huge difference in either power or efficiency. I don’t mind the cloth seats that are manual because they won’t break, but I’m pretty sure they don’t even have lumbar support…? I think it would be a more attractive package if it had a normal aspirated six cylinder or even a turbocharged six cylinder which removes the battery and likely increases the trouble free longevity . If you made that powertrain change and dropped the price by about $5k or $10k dollars I think it would be a really nice option.
your engine torque number is wrong, the 4runner is not full time 4wd and looks like a Tacoma.. and was always based of a tacoma... and show me a hybrid full time 4wd 4runner for sale in 2025 for less money please?
The 2025 4Runner Limited comes with the exact same full time 4WD system as this. While we don't have pricing on 2025 4Runner Limited yet we can bet it is around $60,000 and has virtually every feature and trim upgrade available on 4Runner where this "Land Cruiser" is a base stripped Corolla inside and out.
@@TestDrivenTV isnt a limited set up for more street, and wont have locking differentials, and i bet you it willl cost the same, when you add the hybrid max
One could argue they are both really designed for the street as they both have street tires. That said, the 4Runner Limited has the same center locking differential. It may cost the same, but the Limited will be fully loaded - as said before not a base Corolla inside and out.
@@iamthedutchbro Stating the obvious doesn't mean someone is broke. The average purchase of a brand new vehicle is right around $50,000, so paying $10,000 more should provide more accoutrements since it is above average costs.
@@tinhinnhDon't make excuses, land rover defender is an off-roader and has a much better interior. If your argument is true, then it should be a lot cheaper but it's not. The Lexus GX550 over trail standard trim has cheap plastic too. You have to get the plus/premium model to get a nice interior. Toyota screwed the pooch on this trim level and expect homers to accept it. That's actually saying to the customer we don't care about you, we care about profits. Not only that, my old 2011 Grand Cherokee had a backup camera with lines that move when turning. This over priced tin can along with all Toyotas and Lexus vehicles have crappy fixed lines that don't provide much aid while backing up. Yeah, 2011 and this thing in 2024 doesn't even have a good backup camera setup.
@@showmemorefunthings9208 I prefer cloth over leather. have you touch the plastics? its not the same cheap ones as in a versa. and i wouldnt touch a rr with a 10’ pole 😂
Great review, Sam--I am on my 8th Toyota (currently driving an '06 Sequoia with 241K on it), and although I am obviously a Toyota fan since I am on my 8th one, I'd NEVER buy this. Seems like this 1958 Model is just a money grab by Toyota putting the LC name on this. No value for your money on this model, anyway. At nearly $61K, my summary of this vehicle in one word: disappointing. Not a chance I'd be interested in buying one of these. Do better, Toyota.
Appreciate the review, calling it like it is. We have a 2024 Sienna platinum and while the powertrain is awesome, the user interface and some expected luxury items are pretty disappointing. Most other OEMs offer so much more value in most of their vehicle segments.
I was excited for the LC. But very disappointed. #1 You've said it: a cheap, very cheap looking interior at a luxury price level. #2 Trash tires #3 Comfort is so-so at that price. Wether you go for LC or 1st editions #4 Hybrid powertrain sounds like 💩 #5 You mentionned it: the sq. footage loss because of the battery. I love the looks but I'm not one to be convinced on looks alone. Do better Toyota.
This review was by far the worst subjective review I have ever watched on this vehicle. The reviewer also throws in a lame remark about showing off to your friends that " hey I got a land cruiser".... If you can't objectively review something then don't call it a review. Toyota should give some options to this vehicle for sure in this price range. But i think you are quite hard on the vehicle. This vehicle is not a luxury vehicle. Its an off road base vehicle. Its a 4wd all time, which 4runner is not. And has many off road options that are not standard on the 4runner. I hear you complain about the price and i also would like it to be chaper but its not a bad vehicle like you claim. Its quite obvious that you like the 4runner more. But what you mostly pay for is the off road capability, and build quality and not the options, cloth seats are what off roaders have been asking for. Hard plastic interior is easy to clean for the active user and durable. So this vehicle is made with a purpose and for a specific group of people. You cant always use the balnket term of needed feature for every vehicle that comes out . Also one thing to take note is that this vehicle came out in 2024, and "the 4runner" that you mention so many time and call this vehicle a copy of that, is not out yet.... So the 4runner is copying from this and not vice versa. This vehicle has lots of options that are not available on 4Runner unless you upgrade your 4runner to the $70k trailhunter version. You better look into details before giving such subjective review. This vehicle 🚑 needs to have the sway bar disconnect option, larger 12 inch screen. And 360 camera. Nothing more. Leave it basic so we can change it.
@@TestDrivenTV and it was a huge sales success in the USA. I’m a car nerd, however I had to google the image of the last land cruiser because it was not exactly memorable. I have to praise Toyota for making good looking vehicles.
@@TestDrivenTVmeh, owned one. Better built maybe, time will tell, but it was a compromise and not actually good at anything. At least this new rig gets decent mpg, and is going to be considerably more capable off road based on dimensions, weight and factory rear locker and SDM.
God. I love my loaded 53k 23 Canyon Denali so much.. have fun with this Toyota.. wow what a slap in the face to fans of the brand. People will still buy them though, smart business move?
Yes! I have a 24 Canyon AT4 with everything except the Bose system. Just over $50,000 i just couldn’t justify the same priced Tacoma for less features.
I'm amazed at what kind of radio is considered bare bones basic these days. To me, a shaft mount AM radio would be basic, not a touchscreen system. What do people want, a hologram with Princess Leia?
I think most of the reviewers are just reviewing and not using the vehicle as intended. Otherwise they would not trash talk this vehicle.sure it needs some more option at this price level but it's a good vehicle.
it's a 6-way manual, so it does have seat height adjustment, and those usually also tilt back as they are lowered and flatten out as they are raised. The power seat that comes with the step-up trim level adds the ability to tilt the leading edge of the seat bottom independantly.
@@toronado455 yea that is not good enough, that's a base model economy seat adjustment. Some higher trim manual seats used to have a knob near the front that adjusted the front up and down.
My $75.000. 2020😂 Mercedes is also load with plastic Smells when we get in it. Our 1997 Mercedes sl,roadster loaded with true leather ..I’m purchasing a Land Cruiser tomorrow. Am I making a mistake?
I drive a 2007 FJ with 300k. (Well kept). I can’t convince myself to purchase new LC. At this point in my life I would want some luxuries at that price. Both trucks are too ‘similar’ in looks & plastics etc. I get the simplicity but agree it’s too extreme in this day & age.
Your statement about the Land Cruiser and the Forerunner be in the same are incorrect the Land Cruiser is just slightly larger than the Forerunner and the drive systems are not the same the Land Cruiser is all-wheel drive and the 4Runner is a part-time four-wheel drive.
The wheelbase is identical. Overall length is within an inch - bumper fascia trim. The Land Cruiser and the top trim 4Runner share the exact same full time 4WD system,
Toyota? From perspective of like2be retro design this looks like some russian atempt... Toyota used to know designing cars smartly, with simple elegance... Even newest Dacia Duster got better 5G-age styling.... BTW how much is comparable SUV manufactured by Ford on Maverick platform? 🤔 $60k? Isn't this Landrover territory? This isn't Toyota we used to like for being citizen friendly.🙄
To each their own. I personally like it , though not nearly as much as my FJC. Also, a compact, unibody crossover would compete with the Rav4. This midsize, body-on-frame SUV competes with Bronco (& Wrangler)
@@Metoxetron ... to each their own... That's the Toyota's issue... because if an american needs such special vehicle... Preffers buying american product... Does this Toyota really has selling potential in the USA?🤔
great review Sam! There are only TWO youtuber's that I trust to give an honest opinion of a vehicle...Sam Haymart and Savage Geese !! You guys always tell it like it is. And the all important gravel road test you do is SO HELPFUL for us rural folks who drive those roads daily. Thank you!
I think it's a good-looking suv, but every time you get in it, you're going to feel ripped off by that interior.
@Aaron-zc9cw it holds its value and it's a toyota
Base GX550 is the only way to go. Nicer interior power rear hatch and no hybrid 4cyl. If you can swing the extra 5k in a year when the markups go away, that would be my pick.
Hands down, you do the best reviews! Thank you
Thank you for your honest opinion. This is why I subscribe to your channel.
60k for no powered liftgate, no powered seats, and cloth interior is crazy
I sat in a new 2025 Land Cruiser 1958 and it was very comfortable but the materials inside felt kinda low end. and I'm wondering if it will last 7-10 years in good shape, or if we'll see cracks, etc. Overall I like the new Land Cruiser, but I feel the interior is too delicate. It will be important to take exceptional care of the interior.
Honest review Sam, but you are way to kind with your stars.
Toyota needs to get with Mazda, beautiful interiors and a Turbo inline six on their CX9.
Toyota have lost there way.
Honesty. Love it. I am not a fan of the powertrain. Jeep is trending the same way it seems. I will say the Toyota 4 cyl sounds better than my JL's 2.0L.
They saved the V6 for the Lexus version (the GX 550) that also gets a third row because it has more room in the back for a third row seat because there is no hybrid battery back there.
The hybrid battery takes up too much space. I could get over that if it really supplied a huge difference in either power or efficiency. I don’t mind the cloth seats that are manual because they won’t break, but I’m pretty sure they don’t even have lumbar support…?
I think it would be a more attractive package if it had a normal aspirated six cylinder or even a turbocharged six cylinder which removes the battery and likely increases the trouble free longevity . If you made that powertrain change and dropped the price by about $5k or $10k dollars I think it would be a really nice option.
your engine torque number is wrong, the 4runner is not full time 4wd and looks like a Tacoma.. and was always based of a tacoma... and show me a hybrid full time 4wd 4runner for sale in 2025 for less money please?
The 2025 4Runner Limited comes with the exact same full time 4WD system as this. While we don't have pricing on 2025 4Runner Limited yet we can bet it is around $60,000 and has virtually every feature and trim upgrade available on 4Runner where this "Land Cruiser" is a base stripped Corolla inside and out.
@@TestDrivenTV isnt a limited set up for more street, and wont have locking differentials, and i bet you it willl cost the same, when you add the hybrid max
One could argue they are both really designed for the street as they both have street tires. That said, the 4Runner Limited has the same center locking differential. It may cost the same, but the Limited will be fully loaded - as said before not a base Corolla inside and out.
@@TestDrivenTV and the limited looks like a street SUV, and will a limited have the disconnect and locking axles, and be built like a lancruiser
60k for a sea of plastic
@@jtomtl You’re broke.
its a real offroading suv, not an escalade
@@iamthedutchbro Stating the obvious doesn't mean someone is broke. The average purchase of a brand new vehicle is right around $50,000, so paying $10,000 more should provide more accoutrements since it is above average costs.
@@tinhinnhDon't make excuses, land rover defender is an off-roader and has a much better interior. If your argument is true, then it should be a lot cheaper but it's not. The Lexus GX550 over trail standard trim has cheap plastic too. You have to get the plus/premium model to get a nice interior. Toyota screwed the pooch on this trim level and expect homers to accept it. That's actually saying to the customer we don't care about you, we care about profits. Not only that, my old 2011 Grand Cherokee had a backup camera with lines that move when turning. This over priced tin can along with all Toyotas and Lexus vehicles have crappy fixed lines that don't provide much aid while backing up. Yeah, 2011 and this thing in 2024 doesn't even have a good backup camera setup.
@@showmemorefunthings9208 I prefer cloth over leather. have you touch the plastics? its not the same cheap ones as in a versa. and i wouldnt touch a rr with a 10’ pole 😂
Great review, Sam--I am on my 8th Toyota (currently driving an '06 Sequoia with 241K on it), and although I am obviously a Toyota fan since I am on my 8th one, I'd NEVER buy this. Seems like this 1958 Model is just a money grab by Toyota putting the LC name on this. No value for your money on this model, anyway. At nearly $61K, my summary of this vehicle in one word: disappointing. Not a chance I'd be interested in buying one of these. Do better, Toyota.
Appreciate the review, calling it like it is. We have a 2024 Sienna platinum and while the powertrain is awesome, the user interface and some expected luxury items are pretty disappointing. Most other OEMs offer so much more value in most of their vehicle segments.
I was excited for the LC. But very disappointed. #1 You've said it: a cheap, very cheap looking interior at a luxury price level.
#2 Trash tires
#3 Comfort is so-so at that price. Wether you go for LC or 1st editions
#4 Hybrid powertrain sounds like 💩
#5 You mentionned it: the sq. footage loss because of the battery.
I love the looks but I'm not one to be convinced on looks alone.
Do better Toyota.
I like it better than the new 4Runner because it's more like the old 4Runner.
This review was by far the worst subjective review I have ever watched on this vehicle. The reviewer also throws in a lame remark about showing off to your friends that " hey I got a land cruiser".... If you can't objectively review something then don't call it a review.
Toyota should give some options to this vehicle for sure in this price range. But i think you are quite hard on the vehicle. This vehicle is not a luxury vehicle. Its an off road base vehicle. Its a 4wd all time, which 4runner is not. And has many off road options that are not standard on the 4runner. I hear you complain about the price and i also would like it to be chaper but its not a bad vehicle like you claim. Its quite obvious that you like the 4runner more. But what you mostly pay for is the off road capability, and build quality and not the options, cloth seats are what off roaders have been asking for. Hard plastic interior is easy to clean for the active user and durable. So this vehicle is made with a purpose and for a specific group of people. You cant always use the balnket term of needed feature for every vehicle that comes out . Also one thing to take note is that this vehicle came out in 2024, and "the 4runner" that you mention so many time and call this vehicle a copy of that, is not out yet.... So the 4runner is copying from this and not vice versa.
This vehicle has lots of options that are not available on 4Runner unless you upgrade your 4runner to the $70k trailhunter version. You better look into details before giving such subjective review. This vehicle 🚑 needs to have the sway bar disconnect option, larger 12 inch screen. And 360 camera. Nothing more. Leave it basic so we can change it.
People complaining of the price of the new Land Cruiser when the previous bland looking blob ( which few bought was $80k ).
....but was significantly larger, more feature packed, better engineered, better built and had a V8.
@@lash9400 Amen!!!!!!!! 💯
@@TestDrivenTV and it was a huge sales success in the USA. I’m a car nerd, however I had to google the image of the last land cruiser because it was not exactly memorable.
I have to praise Toyota for making good looking vehicles.
@@TestDrivenTVmeh, owned one. Better built maybe, time will tell, but it was a compromise and not actually good at anything. At least this new rig gets decent mpg, and is going to be considerably more capable off road based on dimensions, weight and factory rear locker and SDM.
60K plus dealer mark ups, hell no for me, always a good review sam
God. I love my loaded 53k 23 Canyon Denali so much.. have fun with this Toyota.. wow what a slap in the face to fans of the brand. People will still buy them though, smart business move?
Yes! I have a 24 Canyon AT4 with everything except the Bose system. Just over $50,000 i just couldn’t justify the same priced Tacoma for less features.
Great unbiased fair review of this overpriced SUV.
Give us a smaller one !
I'm amazed at what kind of radio is considered bare bones basic these days. To me, a shaft mount AM radio would be basic, not a touchscreen system. What do people want, a hologram with Princess Leia?
I think most of the reviewers are just reviewing and not using the vehicle as intended. Otherwise they would not trash talk this vehicle.sure it needs some more option at this price level but it's a good vehicle.
I like this vehicle but at $15,000 less. I prefer a simpler set up but the price for simple does not match up.
I dont mind manual seats so much, but for that price could they at least have a manual tilt for the bottom?
it's a 6-way manual, so it does have seat height adjustment, and those usually also tilt back as they are lowered and flatten out as they are raised. The power seat that comes with the step-up trim level adds the ability to tilt the leading edge of the seat bottom independantly.
@@toronado455 yea that is not good enough, that's a base model economy seat adjustment. Some higher trim manual seats used to have a knob near the front that adjusted the front up and down.
You call this off road. We live in the Appalachia mountains. Hahaha😮
Terrible range, 17 gallon tank, 8.7 inch groundclearance!!! Its also 10k too expensive
My $75.000. 2020😂 Mercedes is also load with plastic Smells when we get in it. Our 1997 Mercedes sl,roadster loaded with true leather ..I’m purchasing a Land Cruiser tomorrow. Am I making a mistake?
I feel like you would enjoy it once you have it.
I drive a 2007 FJ with 300k. (Well kept). I can’t convince myself to purchase new LC. At this point in my life I would want some luxuries at that price. Both trucks are too ‘similar’ in looks & plastics etc. I get the simplicity but agree it’s too extreme in this day & age.
60k is just laughable
Your statement about the Land Cruiser and the Forerunner be in the same are incorrect the Land Cruiser is just slightly larger than the Forerunner and the drive systems are not the same the Land Cruiser is all-wheel drive and the 4Runner is a part-time four-wheel drive.
The wheelbase is identical. Overall length is within an inch - bumper fascia trim. The Land Cruiser and the top trim 4Runner share the exact same full time 4WD system,
@@TestDrivenTVtop trim 4runner is probably going to be priced in high 60s
Holy crap that thing is hideous 😂
@@georgewkush542 Subjective, as is all of this “I don’t like this”. So what.
Toyota? From perspective of like2be retro design this looks like some russian atempt...
Toyota used to know designing cars smartly, with simple elegance... Even newest Dacia Duster got better 5G-age styling....
BTW how much is comparable SUV manufactured by Ford on Maverick platform? 🤔
$60k? Isn't this Landrover territory?
This isn't Toyota we used to like for being citizen friendly.🙄
To each their own. I personally like it , though not nearly as much as my FJC. Also, a compact, unibody crossover would compete with the Rav4. This midsize, body-on-frame SUV competes with Bronco (& Wrangler)
@@Metoxetron
... to each their own... That's the Toyota's issue... because if an american needs such special vehicle... Preffers buying american product... Does this Toyota really has selling potential in the USA?🤔