Toyota Land Cruiser Review: Built to Outlast the Journey

Overview

This review covers the current Land Cruiser 250 series, which went on sale in the UK in July 2024 with first deliveries that autumn, and the outgoing 150 series that was sold here from December 2009 to 2023. Both are traditional body-on-frame 4x4s with low-range gearing, and both are regular sights in UK used stock.

The 250 is a large, square-edged SUV built on Toyota’s GA-F ladder-frame platform. It suits people who need to tow heavy loads, drive on poor roads or leave tarmac altogether, not anyone after a quick, quiet or luxurious family SUV.

Specification	Land Cruiser 250 (2026 model year)	Land Cruiser 150 (2021 model year)
Engine	2.8-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel, 48V mild hybrid	2.8-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel
Power	202bhp (205 DIN hp)	201bhp (204 DIN hp)
Torque	500Nm	500Nm (automatic)
Gearbox	8-speed automatic, permanent 4WD	6-speed automatic (6-speed manual on Commercial Utility versions)
0-62mph	12.3 seconds	9.9 seconds
Braked towing	3,500kg	3,000kg
Official economy (WLTP)	25.9 to 26.4mpg	27.7 to 30.4mpg (five-door)
UK price	About £77,800 to £82,800 on the road (January 2026 list)	Used only

Engines and Performance

Every UK 250 uses the same 2,755cc four-cylinder turbodiesel. Early cars had a conventional 204hp version; the 2026 model year adds a 48V mild-hybrid system, a small lithium-ion battery and motor-generator that assists the engine and smooths stop-start. Outputs barely change: 202bhp and 500Nm from 1,600rpm, through an eight-speed automatic and permanent four-wheel drive.

The broad view from UK testers is that the 250 is adequate rather than brisk. A 12.3-second 0-62mph time reflects a kerb weight of up to 2,565kg, and the engine sounds gruff when worked hard. It shines at low revs, pulling a trailer or climbing a rough track.

The 150 series began with a 171bhp 3.0-litre diesel and a five-speed automatic. From August 2015 a 174bhp 2.8-litre engine and six-speed automatic took over, and a 2020 update raised output to 201bhp and 500Nm, making late 150s noticeably quicker than the new car.

Off-Road Ability and Practicality

Off-road credentials are serious. Toyota quotes 215mm of running ground clearance, a 700mm wading depth, and approach, ramp and departure angles of 32, 25 and 22 degrees. The 250 also introduces a front anti-roll bar that can be disconnected for more wheel articulation, alongside Multi-Terrain Select driving modes. Braked towing is 3,500kg, which makes it a favourite for horse boxes and large caravans.

Launch cars were seven-seaters. The 2026 model year 48V Invincible on the current price list is a five-seater, with 742 litres of load space rising to 2,000 litres with the rear seats folded. At 4,925mm long and 1,980mm wide it is a big vehicle to park.

The 150 tows 3,000kg braked, has the same 700mm wading depth and offers 215mm of clearance in five-door form. Three-door, five-seat and seven-seat versions exist, along with Utility and two-seat Commercial variants.

Interior and Technology

UK 250s come well equipped: a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, digital instruments, head-up display, panoramic cameras, JBL audio and a sunroof. Most reviewers like the chunky physical switchgear but note plenty of hard plastics and menus that take some learning. It is built for durability rather than luxury.

The 150’s cabin is older and simpler, with smaller screens and a dated layout, but it wears well.

Reliability and Running Costs

Toyota’s reputation here is strong, and the Land Cruiser is generally regarded as one of the most durable vehicles on sale. New UK cars get three years of manufacturer warranty, extendable to 10 years or 100,000 miles through annual servicing at a Toyota dealer. The trade-off is running cost. Official economy is 26.4mpg, CO2 is 282g/km, and insurance groups sit at 48 to 49.

On the 150, the known issue is blocked diesel particulate filters on 2.8-litre cars used mainly for short trips. There was a UK recall in 2017 for AdBlue injector mounting flanges that could corrode and crack on early 2.8-litre cars. When viewing one, check that the underfloor spare wheel is there and that its lock and winch work.

Buying One in the UK for Export

The 150 series is the plentiful option, with a wide spread of years from 2010 onwards, in LC3, LC4 and LC5 trims up to late 2013, then mostly Active, Icon and Invincible (Icon was dropped in late 2020). Post-2015 2.8-litre cars suit most buyers, and 2020 onwards models with 201bhp are the pick. Nearly new 250s are now appearing too, mainly Invincible and the round-headlight First Edition.

When inspecting, check the full service history, look under the car for off-road damage and chassis corrosion, ask about DPF regeneration habits on 2.8-litre cars, and confirm injector seal work has been done on 3.0-litre engines. A dealer-stamped history is the best evidence of how the car was treated.

For export, the appeal is clear. The diesel engines and ladder-frame layout are familiar to mechanics worldwide, parts are widely available across Africa, the Middle East and Oceania, and the high clearance and rugged suspension suit broken roads. As with any diesel with a particulate filter, buyers heading to areas with variable fuel should take local advice on fuel quality first.

Verdict

The Land Cruiser 250 is expensive, thirsty and slower than its looks suggest, but it does the important things superbly: towing, off-road work and lasting for a very long time. For most export buyers a well-kept late 150 series offers the same core strengths for far less money, while a nearly new 250 suits those who want the latest safety kit and many years of use ahead.

Pros

• Proven toughness and a strong durability record
• 3,500kg braked towing on the 250
• Serious off-road hardware, including 700mm wading
• Parts and expertise available almost worldwide

Cons

• High new price and poor fuel economy
• Slow and noisy when pushed
• Interior practical rather than plush
• DPF and injector seal issues to check on used 150s

Image: Toyota Land Cruiser 250 ZX First Edition by TTTNIS, Wikimedia Commons (CC0), resized.