I owned a brand new 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser in the Land Cruiser trim, equipped with the JBL sound system, moonroof, cool box center console, and other premium features. Visually, it’s a beautiful SUV—but for a $69K+ vehicle, I expected more. Over six months and 8,200 miles, I averaged 18.5 mpg. That was disappointing, especially for a hybrid marketed at 22–23 mpg combined. I hoped for better real-world efficiency. Wind noise was also a major issue. Having owned Wranglers and other vehicles with flat windshields, I expected some noise—but this was excessive, particularly on the highway, and made long trips uncomfortable. The full-time 4WD helped in deep snow during the polar freeze in Estes Park, but created serious drivetrain tension. The vehicle squeaked, jolted, and resisted through every turn and roundabout. Quick U-turns were nearly impossible, even on wide roads. Interior durability was another letdown. Within six months, there were multiple signs of wear—including two tears in the material. One occurred when a garage door opener slid off the driver-side visor while closing it, tearing the fabric. The other came when a TV lightly bumped the door panel during a move, causing it to rip and bunch near the window. The materials felt loose and fragile—far from what I’d expect from Toyota, especially at this price point. For a brand built on durability and longevity, this was a disappointing experience.