There’s something almost mythical about the Land Cruiser, reminiscent of Hercules and his legendary feats. Standing beside it, I felt dwarfed—its immense presence makes you feel small, not just because of its sheer size but also the legacy that the name carries. My booming laughter behind the wheel might hint at the thrill this SUV delivers, and if you’re curious about what makes it feel so extraordinary, read on. The Land Cruiser is arguably the ultimate all-terrain vehicle—luxurious yet capable of surviving conditions that would challenge any other SUV. If the Toyota Hilux represents a rugged mobile assault vehicle, the Land Cruiser is the more indulgent but equally formidable counterpart. While I adore the Hilux, nothing compares to the sense of dominance the Land Cruiser inspires—it’s ego-boosting, in the best way possible.

No automotive history is complete without the Land Cruiser. Since its debut in 1951, it has become synonymous with durability and dependability. Toyota introduced the Land Cruiser 300 in India a few years ago, and this year, they launched an updated version along with the premium GR Sport variant featured here. “GR” stands for Gazoo Racing, a badge reserved for Toyota’s sportier, performance-oriented models such as the GR Yaris, GR Corolla, and GR Supra. Unlike the Supra, designed purely for speed on asphalt, the GR Yaris and GR Corolla are rally-inspired road cars—and the Land Cruiser GR Sport follows this philosophy, prioritizing off-road agility.

The 2025 GR Sport measures 4,965mm in length, with a wheelbase of 2,850mm, width of 1,990mm, and height of 1,995mm. Compared to the ZX variant, the GR Sport is slightly shorter by 20mm due to redesigned front and rear bumpers, reducing overhangs by 10mm on each end. The front fascia gets a bold update with a black mesh grille, Toyota lettering in white, large LED headlamps, and understated LED DRLs. True to SUV form, headlamp washers are also included. The lower bumper sports a dual-tone design, adding a sporty flair.

From the side, the Land Cruiser’s massive proportions are unmistakable. The muscular wheel arches have a flatter profile, while blacked-out pillars create a striking contrast. The GR Sport also receives unique 18-inch blacked-out alloy wheels wrapped in 265/65 Yokohama Geolander All-Terrain tyres. Though these wheels don’t completely fill the wheel arches like the ZX’s 20-inchers, they showcase the sophisticated suspension and 4x4 hardware beneath. At the rear, the SUV continues a clean, refined look with high-mounted LED taillights, GR Sport badges on the grille, fenders, and tailgate, as well as non-glossy cladding and a smaller running board compared to the ZX. Toyota describes it as “designed to overwhelm and built to conquer any terrain.”

A key factor behind the Land Cruiser’s legendary status is its luxurious cabin. The GR Sport retains the premium feel but adds sporty touches, including a red-and-black dual-tone theme, GR Sport branding on the steering wheel, and a bespoke start/stop button. Unlike many modern vehicles that have migrated functions to touchscreens, the Land Cruiser remains tactile, with dedicated buttons and switches for climate control, drive and terrain modes, and advanced off-road systems. The 4H and 4L selector, in particular, feels precise and satisfying.

Front seats are 8-way power-adjustable with heating and ventilation, while the center armrest doubles as a cooled storage compartment with dual access. The rear bench is fixed with manual recline, offering ample space for three passengers, though it lacks power adjustment and a third row, unlike some other SUVs. The 12.2-inch infotainment system is straightforward with wireless smartphone integration, and the fully customizable driver display changes based on drive or terrain mode. Level 2 ADAS controls are conveniently accessible via steering-mounted buttons.

Driving the Land Cruiser places you high above other vehicles, granting unmatched road presence—even a Range Rover seems smaller beside it. The GR Sport is powered by a 3.3-litre turbo-diesel engine delivering 308bhp and 700Nm of torque. Its full-time 4WD, GR-exclusive electronic front and rear diff locks, independent stabilizers, long suspension travel, and Adaptive Variable Suspension make traversing difficult terrain effortless. The E-KDSS system independently manages each stabilizer, adjusts spring rates, and fine-tunes suspension response, whether on-road or off. Multi Terrain Select further adapts to dirt, sand, mud, and deep snow, while the driver can lock differentials or switch off traction control for full control.

Despite its off-road prowess, navigating urban environments is equally impressive. The Land Cruiser’s massive size commands respect, while six driving modes, including Sport and Sport S+, ensure responsive performance. Ride comfort is excellent over most surfaces, though sharp bumps may reveal the stiffer GR suspension. Steering feel is slightly muted to maintain cabin composure—a minor compromise in an otherwise flawless package.

The Land Cruiser GR Sport excels as a versatile adventure machine. Buyers invest in it not only for its off-road capabilities but also for peace of mind: whether in desert warfare conditions, snowy peaks, or loaded with passengers, it continues to perform reliably in any environment.

Verdict

Priced at Rs 2.40 crore, alternatives like the Range Rover, Defender 110, and G-Class are capable but lack the Land Cruiser’s balance of ruggedness, simplicity, and analogue charm. While those vehicles rely heavily on electronics or sport distinct stylistic cues, the GR Sport stays true to the Land Cruiser’s ethos: sophisticated yet analogue, luxurious yet functional, and utterly capable. The GR Sport upgrade, costing an additional Rs 10 lakh, feels like a natural extension of the Land Cruiser legend.