The Toyota Land Cruiser has long been celebrated as one of the most capable and reliable SUVs in the world. For 2025, it returns with a fresh design, modern features, and updated technology, aiming to meet the demands of today’s drivers while staying true to its rugged DNA. Among the most notable updates is the infotainment system, with larger screens, improved connectivity, and a new interface.
However, while the addition of these screens represents a big step forward for Toyota, not everything feels seamless. The infotainment experience is often described as functional yet frustrating, leaving many drivers wondering if Toyota’s traditional approach to technology has kept up with the rapid innovation seen in other SUVs.
What Is the Toyota Land Cruiser Infotainment System?
The infotainment system in the 2025 Land Cruiser is centered around a large touchscreen paired with a digital instrument cluster. These displays are designed to give drivers access to navigation, audio, smartphone connectivity, and vehicle settings. Toyota has also introduced wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring that drivers can integrate their smartphones without hassle.
At first glance, the system looks modern. The screens are crisp, the menus are simplified, and the interface is far more advanced than what was available in older Land Cruiser models. But once you start using it daily, the shortcomings begin to appear.
Toyota Land Cruiser Screens: Modern Yet Imperfect
The new Toyota Land Cruiser screens certainly improve the cabin’s look and functionality. The instrument cluster offers customizable layouts, while the infotainment display finally brings Toyota up to speed with current connectivity standards.
Yet the system feels less polished than competitors. Fonts, icons, and graphics don’t always match between screens, creating an uneven user experience. While the displays technically work well, they lack the design cohesion and visual appeal seen in SUVs from luxury brands like Land Rover or even mainstream rivals like Jeep.
Cumbersome Infotainment Screens
One of the biggest criticisms of the 2025 Land Cruiser lies in its cumbersome infotainment screens. Essential functions are often buried in multiple layers of menus. Adjusting settings through the steering-wheel controls feels awkward, with cryptic acronyms and unclear labels making navigation unnecessarily difficult.
For drivers who value intuitive technology, this can be frustrating. Instead of a system that adapts naturally to user behavior, the Land Cruiser requires more time and attention, which can be distracting while driving.
Up-to-Date but Not Cutting Edge
There’s no denying that the Land Cruiser’s technology is up-to-date but not cutting edge. Toyota has added the basics—wireless smartphone integration, navigation, and Bluetooth streaming. These features meet the expectations of today’s buyers.
However, when compared with rivals, the Land Cruiser still lags behind. Competitors often include faster processors, more vibrant displays, augmented-reality navigation, and even AI-powered interfaces. The Toyota system works fine, but it feels more like a necessary update than a bold leap forward.
Toyota Infotainment System Flaws
Beyond the surface, several Toyota infotainment system flaws become clear during daily use. The menu layout is overly simplified, sometimes to the point of removing useful options. Navigation through the interface feels slower than expected, and transitions between menus lack smoothness.
Another common complaint is the inconsistency between the instrument cluster and the main infotainment screen. While each screen serves its purpose, they don’t feel fully synchronized, leaving the driver juggling two separate design languages.
These flaws don’t make the Land Cruiser’s infotainment unusable, but they certainly prevent it from competing with the best systems in the SUV segment.
Physical Controls Mitigate Touchscreen Issues
Fortunately, Toyota has not gone all-in on touchscreens. The 2025 Land Cruiser retains a good number of physical controls, including knobs and buttons for audio, climate, and basic driving functions.
These controls are more than just nostalgic—they are practical. Instead of fumbling through menus while driving, users can quickly adjust settings without taking their eyes off the road. In an era where many automakers are replacing buttons with touch panels, Toyota’s choice to keep physical controls may actually be a strength.
2025 Toyota Land Cruiser Specifications
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder hybrid (i-FORCE MAX) |
| Power Output | 326 horsepower |
| Torque | 465 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Full-time 4WD with locking center differential |
| Towing Capacity | Up to 6,000 lbs |
| Fuel Economy (Est.) | 23 mpg combined |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Infotainment Screen | 8-inch standard / 12.3-inch available |
| Instrument Cluster | Fully digital display |
| Wheels | 18-inch standard, 20-inch available |
| Safety Features | Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (lane keep assist, adaptive cruise, pre-collision system) |
This spec sheet shows how Toyota blends modern hybrid power with traditional off-road durability. The engine provides plenty of torque for towing and off-road climbing, while the safety suite and infotainment upgrades bring the SUV in line with modern expectations.
Pros and Cons of the Land Cruiser Infotainment Screens
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large, modern displays enhance cabin feel | Menus are cumbersome and not intuitive |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included | Interface feels inconsistent and dated |
| Physical controls provide practical usability | Slower menu navigation compared to rivals |
| Instrument cluster customization options | Graphics and fonts lack polish |
| Reliable functionality for essential tasks | Lacks cutting-edge features like AR navigation |
Comparison Table: Infotainment vs Physical Controls
| Feature | Infotainment Screens | Physical Controls |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Can be confusing due to deep menus | Intuitive and quick adjustments |
| Modernity | Offers updated features like smartphone connectivity | Feels traditional but effective |
| Safety | Risk of distraction while navigating menus | Safer, allows adjustments without screen focus |
| Visual Appeal | Large, crisp screens improve aesthetics | Functional, not visually striking |
| Reliability | Occasional software quirks | Always dependable, no lag |
Why It Matters for Drivers
Technology is no longer just an accessory in SUVs—it plays a central role in the ownership experience. The infotainment system is where drivers interact with their vehicles daily, from navigation to entertainment. In the case of the Land Cruiser, the screens work but don’t inspire the same confidence as its legendary durability and off-road ability.
For long-time Land Cruiser fans, the trade-off may be acceptable. They value reliability, capability, and build quality over cutting-edge technology. But for younger buyers or those cross-shopping luxury SUVs, the infotainment shortcomings could be a deciding factor.
Conclusion
The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser delivers a mix of tradition and modernization. Its infotainment screens are a clear improvement over older models, offering modern connectivity and digital convenience. Yet they remain cumbersome, up-to-date but not cutting edge, and show several flaws in design and usability.
Thankfully, Toyota’s decision to retain physical controls helps mitigate some of these issues, ensuring drivers still have practical, distraction-free access to essential features.
Ultimately, the Land Cruiser may not lead the SUV market in infotainment innovation, but it continues to shine where it always has—reliability, toughness, and timeless appeal. For buyers who prioritize those qualities, the infotainment shortcomings may be a small price to pay.
