Is the Toyota Land Cruiser fuel efficient?
Fuel efficiency is not the Land Cruiser’s strongest suit. The Toyota Land Cruiser is built for durability, off-road capability, and long-term reliability, which typically comes at the expense of top-tier fuel economy. In real-world driving, owners commonly report mid-teens to low-20s miles per gallon (mpg), with the exact figure depending on the engine, drivetrain, and how the vehicle is used.
To understand where the Land Cruiser stands on fuel economy, this report surveys how efficiency is measured for large SUVs, what powertrains are available today in major markets, and what factors—and habits—affect real-world mpg. It also offers practical tips to help maximize mileage without sacrificing capability.
How fuel efficiency is measured for large SUVs
Large, rugged SUVs like the Land Cruiser are evaluated for efficiency using standardized fuel economy tests, typically reported as mpg in the United States. These numbers are broken out by drivetrain (two-wheel drive vs. four-wheel drive), engine choice, and sometimes body style. Real-world mpg can differ from these estimates due to weight, terrain, load, and driving habits. The Land Cruiser’s combination of weight, off-road gearing, and touring-oriented design often yields lower numbers than many lighter SUVs or hybrids.
EPA ratings vs. real-world results
EPA estimates provide a baseline for comparison, but actual mileage varies widely. In practice, highway cruising with a steady speed frequently yields better mpg than stop-and-go urban driving. For a vehicle like the Land Cruiser, off-road or heavy payload use will typically reduce mpg below EPA figures.
Current powertrains and typical fuel economy
Below are typical numbers for the main Land Cruiser powertrains in major markets. Variants and ratings can differ by region and model year.
- 3.5L twin-turbo V6 gasoline (LC300, current generation): US EPA estimates roughly 20–21 mpg combined for 2WD versions and about 18–19 mpg combined for 4WD versions.
- 3.3L turbo-diesel V6 (markets outside the US): Combined efficiency commonly around 25–30 mpg, depending on drivetrain and testing cycle.
- 5.7L V8 (older 200-series and prior generations): Combined economy typically in the mid-teens to around 18 mpg, with much lower city mileage in many cases.
These figures illustrate how engine choice and drivetrain have a meaningful impact on fuel economy. The newer gasoline LC300 improves on some aspects of power and torque, but it remains a relatively thirsty option among full-size SUVs given its size and capabilities.
Other factors that affect fuel economy
Beyond engine choice, several practical factors can push real-world mpg higher or lower. The following items help explain why two identical Land Cruisers can show very different fuel economy numbers in daily use.
- Vehicle weight and aerodynamics: loading, roof racks, and gear add heft and drag, reducing efficiency.
- Drivetrain configuration: four-wheel drive or gear reductions used for off-roading typically lowers mpg versus two-wheel drive on paved roads.
- Tire type and inflation: oversized or low-pressure tires increase rolling resistance and reduce efficiency.
- Terrain and usage: city traffic, steep grades, and frequent stopping significantly impact mpg compared with long highway cruises.
- Maintenance and engine health: air filters, spark plugs, oil, and fuel system cleanliness influence efficiency and performance.
- Payload and accessories: extra passengers, cargo, or roof-mounted gear add weight and drag, lowering economy.
Understanding these factors helps explain why owners might see mpg numbers that diverge from official estimates, and why the same model can feel either more or less economical depending on how it’s used.
Tips to improve fuel efficiency
Small, deliberate changes can help maximize mileage without compromising safety or capability. The following tips are practical for daily driving and long trips alike.
- Keep tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure; check monthly and adjust for load.
- Limit roof racks and heavy cargo when not needed to reduce drag and weight.
- Drive smoothly: accelerate gradually, anticipate traffic, and use cruise control on highways when appropriate.
- Plan efficient routes to minimize idling and stop-and-go conditions.
- Perform regular maintenance: timely oil changes, air filter replacements, and fuel-system cleaning as recommended.
- Remove unnecessary weight; avoid carrying unused equipment in the trunk or cargo area.
While these steps can help, the Land Cruiser is fundamentally tuned for capability and durability, so the fuel economy gains will typically be modest compared with smaller, lighter, or hybridized options.
Summary
Bottom line: The Toyota Land Cruiser is not designed to be a fuel-sipper. Its efficiency varies by generation, engine, and market, with typical combined mpg ranging from the mid-teens in older V8 models to the high-teens or low-20s for current gasoline variants in favorable conditions. Diesel variants in some markets offer better efficiency, but overall the vehicle’s purpose—rugged performance, off-road capability, and long-term reliability—means fuel economy is a secondary consideration. If fuel efficiency is a priority, buyers might compare lighter SUVs or hybrids, while those seeking capability and durability may accept the Land Cruiser’s fuel-use trade-offs.
What is the real world MPG of a Land Cruiser?
But the city number is 22. So we're like 25%. Away from that.
Which Toyota model is the most fuel efficient?
Best Toyota Fuel Economy – Electrified Models
- Toyota with the Best Fuel Economy – Toyota Prius Prime (plug-in hybrid) – 54/133 city/highway mpg.
- Toyota RAV4 Prime (plug-in hybrid) – 38/94 city/highway mpg/MPGe.
- Toyota Mirai (fuel cell) – 76/71 city/highway mpg.
- Toyota Prius (hybrid) – 58/53 city/highway mpg.
Is the Toyota Land Cruiser good on gas?
EPA estimates are 22 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined (on premium-grade fuel).
How far can a Land Cruiser go on a full tank?
The 2025 Land Cruiser has EPA-estimated ratings of 22 MPG in the city, 25 MPG on the highway, and 23 MPG combined. These ratings—which are identical to the 2024 Land Cruiser's fuel economy ratings—indicate that, like the 2024 model, the 2025 Land Cruiser should last around 412 miles on a full gas tank.
