a day ago
Three Ruggest 2025 SUVS, Tested
Love 'em or hate 'em, SUVs are here to stay and if you've got a brood, a trade or otherwise love that king-of-the-road flavor, here are three worthy big guys I've recently tested. None are cheap, but all are worth the coin and can not only dish it out, but take it, too.
2025 Toyota Land Cruiser
The 2025 Land Cruiser combines the best of what fans love about SUVs - it's great-looking, it's big but not gargantuan and it takes off like a shot. Its mileage is even decent for an SUV at 23 MPG city/highway combined. After apparently disappearing from the U.S. market, the Toyota Land Cruiser made its return in 2024 with a new design, modern features, and a downsized body.
There are no updates for 2025, but the First Edition trim has been discontinued. My tester, the Wagon Hybrid, starts at $61,470, topping out at $70,164 with all options and delivery charge.
2025 Toyota Land Cruiser
The interior of the 2025 Land Cruiser leans more rugged-chic than ultra-luxury—expect plush leather or SofTex-trimmed seats in higher trims, with heated and ventilated fronts, soft-touch surfaces and wood or contrast stitching accents. The cockpit features a modern infotainment setup—either an 8‑inch or available 12.3‑inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto—surrounded by straightforward, durable controls ideal for off‑road life. It's a cozy, well‑appointed cabin that blends comfort with functional toughness.
All trims come equipped with Toyota's newest infotainment system, which includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB-C charging ports, and a wireless phone charging pad. Buyers can also opt for a 14-speaker JBL premium audio system and onboard Wi-Fi for added convenience and entertainment.
The 2025 Land Cruiser uses a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid system, producing a combined 326 horsepower. It pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel-drive system that includes a locking center differential, low-range gearing, crawl control and hill-descent control. That takes some of the rock-and-roll away from your off-roading, but it's still a rollicking ride in the dirt or gravel.
Though torque delivery is strong, the small battery limits electric boost at times. Ride quality is smooth and noticeably quieter than rivals. Cargo space is generous for the segment, with room for 17 carry-on suitcases behind the rear seats and up to 31 when the second row is folded down.
2025 Lexus GX 500
The 2025 Lexus GX 550 may be one of the most perfect SUVs Lexus has ever made. It's large but not elephantine. Its body corners are sharp and tight, each with definable beginnings and endings, unlike the bloblike appearance of some SUVs. It's got three rows of seats and should feel like a Brontosaurus, but the drive is loose and nimble. Let's have a look.
The GX got the go-over snout to tail last year, with six grades on the menu - Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+ (my tester), Overtrail, and Overtrail+. The estimated MSRP for my tester, as equipped, is $84,395.
It's about as 2025 as it gets with its stylish triple-beam LED headlamps, smart LED foglamps, outside mirrors with puddle lamps and automatic power-extending running board. (The kiddos always love those, as do those of shorter stature.) Also included are a power rear door with kick Sensor, tow hitch receiver and a dynamic SkyTM panorama glass roof. It looks elegant but also ready-for-business, and I liked it as soon as I saw it despite its vaguely Land Rover-ish flavor.
2025 Lexus GX 500
It's got a soothing, muted interior, elegantly appointed furnishings and feels like fine hotel, in a good way. What I especially appreciated was that anything I could think of to look for was there, like adjusting my seat quickly to an ideal position, choosing different engine modes when it occurred to me, paddle shifters which I didn't know where there but which worked incredibly well, and more.
I would feel comfortable picking up a VIP, beloved family or other important passengers in the GX because of its quiet, its plushness and comfy seats.
A 14-inch touchscreen display, multiple USB-C connection ports and a charging table come with. The climate system worked as it should and the sound of the Mark Levinson® 21-speaker Premium Surround Sound System was sweetly sublime.
I was frustrated, however, as I have been with so many Lexii, with my inability to quickly suss what did what in the guts of the software. I have now spent several days with the vehicle so I can make the tech do as I wish, but it took us a while to get there.
Inside, it's a pleasure to either drive or to hang out in with a book or a laptop or a partner. You roll on 22-in. x 7.5-in. six-twin-spoke alloy wheels with Dark Gray Metallic and machined finish. A limited-slip locking differential comes with, assisting in off-road or snowy endeavors.
The outgoing V-8's been replaced with a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V-6 delivering 349 horsepower and 479 pounds-feet of torque. It's plenty powerful - you can tow up to 6,655 pounds - but mileage is a fairly feeble 16 MPG in urban areas, 20 highway, 16 combined. A hybrid is coming, says Lexus. The 10-speed automatic shift is silk-smooth, and 4WD is standard, all the time. Driving modes are ECO, Comfort, Normal, Sport S, Sport S+ and Custom.
I made jaunts of about 50 miles as soon as I got the vehicle and was immediately impressed with the sharpness of all controls from pedal to steering to braking as I rolled through towns and highways. I kept it in 'ECO' mode as much as I could but I was also in a fair hurry and I love to mash pedal, so there went my mileage. That said, it's a pleasure to drive a vehicle that can respond in kind to your wishes, especially a big guy like this.
I was surprised at how elegant the vehicle looked as I emerged from stores, rather than ferocious, because I felt ferocious in the GX. Visibility was particularly good. The third-row seats are best for children, not grown adults.
2025 Nissan Armada
The 2025 Nissan Armada sheds some of its dated styling with a fresh, squared-off design that's both modern and imposing. At over 209 inches long and nearly 5,900 pounds, it's a full-size beast with bold new LED lighting, a massive grille, and sculpted metal that screams presence on the road.
Inside, the redesign pays off with upscale materials, optional massaging front seats, and real upgrades to comfort and finish. Twin 14.3-inch screens dominate the dash, running Google Built-In and paired with a Klipsch 12-speaker audio system, wireless charger, and available second-row captain's chairs. It's far more refined than past models and offers seating for up to eight.
Under the hood, that new V6 delivers strong numbers but don't expect a hybrid or electric version just yet. Fuel economy is rated at 16 mpg city and 20 mpg highway in 2WD models, but it's a slight improvement over the previous V8's figures and real-world drivers are reporting closer to 17–18 mpg combined.
2025 Nissan Armada
The new turbocharged V6 replaces the old V8, delivering strong acceleration with a slightly improved fuel economy of up to 20 mpg highway. Steering is light, ride quality is plush, and acceleration feels surprisingly quick for something this size. It's still a big truck underneath, but handling is tidy and highway cruising is serene.
Massive, handsome and much more refined than before, the 2025 Armada is a luxury cruise ship on wheels. Just don't expect class-leading cargo space behind the third row—or a hybrid badge anytime soon.
