Toyota recently recalled over 105,000 SUVs due to a fuel tube leak that could cause vehicles to catch on fire. Owners can take their Land Cruiser Hybrids to Toyota dealers, who will "inspect the connection and install a supplemental clamp" according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Should buyers avoid the Land Cruiser Hybrid after the recall?
Why the Toyota Land Cruiser Hybrid is a good SUV
The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser Hybrid starts at $58,080. It's pricey for a mainstream midsize hybrid family SUV, but its performance specs and standard features can justify its cost for some buyers.
Toyota's Land Cruiser Hybrid produces a massive 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, thanks to its i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain setup. The midsize SUV achieves 22 miles per gallon in the
city, 25 miles per gallon on the highway, and 23 miles per gallon combined. Its fuel efficiency is average for an off-road SUV model.
The Land Cruiser Hybrid is appealing because it has a unique body style designed for outdoor adventurers. Its hybrid powertrain setup also provides exhilarating acceleration.
Does the recall change my recommendation?
The recall affects 2024-2027 Land Cruiser Hybrid models totaling over 105,000 vehicles. If you're shopping for a midsize hybrid family SUV, there are several models I would recommend instead of the Land Cruiser Hybrid from Toyota and other brands.
The recall may seem shocking, but several major automakers recall vehicles due to potential fire risks every year. Toyota's recall isn't enough to convince me that the Land Cruiser is unreliable. In fact, Toyota makes some of the longest-lasting SUV models, says automotive research site iSeeCars.com.
I would recommend other Toyota SUVs and Toyota rivals over the Land Cruiser Hybrid because there are roomier and more efficient SUVs on the market with lower starting prices. Toyota's Land Cruiser is made for a specific customer base rather than the average driver.
Who should still consider buying the Toyota Land Cruiser Hybrid?
If you're a fan of the Land Cruiser Hybrid nameplate, the recall shouldn't deter you from getting your dream SUV. It's an attractive model for car buyers who want a body-on-frame SUV that has serious off-roading capability. Drivers who are buying a new Land Cruiser Hybrid should ensure the dealer's service center has addressed the issue.
Current Land Cruiser Hybrid owners should take their vehicles to service centers as soon as possible to reduce the risk of potential fires and damages.
Would I buy the Land Cruiser Hybrid?
As an expert car reviewer, I appreciate the Land Cruiser's long industry history. It has roots that go all the way back to the 1950s, when its ancestor, the rugged Toyota BJ military vehicle was created.
I'm a fan of the nameplate, but I have test-driven several midsize hybrid SUVs with off-roading capabilities in 2026. The Toyota 4Runner I tested is more affordable (as a base model) than the Land Cruiser Hybrid and also has a powerful hybrid option. Additionally, it has more cargo space and a stronger resale value. I'm also fond of theToyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, when it comes to the brand's midsize hybrid SUVs.
I wouldn't personally buy a Toyota Land Cruiser, but the brand has a long history of producing dependable SUV models that can last over 200,000 miles. Owners should take the latest recall seriously, but it doesn't have a huge impact on the nameplate's long-term reliability, based on the nature of the issue.
Charles Singh is an Autos Connect Reporter for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network. Contact him atCSingh@Gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Would I still recommend Toyota's recalled Land Cruiser Hybrid?
