A New 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser Owner Says 500 Miles In, the “4x4” Isn’t Living Up to Expectations, “I Expected Better Performance,” He Says After Snow and Salt Trigger Constant ABS, While Complaining of Engine “Hiccups,” Loud Road Debris Noise, and a “Blu

The Toyota Land Cruiser name carries decades of reputation for durability and confidence in difficult conditions. That legacy is precisely why one new Land Cruiser 250 Series owner was surprised to find himself questioning aspects of the vehicle just 500 miles into ownership.

After recently purchasing a brand new Land Cruiser, the owner says he has noticed several behaviors that feel out of character for a vehicle marketed as a capable full-time Four Wheel Drive SUV. The most concerning issue occurs when coming to a stop, where the engine appears to hesitate or hiccup. While he suspects it could be related to the break-in period, the behavior was noticeable enough to raise concern, especially in a new vehicle.

“I recently purchased a brand-new Land Cruiser and have driven only about 500 miles so far, and I have a few concerns. First, when I come to a stop, the engine seems to hiccup, which I assume might be due to the break-in process. Second, I’ve noticed the car slipping on roads with a bit of snow and salt, and I’m not sure if it’s due to the tires or the vehicle’s weight. I expected better performance from a 4x4. In comparison, my Grand Highlander and Porsche Macan handle snowy conditions much better. Also, this is my first truck-style vehicle; I’m coming from luxury SUVs and sports cars like BMWs and Porsches, so I’m still adjusting and wanted to get insights from other Land Cruiser owners or people who have driven similar truck-style cars. Lastly, I hear constant noise from debris hitting the car when there’s salt on the roads, which I’ve never experienced with other vehicles. It’s quite annoying and consistent. Additionally, my left side mirror appears blurry, making it hard to see clearly and causing some discomfort. I’d love to hear from other Land Cruiser owners or those experienced with truck-style vehicles to know if these concerns are normal or if there’s something I should look into.

Edit: it’s stock tires, and it slips to the point ABS system starts working and trying to stop the car. I would assume, since it’s AWD, Toyota would’ve put better tires. I don’t see this issue in our 2024 Grand Highlander.”

Winter traction has also been a disappointment. On roads with light snow and salt, the Land Cruiser reportedly slips to the point that the ABS system engages to stabilize the vehicle. This surprised the owner, given the truck’s full-time Four Wheel Drive system. He noted that his other vehicles, including a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander and a Porsche Macan, handle the same conditions with far more confidence. The Land Cruiser is equipped with stock tires, which the owner believes may be a significant part of the issue.

Toyota Land Cruiser 250 Series: Design Focus & Vehicle Packaging 

• The 250 Series returns the Land Cruiser to a more utilitarian design, using boxier proportions and simpler surfaces that improve outward visibility and emphasize off-road intent over aerodynamic efficiency.
• Its platform and suspension tuning prioritize durability and low-speed control, delivering a stable, confidence-inspiring feel on rough terrain while feeling less nimble in tighter on-road driving.
• Cabin layout focuses on practical usability, with an upright seating position and straightforward control placement, balancing modern screens with physical switchgear for common functions.
• Packaging favors cargo flexibility and trail readiness, though the added mass and all-terrain hardware introduce tradeoffs in acceleration, braking feel, and fuel consumption compared with lighter crossovers.

This is the owner’s first body-on-frame vehicle, coming from a background of unibody luxury SUVs and sports cars from brands like BMW and Porsche. He admits there is an adjustment period, but still expected more composure in winter driving given the Land Cruiser’s positioning and price. Several experienced owners pointed out that body-on-frame vehicles inherently behave differently, with more weight transfer and less car-like response compared to unibody platforms.

Another unexpected complaint involves road noise. When driving on salted winter roads, the owner says he constantly hears debris striking the underside and body of the vehicle. He describes the sound as persistent and distracting, noting that he has never experienced this level of noise in previous vehicles. Other Land Cruiser owners suggested this may be normal for trucks with more exposed underbody components and less sound insulation than luxury-oriented crossovers.

Visibility concerns also entered the conversation. The owner reports that his left side mirror appears blurry, making it difficult to see clearly and causing discomfort during driving. Several commenters recommended having the mirror inspected, as this is not considered normal behavior.

Responses from longtime Land Cruiser owners were mixed. Some stated that none of their Land Cruisers have ever slipped in snow and advised scheduling a service appointment immediately. Others emphasized that the stock tires are often the weakest link and recommended switching to higher-quality all-season or winter-focused tires such as Michelin Defenders. Multiple commenters agreed that tires alone can dramatically change how the Land Cruiser behaves in winter conditions.

There was also discussion around drivetrain behavior. While some owners referred to the vehicle as AWD, others clarified that the Land Cruiser 250 uses a full time four wheel drive system. In locked Four Wheel Drive modes, hesitation should not occur, which again raised questions about whether the engine hiccup is normal or indicative of a problem.

For this owner, the experience has been less about regret and more about recalibration. He acknowledges that the Land Cruiser is a different kind of vehicle than what he is used to, but still believes a brand-new example should inspire more confidence than it currently does. With only 500 miles on the odometer, he plans to consult with a service advisor to determine whether what he is experiencing is normal truck behavior, tire-related, or something that requires attention.

The situation shows a common challenge for buyers moving from luxury unibody SUVs to traditional body-on-frame vehicles. Capability often comes with tradeoffs in ride, noise, and refinement. Whether those tradeoffs are acceptable depends not just on expectations, but on how well the vehicle performs the tasks buyers assumed it would handle best.

Image Sources: Toyota Media Center

Noah Washington is an automotive journalist based in Atlanta, Georgia. He enjoys covering the latest news in the automotive industry and conducting reviews on the latest cars. He has been in the automotive industry since 15 years old and has been featured in prominent automotive news sites. You can reach him on X and LinkedIn for tips and to follow his automotive coverage.