2020 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2020 Honda CR-V

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was a vehicle that revealed its charm over time. Its design was not ostentatious but rather practical, with subtle styling choices that became apparent after spending time behind the wheel. The dished hood, for instance, was not just a design quirk but a functional feature that improved forward sight lines, aiding in navigating obstacles. The fenders, slightly bulging from the smooth sides, provided space for wheel travel and indicated the vehicle's width. The Land Cruiser Heritage Edition added a touch of retro flair with blackened trim, a unique grille, and bronze BBS wheels, enhancing its rugged appeal. Inside, the Land Cruiser approached luxury with its black perforated leather-trimmed seating and a functional yet somewhat plain dashboard. The center stack housed a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system surrounded by a plethora of buttons and knobs, while the instrument panel featured old-school analog gauges. Overall, the interior was comfortable and functional, though slightly dull.

The 2020 Honda CR-V, in its fifth generation, had a design that was both familiar and enjoyable. Its exterior lines were soft and curvy, resembling Honda's sedan lineup, and it leaned more towards a station wagon look than an SUV. Inside, the CR-V's interior was a mix of textures and materials, with upscale touches like wood-look trim and leather upholstery clashing with lower-quality plastics. The CR-V offered four trim levels, starting with the base LX at an MSRP of $26,270, and all-wheel drive was an option across the lineup. The CR-V's interior was spacious, with a smart two-position load floor in the rear that allowed for flexible cargo space. The center console featured a deep well with a sliding cover, providing clever storage solutions. Despite its compact size, the CR-V offered ample head- and legroom, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was renowned for its confidence and capability, powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive, made the Land Cruiser a formidable vehicle both on and off the road. Its fuel economy was estimated at 13 mpg city, 17 mpg highway, and 14 mpg combined. The Land Cruiser's off-road prowess was further enhanced by its Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and Multi-Terrain Select control knob, allowing drivers to adapt to various surface conditions. With an approach angle of 32 degrees, a departure angle of 24 degrees, and a breakover angle of 21 degrees, the Land Cruiser was well-equipped for challenging terrains. Despite its size, the Land Cruiser offered a serene and relaxing driving experience, with minimal body roll and excellent visibility.

The 2020 Honda CR-V featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). This powertrain provided a responsive and fuel-efficient driving experience, with the CR-V achieving 30 mpg combined for front-wheel-drive models and 29 mpg for all-wheel-drive versions. The CR-V's car-like demeanor translated into excellent road manners, with nimble handling and a firm yet comfortable ride. Its low curb weight of 3,337 pounds contributed to its agility and fuel efficiency. The CR-V's performance was further enhanced by its Sport drive mode, which improved throttle response and made the vehicle feel quicker. Overall, the CR-V offered a balanced blend of performance and efficiency, making it a strong contender in its class.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was designed for both commuting and overlanding, with features like standard skid plates, tow hooks, and mudguards. The standard model offered a three-row configuration, with heated second-row seats that could slide, recline, fold, and tumble for versatile interior space. The Land Cruiser's split tailgate was a unique feature, providing easy loading and unloading. It could tow up to 8,100 pounds and came with an integrated towing receiver hitch. Inside, the Land Cruiser featured four-zone automatic climate control and a cooling box in the center console. The Heritage Edition, a two-row model, offered 10 beverage holders, while the standard model had 12. A rear-seat entertainment system was available for the standard model, enhancing its family-friendly appeal.

The 2020 Honda CR-V excelled in interior space and storage solutions, with a cabin as roomy as the Volkswagen Tiguan. Its excellent seating position and low cowl provided good visibility, while the cargo compartment offered ample space. The CR-V's center console featured a deep well with a sliding cover, influenced by Honda's Odyssey minivan, providing practical storage for small items. The rear offered a two-position load floor, allowing for flexible cargo space with the 60-40 split rear seats folded. The CR-V's door pockets were also spacious, providing additional storage. Overall, the CR-V's interior was well-designed for practicality and ease of use, making it a convenient choice for families.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a Qi-compatible inductive charging station and Toyota Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation. The sound system included 14 JBL speakers, Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free, HD Radio, and SiriusXM satellite radio. However, it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which were standard in many competitors. The 9-inch touchscreen interface, while functional, felt small compared to newer models with larger screens. The Enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor camera was a useful feature, providing selectable front, side, or rear views for navigating tight spaces.

The 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system showed its age, with a 5-inch screen in the base LX trim and a 7-inch touchscreen in higher trims. The system lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were only available with the larger screen. The CR-V offered plenty of USB ports in the EX trim and above, with two in the front and two high-powered ports in the backseat. The Touring trim added a wireless phone charger, enhancing its tech offerings. Despite its shortcomings, the CR-V's infotainment system provided essential connectivity features for modern drivers.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it featured Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) with advanced driver assistance features like a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also included Toyota's Star Safety System with stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. The Land Cruiser had 10 airbags, active headrests, and a tire-pressure monitoring system, among other safety features. Standard Safety Connect provided emergency assistance and collision notification.

The 2020 Honda CR-V came standard with the Honda Sensing system, including forward-collision warning, road-departure mitigation, and adaptive cruise control. It earned five stars from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from IIHS, with the Touring trim offering better headlights. The CR-V also included automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and cross-traffic monitoring in EX trims and above. A safety recall for a rear subframe failure affected a small number of vehicles, but overall, the CR-V was well-equipped for safety.