2021 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its final year of production, offered a nostalgic nod to its storied past with the Heritage Edition trim. However, the standard model, which arrived for review, was dressed in Magnetic Gray paint and featured Terra semi-aniline premium leather upholstery. From the outside, the Land Cruiser's design was reminiscent of a first-generation Toyota Highlander, with oversized headlights and taillights, and a generous amount of chrome. Inside, the Land Cruiser combined Toyota's parts-bin switchgear with Lexus-inspired design elements, creating a plush yet somewhat dated interior. The presence of a traditional hand-operated parking brake and a CD player added to the retro feel, making the Land Cruiser a time capsule of sorts, albeit not from its most iconic era.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a modern evolution of the brand's design philosophy, moving away from the boxy shapes of the past. The XC90's sleek profile, pronounced wheel arches, and distinctive "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights showcased its Swedish heritage with a touch of luxury. Inside, the XC90 embraced "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury" themes, with natural wood and metal trim, a clear crystal gear selector, and a choice between Nappa leather and a tailored wool blend upholstery. The XC90's interior was a testament to Volvo's commitment to upscale design and comfort, offering a refined and contemporary driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine, shared with the Toyota Tundra. Despite its power, the engine's roar was subdued, contributing to a quiet cabin experience. The Land Cruiser's fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 14.7 mpg during testing, slightly above the EPA's 14 mpg combined rating. An eight-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case provided robust off-road capabilities. The Land Cruiser's Torsen limited-slip differential, mud-and-snow tires, and a suite of off-road features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select made it a formidable off-road vehicle. On pavement, the Land Cruiser offered a refined ride, though its nearly 3-ton weight was evident in its handling.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered a choice of three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 250 horsepower, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version delivering 316 horsepower, and the T8 plug-in hybrid with a combined 455 horsepower. The XC90's fuel economy varied by model, with the T5 FWD achieving up to 25 mpg combined, while the T8 offered 27 mpg combined on gas and 55 MPGe with an 18-mile EV range. The XC90's driving experience was characterized by its nimble handling and minimal body roll, making it feel smaller than its size. The T8 Inscription extended range model provided spirited acceleration, with the electric motor smoothing out power delivery and eliminating turbo lag.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior was luxurious, with plush leather upholstery and heated and ventilated front seats. However, storage space was limited, with a small center console bin and a wireless smartphone charger. The Land Cruiser's three-row seating configuration offered ample space, with a roomy second row and a third row that could accommodate adults if the second row was adjusted. Cargo space was 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 82.8 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The split clamshell-style liftgate and tailgate provided convenient access to the cargo area.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row. While the third row was suitable for children, adults would find it lacking in legroom. The XC90's cargo capacity was 15.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 85.7 cubic feet with all seats folded. The XC90's interior was designed for practicality, with ample storage options and a spacious, airy cabin enhanced by a panoramic moonroof. The XC90's air-conditioning system performed admirably during a heat wave, providing a comfortable environment for occupants.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Toyota Entune technology. The system required tapping rather than swiping, and lacked depth, offering basic functionality without Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The Land Cruiser's dashboard was dominated by large buttons and knobs, providing a straightforward user experience. The rear-seat entertainment system was dated, with 11.6-inch displays that played DVDs but did not support streaming. A 14-speaker JBL Synthesis audio system was standard, though it fell short of high-end audio systems in other luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system offered tablet-like functionality with familiar gestures, though it was occasionally glitchy. The 9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen was complemented by a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display. The XC90's standard Harman Kardon audio system could be upgraded to a Bowers & Wilkins system, known for its surround sound staging. The XC90 included multiple USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and the Volvo Care smartphone app for remote vehicle control.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser came equipped with 10 airbags and Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked more advanced features like stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and automated lane-keeping. Crash-test ratings were unavailable for the Land Cruiser, leaving its safety performance uncertain.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping aid, and adaptive cruise control. Volvo's Pilot Assist system provided semi-autonomous driving assistance on highways. The XC90 received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, reinforcing its reputation as a safe family vehicle.