2024 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek retained much of its predecessor's design, yet introduced new sheet metal, a fresh chassis, and additional colour options like Sun Blaze, Offshore Blue, and Sapphire Blue. While its wheelbase and overall length remained nearly unchanged, the Crosstrek boasted a steeper departure angle, though cargo space was slightly reduced. The base trim featured 17-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires and 22 centimetres of ground clearance, making it suitable for off-road adventures. In Canada, standard roof rails added to its outdoorsy appeal, although crossbars were sold separately. The Crosstrek's LED headlights seamlessly integrated with the new wing bar, giving the front fascia a distinctive, smiling appearance. Black plastic cladding protected the wheel arches, with aerodynamic air inlets and outlets enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing road noise. The split taillight design from the second generation carried over, allowing for wider trunk access. The Wilderness trim added unique design elements, including a hexagonal front grille, larger cladding, and increased ground clearance. Inside, StarTex synthetic leather upholstery and copper accents provided a rugged yet stylish interior.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its second model year, offered two trim levels: the base 1958 and the more upscale Cruiser. The 1958 trim featured a retro look with round headlights, cloth seats, and basic equipment, while the Cruiser trim boasted a modern, upscale appearance with larger screens and enhanced off-roading capabilities. The Cruiser trim, with the Premium Package, included leather upholstery, a Heritage Blue and Grey paint option, 20-inch wheels, and an accessory roof rack. The Land Cruiser's traditional two-box SUV design maximized off-road clearances and interior space, with dark grey cladding emphasizing its utility. The interior featured traditional switchgear, with the Cruiser trim offering a more refined cabin with Java-coloured leather and dual 12.3-inch digital screens. The Land Cruiser excelled in off-road performance, with features like a front stabilizer bar disconnect, Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Monitor camera views. However, its handling on twisty roads was less impressive due to its tires and suspension tuning. The Land Cruiser provided a commanding view of the road, making it easy to maneuver both on and off the trail.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek offered two engine options: a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, and a smaller 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. The 2.5-litre engine was standard on the Wilderness trim, while the 2.0-litre engine was available on the Touring trim. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), with paddle shifters available on higher trims. The Crosstrek Wilderness featured different gearing for improved off-road performance and a towing capacity of 1,587 kilograms. The updated 2.0-litre powertrain reduced vibration, and the dual-pinion steering rack improved handling. Subaru's X-Mode traction management system was standard, with dual-function X-Mode available on higher trims. Fuel economy for the 2.0-litre engine was estimated at 8.8 L/100 km in the city and 7.1 on the highway, while the 2.5-litre engine achieved 8.9 city and 7.2 highway.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser featured Toyota's i-Force Max hybrid system, combining a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup delivered 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, with a maximum towing capacity of 2,720 kilograms. The Land Cruiser's full-time 4WD system included electronic locking rear and centre differentials, Downhill Assist Control, and Crawl Control. The Cruiser trim added Multi-Terrain Select off-roading modes, Multi-Terrain Monitor camera views, and a front stabilizer bar disconnect. Official fuel economy ratings were 10.1 L/100 km combined, but real-world testing showed 15.0 L/100 km. The Land Cruiser excelled in urban and suburban driving, with impressive off-road capabilities. However, its handling on twisty roads was less agile due to its suspension tuning. The Land Cruiser provided a comfortable ride, with features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Monitor enhancing its off-road prowess.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, built on the Subaru Impreza platform, offered competitive cargo space and utility for a subcompact SUV. Rear-seat legroom and headroom were adequate, though taller passengers might prefer the front seats. The trunk provided 564 litres of space, expandable to 1,549 litres with the rear seats folded. The interior featured durable materials, a protective cargo tray, and ample cupholders. A heated steering wheel was standard on most trims, and the centre console could accommodate two 32-ounce Nalgene water bottles.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser's Cruiser trim replaced cloth upholstery with SofTex artificial leather, adding ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Premium Package included real leather and a power sunroof. Front seats were comfortable, but the second-row seats lacked thigh support and had an uncomfortable backrest angle. The Land Cruiser's rear window design limited airflow, and the centre console's cool box reduced storage space. The rear liftgate revealed 1,062 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,324 litres with the rear seats folded. However, the high load floor required effort when loading heavy items.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek featured an 11.6-inch vertically oriented touchscreen, standard on all but the Convenience trim. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a wireless charger available on higher trims. The Limited trim offered a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Subaru Starlink technology provided various features, though glare and menu navigation were minor drawbacks.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser's Cruiser trim upgraded to dual 12.3-inch displays, featuring the Toyota Audio Multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Premium Package added a 14-speaker JBL sound system, a wireless smartphone charger, a head-up display, and digital key technology. Drive Connect offered cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant, enhancing the infotainment experience.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek was expected to maintain its Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Subaru's EyeSight driver assist technology, standard on all trims, included automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The 2024 model featured a wider-angle lens and automatic emergency steering for enhanced safety.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Additional features included lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Premium Package added front cross-traffic alert and lane-change assist. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side-impact testing but a three-star rollover resistance rating.