2024 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser embraced its iconic status with a distinctive, boxy design reminiscent of its predecessors. The J250 model featured a flat roof and heritage grille, with "TOYOTA" spelled out as a nod to the 40 series. The First Edition trim showcased round headlights echoing the 20 series, while other trims had rectangular headlights reminiscent of the FJ62. All lighting was LED, blending classic inspiration with modern standards. Higher trims offered colour-selectable fog lights, adding a contemporary twist. The lowered beltline improved visibility, and the vehicle came standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, with 20-inch options available. Inside, the base trim had cloth seats, while higher trims featured SofTex or real leather with unique logos. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with additional features like a moonroof and ventilated seats in higher trims. The cabin emphasized comfort with cushy seats and attractive stitching.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe presented a radical design departure, embracing a boxy shape for optimal storage. This design was a significant shift from Hyundai's sleek, futuristic models, yet it maintained an upscale appearance. The Santa Fe's aerodynamic efficiency was surprising, given its shape, and it turned heads with its sophisticated colour palette and anodized-finish badging. The XRT trim added dark chrome and black cladding. Most trims had 18-inch alloy wheels, with larger options available on higher trims. Inside, the Santa Fe offered premium styling, with the XRT and Ultimate Calligraphy trims showcasing luxurious materials. While some surfaces were hard, they were integrated with softer materials for comfort. The headliner fabric was particularly decadent. The Santa Fe's interior was designed for comfort and elegance, making it a standout in its class.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 1.87-kWh battery pack, and a 48-hp electric motor, producing a total of 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. It had an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard full-time 4WD, with an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case. The Multi-Terrain Select system operated in both 4Hi and 4Lo, and the vehicle included an automatic limited-slip differential, rear- and centre-locking differentials, and a push-button disconnect for the front sway bar. The updated CRAWL control function offered five speed settings for challenging terrain, operating silently. The Land Cruiser excelled off-road, with features enhancing its capability and comfort.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a hybrid powertrain as the entry-level option, with a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 231 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. It used a six-speed automatic transmission. Other models had a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine with 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. AWD was standard across all models. The Santa Fe featured Normal, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with the XRT adding off-road settings. Fuel economy varied by powertrain, with the hybrid being more efficient. The XRT had increased ground clearance and towing capacity. On-road, the Santa Fe was smooth and stable, with some body roll in turns. Off-road, the XRT handled rough terrain confidently, comparable to other rugged SUVs.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser offered two rows of seating, with headroom measuring 917 mm in the front and 897 mm in the back, and legroom at 838 mm front and 678 mm rear. The centre console provided easy access to off-road features, and the cargo area had a raised load floor with a rubber mat. Cargo volume was 1,063 litres, with a 120-volt AC outlet and USB-C ports in higher trims.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a longer wheelbase and body, with most extra space dedicated to the cargo area. The design was inspired by "chabak," focusing on car camping and tailgating. The third row was snug, but the first and second rows were spacious. Depending on trim, seating options included stain-resistant cloth, synthetic leather, or quilted Nappa leather. The cargo area offered 413 litres, expanding to 1,148 and 2,267 litres with seats folded. Roof rails supported 100 kg, and a UV sanitization compartment was available for the glovebox.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser included the Multi-Terrain Monitor system, standard above the base trim, with a 12.3-inch centre touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with USB-C ports for front and rear passengers. The upgraded trim offered a 10-speaker sound system, with a 14-speaker JBL system available. Additional features included a head-up display and digital rear-view mirror.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a curved panoramic display, with trims above the base model offering a 12-speaker Bose stereo, dynamic voice recognition, and six USB ports. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The Preferred trim had a 12.3-inch touchscreen, with wireless charging available in higher trims. Hyundai’s BlueLink system provided vehicle access and information, with digital key functionality in higher trims.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been rated by IIHS or NHTSA, but it came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and more. Higher trims added lane-change assist and traffic jam assist.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe had not been crash-tested, but it included advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision-avoidance assist, and blind-spot monitors. Higher trims added a 360-degree camera system, parking sensors, and a head-up display. The Santa Fe was the first Hyundai with driver monitoring, enhancing safety.