2024 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2025 Land Rover Defender

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, known for its iconic design, retained its classic boxy shape with a flat roof, reminiscent of its predecessors. The J250 model was available in two trims and two packages in Canada, each featuring elements that paid homage to earlier models. The heritage grille with "TOYOTA" spelled out across the front was a nod to the 40 series, while the round headlights on the First Edition echoed the 20 series. Other versions had rectangular headlights reminiscent of the FJ62. All lighting was LED, symbolizing the blend of classic inspiration with modern standards. Higher trims boasted colour-selectable fog lights from RIGID Industries, adding a contemporary twist. The beltline was lowered for better visibility, and all models came with 18-inch alloy wheels, with 20-inch wheels available in the Premium Package. The First Edition included off-road gear like a roof rack, front skid plate, and mudflaps. Inside, the base 1958 trim had cloth seats, while others 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 was comfortable, with cushy seats, a padded centre console, and attractive contrast stitching, emphasizing comfort alongside capability.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender, with its rugged appeal, offered a variety of customization options. The Defender 90 appeared stubby, while the 130 seemed visually heavy over its rear wheels, but the 110 four-door struck a balance. Base prices in Canada ranged from $79,050 for a 90 to $160,720 for a 130 V8, including fees and luxury tax. The new Defender OCTA, available only as a 110, was priced at $198,460. The test vehicle, a Defender 130 in X trim, featured black exterior elements, upgraded interior materials, and comprehensive off-roading technology. It swapped standard 22-inch wheels for 20s with Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires. Options included the Towing Pack, Cold Climate Pack, and second-row captain’s chairs, bringing the MSRP to over $130,000. The test model, in Gondwana Stone paint, lacked the new matte paint protection film. The murky brown colour clashed with the orange brake calipers and delicate twin-spoke wheels. Inside, the Defender X upgraded to premium Windsor hides with Kvadrat fabric. The interior had an industrial theme, with quality materials but not in the traditional luxury sense. The cabin was purposeful, with illuminated door sill treadplates and metal pedal covers.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, tested on a curated off-road course, 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 for high and low range. The Multi-Terrain Select system, available on all but the base models, operated in 4Hi or 4Lo. An automatic limited-slip differential was standard, along with rear- and centre-locking differentials. The rear diff lock added ease to challenging obstacles. A push-button disconnect for the front sway bar was new, allowing more articulation off-road without excess body roll on-road. The updated CRAWL control function, with five speed settings, managed braking and acceleration over difficult terrain silently, a significant improvement over previous versions.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender, with a turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine, offered robust acceleration and fuel economy. The mild-hybrid system produced 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD with a low-range setting. The Defender 130 X accelerated to 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds and had a maximum tow rating of 3,720 kilograms. An adaptive air suspension, hill descent control, and Terrain Response 2 driving modes were standard, along with the Off-Road Pack’s electronic active differential and wade-sensing technology. The Defender excelled off-road, with a 29 cm ground clearance, 37.5-degree approach angle, 27.9-degree breakover angle, and 28.8-degree departure angle. The six-cylinder engine provided ample power, though city driving occasionally resulted in unexpected surges. The adaptive air suspension absorbed urban bumps well, but the 20-inch wheels discouraged enthusiastic driving on twisty roads. The Defender 130 cruised comfortably on highways but suffered from wind noise due to its boxy shape. Observed fuel economy was 14.5 L/100 km, slightly above the expected 13.0 L/100 km.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser featured 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, with buttons for the stabilizer-bar disconnect and lockers. Hard controls for climate and media were conveniently placed below the infotainment screen. A wireless charging pad was available, and the Premium Package included a centre console cool box. The rear liftgate opened to a cargo area with a raised load floor, equipped with a rubber mat. Cargo volume was 1,063 litres, with a 120-volt AC outlet and USB-C ports in higher trims.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender 130 offered three rows of seating, with 12-way power-adjustable front seats featuring heating and ventilation. The ventilation system was notably effective. The tall seating provided excellent forward visibility, though the square side mirrors seemed undersized. The Defender X included a panoramic sunroof and a fixed glass panel over the third row, creating an open and airy feel. Storage space was ample in the front but less accommodating further back. The second-row captain’s chairs were heated and ventilated, with inboard adjustable armrests. The third-row seat was heated and spacious, with a 40/20/40-split folding design. The side-hinged cargo door was heavy and awkward, with a high load floor. Cargo space was 433 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,237 litres with the third row folded, and 2,520 litres with all rear seats down.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser featured the Multi-Terrain Monitor system, standard above the base trim, with a 12.3-inch centre touchscreen display. The MTM system activated automatically at low speeds, aiding off-road navigation. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with USB-C ports for front and rear passengers. The base infotainment system had an 8-inch display and six-speaker sound system, while upgraded trims offered a 10-speaker system or a 14-speaker JBL premium sound system with the Premium Package or First Edition. Additional features included a head-up display and digital rear-view mirror.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender was equipped with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, accessed via an 11.4-inch touchscreen. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and connected services. Pivi Pro had improved response and accuracy, with intuitive user experience. The system excelled in voice command accuracy, though response time was slower than preferred. The Defender’s Meridian premium sound system was impressive. Additional technology included a head-up display, ClearSight digital rearview mirror, and surround-view camera system. The Towing Pack added a hands-free trailer reverse-steering system.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Toyota’s track record and the Tundra’s Top Safety Pick award provided some confidence. All models came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, lane-tracing assist, automatic high beams, road-sign assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. The Premium Package and First Edition added lane-change assist, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender included several driver aids, such as automatic high beam headlights, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality. A Driver Assistance Mode menu allowed customization of assistance levels. The adaptive cruise and lane centring assist operated smoothly, though the adaptive cruise occasionally struggled in heavy traffic. Crash-test ratings were unavailable.