2024 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, known for its iconic design, maintained its classic boxy shape with a flat roof, reminiscent of its predecessors. It 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, blending 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 front 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 Mazda CX-90 exuded a luxury SUV appearance with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. Its sculptural sheet metal created a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, while a short front overhang, long hood, and rear-axle-focused cabin placement contributed to a low, athletic stance. Inside, the CX-90's interior was elegantly rendered with polished metallic trim, Nappa leather with contrast stitching, and clearly marked switchgear. While some materials reflected its price, the cabin felt convincingly upscale. However, ergonomic issues were noted, such as a confusing electronic shifter and a counterintuitive climate panel. The infotainment system lacked touchscreen operation for native functions, relying on a knob and buttons. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-90 stood out among midsize three-row crossover SUVs for its sophistication and impressive ride and handling. However, drivetrain refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behaviour shortly after start-up. The CX-90's taut suspension provided a firm, communicative ride, but the 21-inch wheels contributed to a less compliant experience.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with Toyota's i-Force MAX hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 1.87-kWh battery pack and a 48-hp electric motor. This setup produced a total of 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard full-time four-wheel drive, 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 both 4Hi and 4Lo. The Land Cruiser also came with 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 low-speed cruise control over challenging terrain, operating silently compared to previous versions. The Land Cruiser excelled in off-road conditions, with features like the stabilizer-bar disconnect enhancing articulation without excessive body roll.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 offered three powertrain variants: the standard-output 3.3 Turbo, the high-output 3.3 Turbo, and the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The standard-output models generated 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, while the high-output version delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft (340 hp with premium gas). Power was transmitted through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system, with a rear-wheel bias for improved dynamics. The CX-90 featured Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, with a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The i-Stop function aimed to improve fuel economy, with ratings of 9.3 to 9.5 litres per 100 kilometres depending on the engine. The PHEV offered 42 kilometres of electric range and a combined rating of 9.4 L/100 km once the battery was depleted. While the CX-90 provided impressive ride and handling, drivetrain refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behaviour shortly after start-up. The CX-90's suspension was firm and communicative, but the 21-inch wheels contributed to a less compliant ride.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser featured two rows of seating, with headroom measuring 917 millimetres in the front and 897 mm in the back. Legroom was 838 mm in the front and 678 mm in the rear. The centre console provided easy access to off-road features, with buttons for the stabilizer-bar disconnect and differential lockers conveniently located. Hard controls for climate and media were placed below the infotainment screen, within easy reach of the driver and front passenger. The wireless charging pad was positioned ahead of the cupholders, 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 for easy cleaning. The cargo volume measured 1,063 litres, with a 120-volt AC outlet and USB-C ports in higher trims.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel in the Signature trim. The three-zone climate control system struggled to cool the cabin quickly, but once cooled, the eight-way power-adjustable front seats were comfortable for long trips. A panoramic sunroof provided ample natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed elevated seating positions with height-adjustable armrests and side window shades. However, seat-track travel was limited, making it challenging to install rear-facing child safety seats. The CX-90's third row was best suited for children, with limited support for adults on longer trips. The centre console lacked practicality, with limited storage options. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 451 litres of cargo space behind the third row, with a maximum cargo volume of 2,129 litres with the second-row seats flattened.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser featured the Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM) system, standard above the base trim, which was useful on the off-road course. The 12.3-inch centre touchscreen display provided a clear view of the terrain, with MTM activating automatically at low speeds. 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 a six-speaker sound system, while higher trims offered a 10-speaker system or an optional 14-speaker JBL premium sound system. Additional features included a head-up display and a digital rear-view mirror in the Premium Package and First Edition.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen in the Signature trim. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only when using wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, with the native Mazda Connect platform requiring a knob and buttons for operation. The voice recognition system was inconsistent, but Mazda planned to introduce a new Google built-in infotainment system in future models. The test vehicle included a 12-speaker Bose audio system, providing a rewarding listening experience. The Active Driving Display offered a head-up display with helpful data, including blind-spot alerts.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but its platform-mates, like the 2024 Tundra, earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS. All Land Cruisers 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 Mazda CX-90 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings in all NHTSA crash tests, with a four-star rollover resistance rating. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and rear parking sensors. Higher trims added steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, safe exit warning, front cross-traffic alert, front parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The Cruising and Traffic Support system provided hands-on driving aid, but its speed reduction feature was irritating.