2024 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser presented a classic yet modern aesthetic, reminiscent of its iconic predecessors. Its boxy design and flat roof were complemented by heritage details like the "TOYOTA" grille and round headlights on the First Edition, evoking nostalgia while integrating contemporary LED lighting. The vehicle's design was both functional and stylish, with features like colour-selectable fog lights and a lowered beltline for enhanced visibility. Inside, the Land Cruiser offered a blend of comfort and utility, with heated seats across all trims and a focus on driver comfort through cushy seating and a padded centre console.

In contrast, the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, particularly in the Rock Creek trim, exuded an adventurous spirit with its rugged design elements. Equipped with 3-Peak Mud-and-Snow-rated tires and a metal roof rack, it was ready for off-road escapades. The Pathfinder's exterior featured an assertive front end and protective cladding, while the interior offered a mix of leatherette and cloth upholstery with bright orange "Rock Creek" logos. Despite its adventurous look, the Pathfinder maintained a comfortable cabin with heated front seats and a user-friendly layout, though it lacked some of the cutting-edge technology seen in competitors.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a hybrid i-Force MAX powertrain, combining a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-hp electric motor, delivering a total of 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, with advanced off-road capabilities like Multi-Terrain Select and CRAWL control. The Land Cruiser's off-road prowess was enhanced by features such as a push-button disconnect for the front sway bar and locking differentials, making it a formidable choice for rugged terrains.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, on the other hand, was equipped with a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque in most trims, with the Rock Creek trim offering a slight boost to 295 hp and 270 lb-ft. Its nine-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts, and the Pathfinder's towing capacity reached up to 2,720 kilograms in higher trims. While the Pathfinder excelled in light off-roading with its soft suspension and seven drive modes, it was less composed on twisty roads compared to dedicated off-road vehicles. Fuel economy was moderate, with the Rock Creek trim averaging 13.6 L/100 km during testing.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser offered a spacious two-row seating configuration, with headroom measuring 917 mm 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 was thoughtfully designed, providing easy access to off-road controls. The cargo area, with a capacity of 1,063 litres, featured a raised load floor and a rubber mat for practicality. The Land Cruiser also included a 120-volt AC outlet and USB-C ports in higher trims.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, despite being smaller on paper, provided ample interior space, accommodating four adults comfortably during a ski trip. With the third row folded, cargo space expanded to 1,274 litres, and further to 2,279 litres with both rear rows down. The Pathfinder's interior was comfortable, with three-zone climate control and adjustable seating. The EZ Flex Seating System allowed easy access to the third row without removing car seats, enhancing its family-friendly appeal.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 12.3-inch centre touchscreen with the Multi-Terrain Monitor system, enhancing off-road visibility. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a 10-speaker sound system upgradeable to a 14-speaker JBL system. Additional features in higher trims included a head-up display and digital rear-view mirror.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder's technology was less advanced, with an 8-inch screen in lower trims and a 9-inch screen in higher ones. While it supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless projection was limited to Apple devices on the larger screen. The Pathfinder offered a 6-speaker stereo, with a 13-speaker Bose system available in the Platinum trim. Navigation was only standard on higher trims, and a head-up display was exclusive to the Platinum.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been rated by major safety organizations, but it came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and Proactive Driving Assist. Higher trims added lane-change assist and traffic jam assist.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder received high safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with a comprehensive suite of ADAS, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and ProPilot Assist. Traffic sign recognition was available on higher trims.