2025 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was available in three powertrain variants: the standard-output 3.3 Turbo, the high-output 3.3 Turbo, and the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Canadian trim levels included GS-L, GS, GT, GT-P, and Signature, with pricing ranging from $48,846 to $67,886. The test vehicle, equivalent to the Signature trim, featured extra-cost Soul Red paint, bringing the MSRP to $67,286. The CX-90's exterior boasted lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels, giving it a luxury SUV appearance. Its sculptural sheet metal and athletic design contributed to a sophisticated look.

Inside, the CX-90 continued its premium theme with polished metallic trim, Nappa leather, and clearly marked switchgear. While some materials reflected its price, the cabin felt upscale. However, ergonomic issues were noted, such as a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-90 exuded sophistication compared to other midsize three-row crossover SUVs.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its second model year, offered two trim levels: the base 1958 and the Cruiser. The 1958 trim had a retro look with round headlights, cloth seats, and basic equipment, priced at $73,270. The Cruiser trim, priced at $82,030, featured a more modern and upscale appearance, with additional colours, a nicer interior, and critical off-roading hardware. The test vehicle, equipped with the Premium Package, Heritage Blue and Grey paint, 20-inch wheels, and a roof rack, had an MSRP of $90,603. The Land Cruiser's traditional two-box SUV design maximized off-road clearances and utility, with a purposeful look and dark grey cladding.

Inside, the Land Cruiser's utilitarian interior featured traditional switchgear. The Cruiser trim's Java-coloured leather added contrast, and dual 12.3-inch digital screens enhanced its technological appeal. The steering wheel controls were intuitive, and the vehicle felt capable off-road, especially with features like the front stabilizer bar disconnect and Multi-Terrain Monitor camera views.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's standard 3.3 Turbo drivetrain lacked refinement, despite its inline-six engine's typical smoothness. The turbocharged 3.3-litre inline-six engine produced 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque in standard-output models, 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 offered Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, with a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. Ground clearance ranged from 20.4 to 20.6 centimetres, and hill descent control was standard.

The CX-90's i-Stop function aimed to improve fuel economy, with ratings of 9.3 L/100 km for the standard engine and 9.5 L/100 km for the high-output version. The plug-in hybrid offered 42 kilometres of electric range and a 9.4 L/100 km combined rating. While the CX-90 excelled in ride and handling, drivetrain refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behaviour. Vibrations in the second-row seats and a fussy electronic shifter detracted from the upscale impression. However, the CX-90's taut suspension provided a dynamic driving experience, especially in Normal mode.

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. It produced 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, with a full-time four-wheel-drive system and electronic locking differentials. The Land Cruiser's maximum towing capacity was 2,720 kilograms, and it included features like Downhill Assist Control and Crawl Control. The Cruiser trim added Multi-Terrain Select modes, Multi-Terrain Monitor camera views, and a front stabilizer bar disconnect.

The Land Cruiser's fuel economy rating was 10.1 L/100 km, but real-world testing yielded 15.0 L/100 km. Despite its poor handling on twisty roads, the Land Cruiser excelled in urban and off-road environments. Its suspension absorbed bumps and rough terrain, while the high seating position provided excellent visibility. Off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like the front stabilizer bar disconnect and Multi-Terrain Monitor. The Land Cruiser felt powerful and responsive, but acceleration and braking produced noticeable ride motions.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior climate control system struggled to cool the cabin quickly, despite its three-zone setup. In Signature trim, it featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and second-row captain's chairs. The front seats were comfortable, but ventilation was less effective. A panoramic sunroof provided natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed elevated seating positions. However, limited seat-track travel and long rear doors posed challenges for child seat installation and loading.

The CX-90's third row accommodated two adults comfortably, but it was best suited for children on longer trips. Storage space was limited, with a smartphone charging tray, shallow bin, and small trays under the load floor. Cargo space measured 451 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,155 litres with the third row folded and 2,129 litres with the second row flattened.

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 second-row seats lacked thigh support and had an uncomfortable backrest angle. Running boards aided entry but could be cumbersome for taller passengers.

The Land Cruiser's rear window design limited airflow, and the centre console's cool box reduced storage space. Cargo space was generous at 1,062 litres, but the high load floor required effort when loading heavy items. Maximum cargo space with the rear seats folded was 2,324 litres.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a traditional design with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. Lower trims had traditional gauges and smaller screens. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only with wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, requiring the use of a centre console knob for the native Mazda Connect platform. Voice recognition was inconsistent, but a new Google built-in system was expected in future models.

The test vehicle included a 12-speaker Bose audio system and Mazda's Active Driving Display, which provided helpful data and blind-spot alerts. The CX-90's technology was functional but lacked the high-tech appearance of some rivals.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser's Cruiser trim upgraded to two 12.3-inch displays with the Toyota Audio Multimedia system. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and access to Apple Music and Amazon Music accounts. Four connected service plans were available, including Drive Connect with cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant.

The Premium Package added a 14-speaker JBL sound system, a wireless smartphone charger, a head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, and digital key technology. The Land Cruiser's technology was well-equipped and user-friendly, with effective voice recognition.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings in 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 advanced features like steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera system.

Cruising and Traffic Support was available on higher trims, providing adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist. While effective, it had some limitations, such as speed reduction in curves and lane detection issues. The CX-90's safety features were comprehensive but occasionally intrusive.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. Adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist provided semi-autonomous highway driving. Additional features included a road sign reader, automatic high-beam headlights, and Proactive Driving Assist.

The Premium Package added front cross-traffic alert, lane-change assist, and Traffic Jam Assist. The Land Cruiser's safety features were generally effective, but some systems required manual intervention. NHTSA rated it four stars overall, with five stars in side-impact testing and three stars for rollover resistance.