2025 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2026 Toyota RAV4

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser was available in two trim levels, the 1958 and the Cruiser. The 1958 trim, named after the year the model first appeared in North America, featured a retro design with round headlights and basic equipment, offering a nostalgic nod to its origins. Despite its lower price point of $73,270, the 1958 trim was still a significant investment. The Cruiser trim, priced at $82,030, presented a more modern and upscale appearance, with additional colour options and a more refined interior. It also included essential off-roading features and offered a Premium Package that added leather and advanced technology. The Cruiser trim 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 design emphasized off-road capabilities, with a traditional two-box SUV shape and dark grey cladding underscoring its utility. Inside, the Cruiser trim offered a more luxurious feel than the 1958, with Java-coloured leather and dual 12.3-inch digital screens enhancing its technological appeal.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 embraced a new design with three distinct themes: Core, Rugged, and Sport, across five trim levels. The sixth-generation RAV4 adopted a blockier appearance, aligning with Toyota's other SUVs and trucks, while maintaining its boxy wheel arches and bulging rear fenders. The Core models retained a more traditional RAV4 look, while the Rugged grade, paired with the Woodland trim, featured a boxy design with all-terrain tires and a roof rack. The Sport style introduced the RAV4 GR Sport, exclusive to the Plug-in Hybrid powertrain. Inside, the RAV4 boasted a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with a larger 12.9-inch touchscreen available on higher trims. The interior was streamlined, with climate controls integrated into the touchscreen, and the centre console offered flexible storage options. The RAV4's design optimized interior space, with clever storage features and ample rear legroom, although it trailed larger competitors in passenger space.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by 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. This setup delivered 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, with a full-time four-wheel-drive system and electronic locking differentials. The Land Cruiser had a towing capacity of 2,720 kilograms and featured standard off-roading aids like Downhill Assist Control and Crawl Control. The Cruiser trim added Multi-Terrain Select modes, a Multi-Terrain Monitor, and a front stabilizer bar disconnect. Despite an official fuel economy rating of 10.1 L/100 km, real-world testing showed a less efficient 15.0 L/100 km. The Land Cruiser excelled as a daily driver and off-road adventurer, with impressive suspension tuning that absorbed rough terrain. However, it struggled on twisty roads due to its tires and suspension, and its handling was best described as slow and steady.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 featured a more efficient hybrid system with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and three electric motors, producing a combined 236 horsepower. Power was sent to standard all-wheel drive through a CVT. The electric motor provided quick power off the line, while the four-cylinder engine contributed under heavier acceleration. The RAV4's structural rigidity improved, reducing wind noise and enhancing the driving experience. The CVT offered smooth transitions, and the Limited trim included paddle shifters for a more engaging drive. The RAV4's suspension was tuned for comfort, with body roll typical for the class. The Woodland trim, part of the Rugged style, featured all-terrain tires and increased ground clearance, but its off-road capabilities were not significantly superior to other RAV4 models. Fuel economy ratings varied by trim, with the Woodland trim being the least efficient due to its heavier equipment and tires.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior offered a utilitarian design with upgrades in the Cruiser trim, including SofTex artificial leather and ventilated front seats. The Premium Package added real leather and a power sunroof. Front seats provided excellent support, but the second-row seats lacked comfort and thigh support. The Land Cruiser's rear window design was less practical, and the centre console's cool box reduced storage space. The SUV offered 1,062 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 2,324 litres with them folded, although the high load floor required effort when loading heavy items.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 maintained the same dimensions as its predecessor but optimized interior space with clever storage solutions. The cargo volume increased slightly, with 1,070 litres available with the rear seats up and 1,994 litres with them folded. The RAV4's interior featured multiple storage shelves and a centre console that could be accessed from both sides. Heated front seats were standard in Canada, and the RAV4 accommodated four passengers comfortably, although five passengers felt cramped. The panoramic sunroof reduced headroom, and the RAV4's rear legroom was ample but less than some competitors.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser's Cruiser trim upgraded to dual 12.3-inch displays, offering a sophisticated appearance. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and access to Apple Music and Amazon Music. Four connected service plans were available, with Drive Connect providing 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 2026 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with a larger 12.9-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The new Arene operating system offered improved responsiveness and customizable graphics. The touchscreen featured customizable tiles, and the Voice Assistant responded to a wide range of prompts. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all trims.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, featuring advanced driving assistance systems like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. The system also included lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Additional safety features included a road sign reader, automatic high-beam headlights, and Proactive Driving Assist. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side-impact testing but a three-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 featured Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, with enhanced driver assistance features and improved detection capabilities. The system included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. Additional features included an emergency stop system, safe exit alert, and an enhanced rearview camera. The RAV4's safety record was historically strong, and updates were expected to address previous shortcomings.