Toyota Land Cruiser vs Acura RDX

The 2025 Acura RDX, positioned between the smaller ADX and the larger MDX in Acura's lineup, offered a blend of style and performance. Available in base, A-Spec, and Platinum Elite A-Spec trims, it featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive as standard. Prices ranged from $57,526 to $66,356, with the Platinum Elite A-Spec model priced at $64,756 in Canada. The RDX's design evolved with a frameless grille and new wheel designs, while the A-Spec treatment added sporty gloss black accents. Inside, the Platinum Elite A-Spec trim boasted full leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and premium materials, though the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system was less desirable.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser, offered in two trims, the 1958 and Cruiser, embraced a retro look with modern enhancements. The base 1958 model, priced at $73,270, featured round headlights and cloth seats, while the Cruiser trim, at $82,030, offered a more upscale appearance with additional off-roading capabilities. Our test vehicle, equipped with the Premium Package, showcased Heritage Blue paint, 20-inch wheels, and a roof rack, bringing the MSRP to $90,603. The Land Cruiser's utilitarian interior featured traditional switchgear, Java-coloured leather, and dual 12.3-inch digital screens, providing a technologically advanced feel. Despite its high price, the Cruiser trim's interior upgrades made it feel worth the investment.

The 2025 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system ensured power distribution to all four wheels. The SH-AWD system could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel when needed. The Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) offered Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with the Platinum Elite A-Spec trim featuring an adaptive-damping suspension. Despite lively performance, fuel consumption was high, with the RDX averaging 14.6 L/100 km on a mountainous driving loop. The RDX's driving dynamics improved over time, with responsive steering and authoritative brakes, though it lacked the thrill sought by driving enthusiasts.

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, producing 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. The full-time four-wheel-drive system, with electronic locking differentials, allowed for a towing capacity of 2,720 kilograms. Standard features included Downhill Assist Control and Crawl Control, with the Cruiser trim adding Multi-Terrain Select modes and a front stabilizer bar disconnect. Despite an official fuel economy rating of 10.1 L/100 km, real-world testing showed 15.0 L/100 km. The Land Cruiser excelled as a daily driver and off-road adventurer, though it struggled on twisty roads due to its suspension tuning. Its high seating position and off-road capabilities made it easy to maneuver and park.

The 2025 Acura RDX Platinum Elite A-Spec trim offered 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, along with a heated steering wheel. While front seats were comfortable, rear seat comfort was lacking due to a flat bottom cushion and excessive backrest recline angle. Storage space was generous, with 835 litres of cargo space expanding to 1,668 litres with the rear seats folded. The RDX featured three underfloor storage compartments and a deep well for securing loose items. Despite a compromised centre console design due to the TTI touchpad, the RDX's interior layout, comfort, and cargo space made it practical for daily use.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser Cruiser trim replaced cloth upholstery with SofTex artificial leather, adding ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Premium Package introduced real leather and a power sunroof. While front seats were comfortable, second-row seats lacked thigh support and had an uncomfortable backrest angle. The high load floor height required effort when loading heavy items. The Land Cruiser offered 1,062 litres of cargo space, expanding to 2,324 litres with the rear seats folded. Despite some design flaws, the Land Cruiser's interior provided ample space and functionality.

The 2025 Acura RDX featured a 10.2-inch display atop the dashboard, controlled by the TTI touchpad. While the system offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa Built-in, the touchpad was challenging to use on bumpy roads. The infotainment system included SiriusXM satellite radio, AcuraLink connected services, and a premium sound system with 16 speakers. Despite the TTI's drawbacks, the RDX provided a range of technology features to enhance the driving experience.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser Cruiser trim upgraded to dual 12.3-inch displays, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system included four connected service plans, with Drive Connect providing cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The Premium Package added a JBL premium sound system, wireless smartphone charger, head-up display, and digital key technology. The Land Cruiser's technology offerings were comprehensive and user-friendly.

The 2025 Acura RDX came equipped with AcuraWatch, a comprehensive safety package including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered low-speed front and rear braking and a surround-view camera system. The RDX earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA. Despite some irritation with lane-assist systems, the RDX's safety features provided peace of mind.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Additional safety features included a road sign reader, automatic high-beam headlights, and blind-spot monitoring. The Premium Package added front cross-traffic alert and lane-change assist. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with mixed results in specific tests. While some ADAS features were irritating, others proved invaluable in critical situations.