Toyota Land Cruiser vs Genesis GV80

The 2025 Genesis GV80, available in Canada with two engine options and four trims, was a redesigned version of an already attractive vehicle. The top Prestige trim, featuring a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged engine, showcased Genesis's sophisticated design language. The front fascia retained its traditional two horizontal bar headlights, now enhanced with a micro lens array, while the grille gained depth and the lower bumper became more aggressive. Subtle changes were made to the rear, and the new Storr Green exterior colour was a notable addition. Inside, the GV80 continued to impress with quilted Nappa leather seats, an available suede headliner, and unique interior accents like basalt or recycled newspaper trim. The centre console featured three tactile dials, including a gear selector and drive mode selector, though the redundant infotainment dial seemed unnecessary.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser, offered in two trim levels, presented a retro look with the base 1958 model, featuring round headlights and cloth seats. The Cruiser trim, however, provided a more modern and upscale appearance, with additional colours, a nicer interior, and essential off-roading hardware. Our test vehicle, equipped with the Premium Package, showcased Heritage Blue and Grey paint, 20-inch wheels, and an accessory roof rack. Despite the limited colour options, the Land Cruiser's traditional two-box SUV design maximized off-road clearances and room for passengers and cargo. The interior, though utilitarian, was enhanced with Java-coloured leather and dual 12.3-inch digital screens, offering a technologically advanced feel. The steering wheel controls were notably intuitive, especially compared to the Lexus RX.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 retained its powertrain options, with a standard 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. Our test model featured a more powerful twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine, delivering 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. All GV80 trims in Canada came with standard all-wheel drive, capable of sending up to 100 percent of torque to the rear wheels. The vehicle offered various driving modes, including Snow and Eco, to optimize performance and fuel efficiency. Acceleration with the larger engine was satisfying, and the adaptive suspension provided a comfortable ride, though the GV80 was best suited for cruising rather than sporty driving. The brakes were firm and reliable, ensuring confident stops even on rough roads.

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, equipped with electronic locking differentials, allowed for a maximum 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 optimistic fuel economy rating of 10.1 L/100 km, real-world testing showed a consumption of 15.0 L/100 km. The Land Cruiser excelled as a daily driver and off-road adventurer, though it struggled with handling on twisty roads due to its suspension tuning. The vehicle's high seating position provided excellent visibility, and its off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like the front stabilizer bar disconnect and Multi-Terrain Monitor.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 offered a well-equipped interior with power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. Our top tester included four-zone climate control and ventilated seats, though the seats themselves were uncomfortably rigid. The second row provided ample legroom, and a third row was available in the Prestige trim, though best suited for children. Cargo space was expected to be similar to the 990 litres of the 2024 model, and the GV80 could tow up to 2,720 kilograms.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser's Cruiser trim replaced cloth upholstery with SofTex artificial leather, adding ventilated front seats and a power sunroof. The front seats were comfortable, but the second-row seats lacked support, and the running boards could be cumbersome for taller passengers. The rear window design was less practical than the 4Runner's, and the centre console's cool box seemed unnecessary. The Land Cruiser offered 1,062 litres of cargo space, with a maximum of 2,324 litres when the rear seats were folded, though the high load floor required effort when loading heavy items.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 featured a 27-inch OLED screen for the digital gauge cluster and infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available later. While the infotainment system's graphics were clear, navigating through menus could be cumbersome. Standard technology included wireless charging and four USB-C ports, with an optional 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo system providing sophisticated sound quality.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser's Cruiser trim upgraded to dual 12.3-inch displays, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and access to Apple Music and Amazon Music. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system included a cloud-based navigation system and a digital assistant, with the Premium Package adding a JBL sound system, wireless charging, and a head-up display. The voice recognition system performed well, providing accurate directions and responses.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 came equipped with advanced driver aids, including lane keeping assist, forward collision avoidance, and blind-spot monitoring. Upper trims added features like remote smart parking and a 360-degree camera system. The Highway Drive Assist II system included an attention monitor, though it struggled with certain sunglasses. The 2024 model received high safety ratings, but the 2025 model had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist provided semi-autonomous highway driving, though performance varied. The front cross-traffic alert system proved valuable in daily driving. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with mixed results in specific tests.