Toyota Land Cruiser vs Honda CR-V

The 2023 Honda CR-V presented a more refined and slightly aggressive appearance with its blunt nose, grille, and elongated hood. This sixth-generation model adopted a cleaner design compared to its predecessor, though it lacked the distinct personality of the fifth-gen CR-V. The conservative styling was expected to age gracefully. The CR-V EX-L featured 18-inch alloy wheels and dark-tinted rear privacy glass, while the interior boasted leather-wrapped seats, a steering wheel, and a shift knob, elevating the cabin's quality. The dashboard, inspired by the latest Civic, incorporated metal mesh trim and a larger touchscreen infotainment system, enhancing the overall user experience.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser embraced its iconic boxy design with a flat roof, reminiscent of its storied past. The J250 model featured a heritage grille and round headlights on the First Edition, paying homage to earlier series. LED lighting modernized the classic look, while colour-selectable fog lights added a contemporary twist. The interior offered a blend of comfort and capability, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel standard across trims. The Premium Package and First Edition included real leather seats with unique logos, a moonroof, and ventilated front seats, emphasizing luxury and practicality.

The 2023 Honda CR-V retained its turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 190 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 179 lb-ft of torque between 1,700 and 5,000 rpm. Despite its power, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was a drawback, especially during hard acceleration, as it produced a droning noise that detracted from the driving experience. However, the CR-V excelled in ride and handling, with a well-tuned suspension, steering, and brakes. It managed speed bumps and uneven pavement with ease, offering a refined driving experience. The CR-V achieved impressive fuel economy, averaging 8.1 L/100 km on a mountainous route.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, on the other hand, featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 1.87-kWh battery pack, and a 48-hp electric motor, producing a total of 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive, with a two-speed transfer case for high and low range. The Multi-Terrain Select system operated in both 4Hi and 4Lo, enhancing off-road capability. The Land Cruiser's CRAWL control function, with five speed settings, provided precise low-speed control over challenging terrain, while the transmission remained unobtrusive.

The 2023 Honda CR-V offered a spacious interior, though the driver's seat felt more car-like than SUV-like. The second row provided ample space, resembling a midsize model, with high seating positions and generous legroom. The cargo area, accessed via a power tailgate, offered 1,113 litres of space, expandable to 2,166 litres with the rear seats folded. Storage options were plentiful, though some were lined with hard plastic, potentially causing noise.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser featured two rows of seating, 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 housed off-road controls, while the cargo area offered 1,063 litres of space with a raised load floor. A 120-volt AC outlet and USB-C ports were available in higher trims, enhancing practicality.

The 2023 Honda CR-V came with a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with larger displays and additional features available in higher trims. The EX-L trim included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an upgraded sound system. However, the technology package was considered basic compared to competitors, lacking innovation.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 12.3-inch centre touchscreen display with the Multi-Terrain Monitor system, enhancing off-road visibility. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with USB-C ports for front and rear passengers. Higher trims offered a 14-speaker JBL premium sound system, a head-up display, and a digital rear-view mirror, providing a comprehensive technology package.

The 2023 Honda CR-V improved its driver assist systems with the Honda Sensing suite, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. New features included a seatbelt reminder, rear-seat reminder, and traffic sign recognition. The CR-V was built to Advanced Compatibility Engineering standards, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and Proactive Driving Assist. The Premium Package and First Edition added lane-change assist and front cross-traffic alert. While not yet rated by safety organizations, Toyota's track record and platform-mates' ratings provided confidence in its safety.