Toyota Land Cruiser vs Honda HR-V

The 2026 Honda HR-V was available in three trim levels: LX, Sport, and EX-L, with pricing in Canada ranging from $33,446 to $41,846, including a $2,000 destination charge and other fees. The all-wheel drive (AWD) feature was standard on the Sport and EX-L trims, while it incurred an additional $2,300 charge on the LX trim. The test vehicle was an EX-L model, featuring a Nordic Forest Pearl paint, with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $42,246, including destination. The HR-V's design was not inherently appealing, with its blobby grille and stubby rear, but the green paint and 18-inch alloy wheels under gloss-black wheel arches enhanced its appearance. The 2026 model introduced new wheel designs across all trims and added new paint colours, including Boost Blue and Solar Silver.

Inside, the HR-V's cabin was more appealing, especially with the grey upholstery and trim available in the EX-L trim, creating a contrast against the black interior. The EX-L featured genuine leather seats with perforated surfaces and Z-pattern stitching, upgraded cabin lighting, and detailing, including front footwell lighting and silver steering wheel spokes. The interior showcased Honda's attention to detail, with metal mesh dashboard trim, padded surfaces, and satisfying control operation, making the EX-L cabin feel like it belonged to a higher class of vehicle.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser was offered in two versions: the Land Cruiser 1958 and a higher trim level. The 1958 model featured round headlights and cloth seats, while the higher trim had rectangular lamps and artificial leather upholstery. The higher trim also offered more colour options and additional features. The 1958 model started at $73,600 in Canada, including a $1,930 destination charge, catering to those seeking a basic yet functional vehicle. The upmarket Land Cruiser, priced from $82,390, was designed for those desiring more features.

The test vehicle was equipped with several options, including two-tone Trail Dust paint and the Premium Package, bringing the MSRP to $89,155. The Land Cruiser's cabin emphasized function over form, with the Premium Package adding soft leather upholstery and generous padding. The displays and switchgear were similar to those of the Lexus GX, exuding quality in construction and materials. Despite a thin metallic echo when a door slammed, the Land Cruiser maintained a sense of quality.

The 2026 Honda HR-V was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 138 pound-feet of torque at 4,200 rpm. Weighing up to 1,510 kilograms, the HR-V's engine worked hard, especially when paired with the continuously variable transmission (CVT). While the CVT performed well in urban settings, the HR-V struggled with acceleration on highways and during overtaking. The HR-V's fuel economy was rated at 8.3 L/100 km with front-wheel drive and 8.7 L/100 km with AWD, but it averaged 9.5 L/100 km during testing. The HR-V's dynamic tuning was commendable, with a multi-link rear suspension and Agile Handling Assist, providing a lively driving experience. The steering was not particularly quick, but the brake pedal felt good, and the brakes performed well during a mountain descent.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser featured the i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, combining a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission, full-time four-wheel drive, and 2,722 kilograms of towing capacity were standard. The Land Cruiser's fuel consumption was rated at 10.1 L/100 km combined, but it averaged 11.6 L/100 km during a heat wave and 13.0 L/100 km on a mountainous route. The Land Cruiser was equipped with centre and locking rear differentials, hill start assist, hill descent assist, and Crawl Control for off-roading. The i-Force Max powertrain provided adequate power, and the Land Cruiser excelled in off-road conditions, though the tires lacked bite. In daily driving, the Land Cruiser was mostly agreeable, with a touchy brake pedal being a minor downside.

The 2026 Honda HR-V's interior lacked the innovation of its predecessor, with the rear "Magic Seat" now folding flat like other crossovers. The HR-V did not offer a fold-flat front passenger seat or a 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat. The storage situation for the driver and front passenger was reasonable, with comfortable seats, especially the height-adjustable driver's seat in the EX-L. The back seat provided enough space for adults but lacked support and features like air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. The HR-V offered a 691-litre cargo area, expanding to 1,559 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser's 1958 model featured manually adjustable heated front seats with cloth upholstery, while the higher trim offered power-adjustable seats, ventilated front seats, and Toyota's SofTex artificial leather. The Premium Package added genuine leather, memory settings, and heated and ventilated rear seats. The Land Cruiser's seats were comfortable, with ample room for five people. The cargo area offered 1,062 litres of space, expanding to 2,327 litres with the rear seats folded. However, the high liftover height and lack of a flat surface made loading bulky items challenging.

The 2026 Honda HR-V featured a 9-inch touchscreen with a faster processor, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless smartphone charger. However, it lacked built-in navigation and SiriusXM satellite radio. The EX-L trim had an eight-speaker audio system, and the tech was simple and user-friendly, though it paled in comparison to rivals like the Hyundai Kona.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser's 1958 model came with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen, while the higher trim featured 12.3-inch displays. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with trial periods for Toyota's connected services. The Premium Package added a 14-speaker JBL audio system, a digital rearview mirror, and a head-up display. The infotainment system was simple and easy to use, with the Intelligent Assistant working well, though it occasionally misinterpreted commands.

The 2026 Honda HR-V was equipped with Honda Sensing, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitors and rear cross-traffic alert were standard in Canada. The HR-V earned favourable ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for the 2025 model year.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including high beam assist, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist and additional features like blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and mostly Good ratings from the IIHS, with some Acceptable and Marginal scores.