Toyota Land Cruiser vs Kia Carnival Hybrid

This two-row midsize SUV is designed for travelling almost anywhere at almost any time. It shares its platform with the rugged Toyota 4Runner SUV and Tacoma pickup truck, and it’s equipped with a turbocharged hybrid powertrain better at supplying power than efficiency. The 2025 Land Cruiser is almost unchanged following its 2024 redesign, which saw its return to the Canadian market after a nearly 30-year hiatus.

Verdict: There is a lot to like about the Land Cruiser, especially if you don’t care about fuel economy. Our test vehicle averaged 15 litres per 100 kilometres, falling well short of expectations. Its thirst for fuel easily ranks as the worst thing about this SUV. Also, we recommend upgrading from the base 1958 trim level.

The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid is a new addition to the Kia Carnival minivan lineup, giving buyers the option of a hybrid powertrain for the first time. The Carnival gets a number of updates as well, including refreshed exterior styling and tech features, to help it remain competitive with the Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey, and Toyota Sienna in the small — but still significant — minivan segment.

Verdict: The Carnival's new hybrid powertrain enhances an already-impressive package.