Toyota Land Cruiser vs Porsche Macan

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its final year of the current form, offered a nostalgic nod to its heritage with the Heritage Edition trim. However, the standard spec model, which arrived for review, was dressed in Magnetic Gray paint and Terra semi-aniline premium leather upholstery. From the outside, it resembled a first-generation Toyota Highlander with oversized headlights and taillights, and an abundance of chrome. Inside, the Land Cruiser mixed Toyota parts-bin switchgear with Lexus design themes, featuring high-quality materials and a traditional hand-operated parking brake. The overall experience was akin to a trip back in time, offering a blend of nostalgia and modern luxury.

In contrast, the 2022 Porsche Macan maintained its sporty and sophisticated appeal, with a design that had evolved subtly since its introduction in 2015. The Macan S test vehicle, adorned in Volcano Gray paint and 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels, exuded an athletic and performance-oriented look. Inside, the Macan drew inspiration from other Porsche models, featuring a flat and wide dashboard, a center console with haptic touch controls, and a sporty, upscale cabin with red leather and metallic accents. The Macan's design communicated its mission to deliver maximum performance on the road.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine, shared with the Toyota Tundra. Despite its power, the engine's roar was subdued, contributing to an average fuel economy of 14.7 mpg, slightly better than the EPA rating of 14 mpg. The Land Cruiser's eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel-drive system, with a two-speed transfer case, provided impressive off-road capabilities. Features like the Torsen limited-slip differential, Active Traction Control, and Multi-Terrain Select ensured the Land Cruiser could handle various terrains with ease. On pavement, the Land Cruiser offered a refined driving experience, though its nearly 3-ton weight was evident in its handling.

The 2022 Porsche Macan S, on the other hand, featured a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 engine, delivering 375 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. With the optional Sport Chrono Package, it could accelerate to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The Macan's seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission and fully variable all-wheel-drive system provided a dynamic driving experience. The Macan S also benefited from Porsche's re-tuned steering and suspension, offering improved ride and handling. The test vehicle's optional performance upgrades, including Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus and Porsche Surface Coated Brakes, enhanced its performance on twisty roads, delivering a thrilling driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior, while dated in appearance, offered a luxurious experience with plush leather upholstery and heated and ventilated front seats. The three-passenger second-row bench seat provided ample space and comfort, while the third-row seat, though accommodating adults, lacked leg support for longer trips. The Land Cruiser offered 16.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 82.8 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded down. The split clamshell-style liftgate and tailgate provided convenient access to the cargo area.

In contrast, the 2022 Porsche Macan offered a comfortable experience for the driver and front-seat passenger, with optional 14-way power-adjustable front seats. However, the rear seats were cramped, especially for taller passengers. The Macan's redesigned center console with haptic touch controls provided a modern and clean look, though it required looking away from the road to use. Cargo space measured 17.2 cubic feet behind the back seat, expandable to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Toyota Entune technology. However, it lacked modern conveniences like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the voice-recognition system was limited in its capabilities. The Land Cruiser's dashboard was dominated by large buttons and knobs, offering a straightforward and distraction-free experience. The dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system, though dated, provided DVD playback and HDMI connections.

The 2022 Porsche Macan, on the other hand, came equipped with a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, known as Porsche Communication Management (PCM). It included wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a navigation system. The user experience was intuitive, though the voice recognition system was less advanced compared to competitors. The Macan offered stereo volume and tuning controls below the screen, allowing for easy access to frequently adjusted features.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser came with 10 airbags and a robust curb weight, providing a sense of security in collisions. However, it lacked crash-test ratings, leaving its safety performance uncertain. Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) driving assistance systems were standard, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, more advanced driving assistance systems were not available.

The 2022 Porsche Macan included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking as standard. Optional features like blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist were available. The Macan's parking assistance features, including a surround-view camera and Park Assist system, provided added convenience. However, the Macan lacked more advanced driving assistance technologies.