Toyota Land Cruiser vs Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid had a robust and angular design that marked a departure from its previous softer crossover styling. The trapezoidal grille, borrowed from Toyota's truck line, added a sense of heft, complemented by beveled and angled bodywork that framed the headlights. This design choice, initially groundbreaking, became more common as competitors like the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-50 adopted similar aesthetics. The RAV4 Hybrid's interior continued the angular theme with a multi-tiered dashboard featuring beveled cutouts, adding visual interest to an otherwise straightforward layout. While the materials used were average for its class, with some hard plastics, most contact surfaces were lightly padded. The base model's urethane steering wheel felt cheap, but higher trims offered a leather-wrapped alternative. Overall, the build quality was solid, with no noticeable creaks or squeaks during drives over rough terrain.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, on the other hand, embraced its iconic status with a boxy design and flat roof, reminiscent of its predecessors. The heritage grille with "TOYOTA" spelled out was a nod to the 40 series, while the round headlights on the First Edition echoed the 20 series. LED lighting throughout modernized the classic look. The Land Cruiser's interior focused on comfort and capability, with heated front seats standard across trims and real leather available in higher trims. The cabin featured visual elements from Toyota's truck lineup, with cushy seats and contrast stitching enhancing comfort. The lowered beltline improved visibility, and the centre console provided easy access to off-road features. The Land Cruiser's design balanced classic inspiration with modern functionality, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a blend of tradition and innovation.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor/generator, delivering a combined 219 horsepower. This setup, mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), provided all-wheel drive through a second electric motor on the rear axle. The RAV4 Hybrid accelerated to 100 km/h in approximately 7.5 seconds, making it about half a second quicker than the standard RAV4. Within its class, it was competitive, with the Kia Sportage hybrid slightly faster and the Honda CR-V Hybrid reaching 100 km/h in about 8 seconds. The RAV4 Hybrid's braking system utilized regenerative braking to charge the battery, transitioning smoothly to physical brakes when needed. Its suspension offered a comfortable ride over moderate bumps and potholes, with confident cornering, though it wasn't particularly sporty.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 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 standard full-time four-wheel drive, with an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case for high and low range. The Multi-Terrain Select system, available on all but the base models, operated in both 4Hi and 4Lo. The Land Cruiser's off-road capabilities were enhanced by an automatic limited-slip differential, rear- and centre-locking differentials, and a push-button disconnect for the front sway bar. The updated CRAWL control function offered five speed settings for precise low-speed navigation over challenging terrain, operating silently compared to previous versions. The Land Cruiser's performance was tailored for off-road adventures, with features designed to tackle various terrains with ease.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered ample space for front passengers, while the rear seats comfortably accommodated average-sized adults. It provided slightly more rear headroom than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage, though legroom was a bit less. The rear seat cushions were set low, which might have left taller passengers wishing for more thigh support on long trips. The cargo area held up to 1,059 litres, nearly matching the non-hybrid RAV4, with no significant advantage over rivals. Interior storage was a highlight, with a wide dashboard shelf, a phone tray for wireless charging, large cupholders, and a spacious centre armrest bin. Dual-zone climate control was standard on all trims except the base Hybrid LE.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser featured two rows of seating, with headroom measuring 917 mm in the front and 897 mm in the back, and legroom at 838 mm front and 678 mm rear. The centre console provided easy access to off-road controls, with hard controls for climate and media placed conveniently below the infotainment screen. The wireless charging pad was located ahead of the cupholders, and the Premium Package included a centre console cool box. The rear liftgate opened to a cargo area with a raised load floor, equipped with a rubber mat for easy cleaning. The cargo volume measured 1,063 litres, with a 120-volt AC outlet and USB-C ports available in higher trims. The Land Cruiser's interior was designed for practicality and comfort, with features catering to both everyday use and off-road adventures.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid introduced a new multimedia infotainment system with modern graphics and logical menu arrangements. Most trims featured an 8.0-inch display, while higher trims upgraded to a 10.5-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though a wireless charging pad was optional. The system supported over-the-air updates and included a Wi-Fi hotspot and remote vehicle monitoring. The top trims offered a fully digital instrument panel and an 11-speaker JBL audio system, while most models came with a six-speaker setup.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser came equipped with the Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM) system, standard above the base trim, which was invaluable on off-road courses. The 12.3-inch centre touchscreen display was preferred for its size and functionality. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with USB-C ports for both front and rear passengers. The base infotainment system featured an 8-inch display and a six-speaker sound system, while higher trims offered a 10-speaker system or an optional 14-speaker JBL premium sound system. Additional features in the Premium Package and First Edition included a head-up display and a digital rear-view mirror.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid received high safety ratings, with the NHTSA awarding it five stars for overall and side crash protection, and four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The IIHS gave it a "Good" rating in most tests, with an "Acceptable" rating in new frontal and side-impact tests, naming it a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, with forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more. The top trims added parking sensors and a surround-view camera system.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Toyota's track record and platform-mate evaluations provided some confidence in its safety. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and more. The Premium Package and First Edition added lane-change assist, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist.