Toyota Land Cruiser vs Volvo XC40

The 2023 Volvo XC40 maintained its distinctive appearance, characterized by a flat-roofed profile that was quintessentially SUV-like. It adhered to Volvo's clean design ethos, with hidden tailpipes on gasoline models reflecting the brand's commitment to electrification. Updates for 2023 included a pixelated design for the "Thor’s Hammer" headlights, a more angular front bumper, and new wheel designs. The XC40 Recharge was easily identifiable by its new sealed-off grille. Inside, the XC40 retained its minimalist design, featuring thin air vents, scalloped door elements, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Leather upholstery was available, with vegan leather for Recharge models. The XC40 Ultimate test vehicle boasted options like a panoramic moonroof and an Orrefors crystal shift knob, though the all-black interior felt somewhat utilitarian.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, with its boxy design and flat roof, paid homage to its iconic predecessors. The heritage grille and round headlights on the First Edition were nods to earlier models, while LED lighting brought modernity. The beltline was lowered for better visibility, and 18-inch alloy wheels were standard, with 20-inch options available. The First Edition included off-road gear like a roof rack and skid plate. Inside, the base trim featured cloth seats, while higher trims offered SofTex or real leather with unique logos. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated seats and a moonroof available on higher trims. The cabin emphasized comfort with cushy seats and contrast stitching, enhancing the driving experience on challenging terrains.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 introduced mild-hybrid powertrains, featuring a 48-volt electrical system and a 13-horsepower integrated starter generator. This system improved fuel economy and power delivery smoothness. The B5 models in Canada had a 2.0-litre turbo-four-cylinder engine producing 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Volvo claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.1 seconds for the B5 models. The XC40 Recharge, with its dual electric motors, delivered 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds and offering a 359-kilometre range. The Recharge also had a higher towing capacity of 2,000 kg compared to the B5 AWD's 1,587 kg. The XC40 was praised for its refinement, handling corners with composure and absorbing bumps effectively.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser featured the i-Force MAX hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-hp electric motor and a 1.87-kWh battery pack, producing 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. It had an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD with a two-speed transfer case. The Multi-Terrain Select system operated in both 4Hi and 4Lo. Standard features included an automatic limited-slip differential and rear- and centre-locking differentials. The Land Cruiser also offered a push-button disconnect for the front sway bar, enhancing off-road articulation. The updated CRAWL control function provided low-speed cruise control with five speed settings, operating silently over challenging terrain.

The 2023 Volvo XC40, while marketed as an SUV, was compact and better suited for solo commuting. It offered reasonable space, with competitive rear-seat headroom and average legroom. The XC40 provided 566 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,328 litres with them folded. Interior storage was well-designed, with scalloped door panels and a spacious centre console.

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 front and 678 mm rear. The centre console housed controls for off-road features, and a wireless charging pad was available. The cargo area offered 1,063 litres of space, with a raised load floor and a rubber mat for easy cleaning. A 120-volt AC outlet and USB-C ports were included in higher trims.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 featured an Android-based infotainment system with Google apps, including Google Maps and Google Assistant. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 9-inch touchscreen were standard, with a 13-speaker Harman Kardon audio system available. The system lacked analog controls, relying on the touchscreen for most functions.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser came with the Multi-Terrain Monitor system, standard above the base trim, which was useful for off-road navigation. The 12.3-inch touchscreen offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with USB-C ports for both rows. The base trim had an 8-inch display and six-speaker system, while higher trims offered a 10-speaker system or a 14-speaker JBL premium sound system.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 included standard safety features like lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Upgraded trims added features like adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. The XC40 received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though it had an "Acceptable" rating in the updated side-impact test.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and Proactive Driving Assist. Higher trims added features like lane-change assist and front cross-traffic alert.