2020 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser presented a design that was understated yet functional, with subtle styling features that became apparent after spending time behind the wheel. Its hood was uniquely dished in the center, enhancing forward sight lines for better navigation of obstacles. The fenders bulged slightly to accommodate wheel travel and visually indicated the vehicle's width. The Heritage Edition added a touch of retro flair with blackened trim, a distinctive grille, and bronze BBS wheels. Inside, the Land Cruiser approached luxury with black perforated leather seating and a functional, albeit plain, dashboard. The center stack housed a 9-inch touchscreen surrounded by numerous controls, while the instrument panel featured analog gauges. Overall, the interior was comfortable and functional, though somewhat dull.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, despite its decade-old design, maintained a timeless appeal with traditional Jeep styling cues like a 7-slot grille and trapezoidal fenders. It was versatile enough to fit in both rugged trails and upscale environments, appealing to a diverse range of buyers. The Grand Cherokee offered a wide range of variants, from the base Laredo to the high-performance SRT and Trackhawk models. The Limited X trim, tested at $53,275, featured a sport-themed design with a ventilated hood and 20-inch aluminum wheels. However, the interior materials, especially in higher-priced models, were criticized for their overuse of hard plastics, detracting from the overall premium feel.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a robust 5.7-liter V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive, achieving an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 13 mpg city, 17 mpg highway, and 14 mpg combined. The Land Cruiser excelled in off-road capabilities with a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, Multi-Terrain Select control, and impressive approach, departure, and breakover angles. Its command driving position and excellent visibility made it a comfortable long-distance cruiser, though not suited for high-speed maneuvers.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 295-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission, offering satisfying acceleration and an EPA-rated 21 mpg combined. For those seeking more power, three V8 options were available, including the 707-horsepower supercharged V8 in the Trackhawk. The Grand Cherokee offered a range of four-wheel-drive systems, with the Quadra-Trac II system providing off-road capability. On-road dynamics were mixed, with good grip from the large wheels but some suspension movement causing discomfort. The steering and brakes were average, but the Grand Cherokee retained the traditional SUV feel that many drivers appreciated.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser's dual-purpose design was evident in its standard skid plates, tow hooks, and mudguards, making it suitable for both urban and rural environments. The standard model offered a three-row configuration with heated second-row seats and a split-folding third row. Interior features included four-zone climate control, numerous cup holders, and a cooling box in the center console. The Land Cruiser could tow up to 8,100 pounds and featured a charming split tailgate design, ideal for outdoor activities.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided seating for five and offered 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 68.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Limited X trim featured heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, though the lack of ventilated seats was noted. Rear passengers enjoyed air conditioning vents and USB ports, while interior storage was adequate with various bins and hooks. The Grand Cherokee's interior was functional, though not as spacious as some competitors.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 9-inch touchscreen with Toyota Premium Audio, including 14 JBL speakers and integrated navigation. While it offered a Qi-compatible charging station, it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor camera system was a useful addition for off-road and tight parking situations.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect infotainment system was known for its speed and ease of use, though competitors had caught up in recent years. The Limited X trim included an 8.4-inch touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The optional Alpine sound system was decent, and the Off-Road Pages app provided valuable information for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been crash-tested by major safety organizations, but it featured Toyota Safety Sense P, including pre-collision and lane-departure warnings. It also had 10 airbags, stability control, and Trailer Sway Control, among other safety features.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered three ADAS packages, with features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. However, its crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA and poor ratings from IIHS in certain tests. Upgraded headlights improved safety in higher trims.