2021 Hyundai Tucson vs 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser had a design that was understated yet functional, with subtle styling features that became apparent after spending time behind the wheel. Its hood was dished in the center to improve forward sight lines, aiding in obstacle navigation. The fenders bulged slightly to accommodate wheel travel and visually indicate the vehicle's width. The Heritage Edition added blackened trim, a retro flair badge, and a Yakima Mega Warrior roof rack, enhancing its rugged appeal. Inside, the Land Cruiser approached luxury with black perforated leather-trimmed seating and a functional dash, though it leaned towards a plain aesthetic. The center stack housed a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system surrounded by numerous controls, while the instrument panel featured analog gauges. Overall, the interior was luxurious and functional, albeit a bit dull.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson offered a more futuristic design, appealing to those who preferred a small crossover with conventional styling. Its upright layout provided a commanding view of the road, and the interior featured a modern, attractive dash design. Tech features were seamlessly integrated, with easily accessible buttons and dials. The Tucson came in various trims, each adding features like LED headlight accents, power-adjustable seats, and premium audio systems. The Sport trim included wireless device charging and a hands-free power liftgate, while the Ultimate trim offered a panoramic sunroof and heated rear seats. The Tucson's interior was comfortable and supportive, with adequate space for passengers and cargo, despite its compact size.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was renowned for its confidence and capability, powered by a 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's off-road prowess was supported by its Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, Multi-Terrain Select control, and Crawl Control with Off-Road Turn Assist. Its approach, departure, and breakover angles, along with 8.9 inches of ground clearance, made it adept at tackling various terrains. Despite its size, the Land Cruiser offered a serene and relaxing driving experience, with controlled body roll and excellent visibility.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson came with two engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 161 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.4-liter engine with 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. The base engine felt underwhelming, while the 2.4-liter engine provided a livelier performance. The Tucson offered a comfortable and refined ride, balancing softness and athleticism. It had a towing capacity of up to 1,500 pounds with the base engine and 2,000 pounds with the 2.4-liter engine.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser's dual personality as a commuter and overlander was evident in its design. It featured standard skid plates, tow hooks, and mudguards, along with a roof rack and rain-sensing wipers. The standard model offered a three-row configuration with heated second-row seats and a split-folding third row. The Land Cruiser boasted four-zone climate control, numerous cup holders, and a cooling box in the center console. It could tow up to 8,100 pounds and featured a split tailgate for easy loading and unloading.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson provided 31 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 61.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. While this was on the low side for the segment, it offered adequate space for weekend trips. The Tucson's compact layout provided solid front-seat headroom and legroom, with comfortable and supportive seats. The rear seats were accommodating for adults, and the interior featured plenty of storage compartments and trays for personal items.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a Qi-compatible inductive charging station and Toyota Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation. The sound system included 14 JBL speakers, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio, but lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 9-inch touchscreen interface was functional but appeared small compared to competitors. The Enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor camera system provided selectable views for navigating challenging terrain.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ultimate trim offered an upgraded 8-inch touchscreen, with navigation and wireless device charging available. The touchscreen was user-friendly, with logical menu layouts and hard buttons for convenience.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but its rigid body structure and weight provided an advantage in vehicle-to-vehicle encounters. It featured Toyota Safety Sense P, including a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Land Cruiser also had 10 airbags, a tire-pressure monitoring system, and Safety Connect with emergency assistance.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson offered standard driver-assistance features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Upper-tier trims added adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. The Tucson earned a five-star rating from NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" from IIHS.