2024 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was characterized by its modernist and reductive design, which translated to a clean and simple aesthetic. This approach might not have appealed to those seeking a flashy luxury SUV, as the Range Rover Sport offered limited options for standing out, such as a Firenze Red paint color and diamond-turned, multi-spoke 23-inch wheels. The test vehicle, finished in Eiger Gray with silver 23-inch wheels and a Black Exterior Pack, exuded understated luxury. Inside, the Deep Garnet over Ebony theme, complemented by aluminum and shiny black trim, created a sophisticated atmosphere. The Range Rover Sport was available in SE P360, SE Dynamic P400, and Autobiography P440e specifications, with the SE Dynamic P400 test vehicle featuring numerous upgrades that brought its MSRP to $98,420. Notable design elements included premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and surface LED technology in the taillights, contributing to its excellent aerodynamics.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser embraced its iconic status with a distinctive, boxy design reminiscent of its predecessors. The J250 model featured a flat roof and heritage grille with "TOYOTA" spelled out, paying homage to the 40 series. The round headlights on the base 1958 trim and First Edition echoed the 20 series, while the rectangular headlights on the middle-grade Land Cruiser referenced the FJ62. All lighting was LED, aligning with modern standards. The two higher trims offered color-selectable fog lights from RIGID Industries, adding a contemporary twist. The Land Cruiser's interior varied by trim, with cloth seats in the base 1958 trim, SofTex in the middle trim, and real leather with unique logos in the First Edition. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard across all trims, with the Premium Package adding a moonroof and ventilated front seats. The cabin emphasized comfort with cushy seats, a padded center console, and attractive contrast stitching, allowing drivers to focus on navigating challenging terrain.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement and comfort with driver-focused engagement, though it only partially succeeded. The SUV was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, featuring mild-hybrid technology. In the SE Dynamic model, it produced 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, while the SE P360 offered 355 hp and 369 lb-ft. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain was standard in the Autobiography P440e, delivering 434 hp and 406 lb-ft with an estimated 51 miles of electric driving range. A 523-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine was available for early-build 2023 models but was expected to return in a future SVR version. The Range Rover Sport's 395-hp inline-six provided ample power, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, and a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds. The SUV achieved 21 mpg in combined driving, with our test averaging 22.3 mpg. The new vehicle architecture increased torsional stiffness by 35%, and the adaptive damping air suspension enhanced ride comfort and handling. However, the Range Rover Sport struggled to match the agility of sport-tuned SUVs from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz on twisty roads. Off-road, it excelled with features like Terrain Response, All Terrain Progress Control, and impressive ground clearance and wading depth.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, now a hybrid, featured the i-Force MAX hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 1.87-kWh battery pack and a 48-hp electric motor. This setup produced 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive. The Multi-Terrain Select system operated in both 4Hi and 4Lo, enhancing off-road capability. Standard features included an automatic limited-slip differential, rear- and center-locking differentials, and a push-button disconnect for the front sway bar. The updated CRAWL control function offered five speed settings and operated silently. The Land Cruiser excelled off-road, with features like the Multi-Terrain Monitor and CRAWL control aiding in navigating challenging terrain. While on-road impressions were limited, the Land Cruiser's hybrid powertrain and off-road prowess made it a formidable contender.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport retained its Command Driving Position, offering a tall, airy feel with a low dashboard, upright windshield, and thin roof pillars. The air suspension could kneel for easier entry and exit, and the front seats were comfortable with adjustable armrests. The test vehicle featured Windsor leather, 20-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, and optional massage and air purification features. The rear seat, however, was less accommodating, with limited legroom and hard front seatback panels. The cargo area offered 31.9 cubic feet of space, expandable to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. A power liftgate and various storage solutions enhanced practicality.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, based on the Prado, featured two rows of seating with headroom measuring 36.1 inches in the front and 35.3 inches in the back. Legroom was 33.0 inches in the front and 26.7 inches in the rear. The center console provided easy access to off-road features, and the wireless charging pad was conveniently located. The cargo area offered 37.5 cubic feet of space, with a raised load floor and a rubber mat for easy cleaning. A 120-volt AC outlet and USB-C ports were available in higher trims, enhancing functionality.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system was often confusing and frustrating to use, with limited functionality from the native digital assistant. The Range Rover Sport offered impressive Meridian audio systems and a next-generation Active Noise Cancellation system. A wireless smartphone charging pad was also included.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser's Multi-Terrain Monitor system, standard on higher trims, made the 12.3-inch center touchscreen display invaluable for off-road use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with USB-C ports for 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. The Premium Package added a head-up display and a digital rear-view mirror.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came equipped with advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features included automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, and a surround-view camera system. Remote Park Assist was available, allowing the SUV to park itself via a smartphone app. However, the adaptive cruise control and steering assist systems were not as smooth or reliable as expected.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Toyota's track record and the Tundra's Top Safety Pick award provided some confidence in its safety. All Land Cruisers came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and lane-tracing assist. The Premium Package added lane-keep assist, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist.