2024 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2023 Lexus RX

The 2023 Lexus RX presented a modernized exterior with a shorter height, broader width, and longer wheelbase, maintaining the same overall length as its predecessor. Despite offering more cargo space than the 2022 model, it appeared smaller due to design changes like reduced rear overhang and softer lines. The signature spindle-style grille was seamlessly integrated, featuring a modern mesh texture that flowed into an elevated hood. The RX's design was familiar yet fresh, distinguishing itself from the previous generation and the smaller Lexus NX. Inside, the RX boasted a modern interior with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays. Quality materials like NuLuxe artificial leather and real wood trims were available, enhancing the luxurious feel. The RX 350 was offered in various trims, including hybrid options, with pricing expected to remain close to the previous model's base price of just over $47,000.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, known for its iconic boxy design, paid homage to its heritage with details reminiscent of past models. The J250 featured a flat roof and a heritage grille with "TOYOTA" spelled out, echoing the 40 series. LED lighting and color-selectable fog lights added a modern touch. The Land Cruiser's interior varied by trim, with cloth seats in the base model and real leather in the First Edition. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard across trims. The Premium Package added features like a moonroof and ventilated seats. The cabin emphasized comfort with cushy seats and padded consoles, allowing drivers to focus on off-road adventures without discomfort.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. During testing, the RX 350 Luxury trim displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion over uneven surfaces, though it generally offered a smooth ride. The F Sport Handling trim, with its adaptive damping suspension, felt more secure and eliminated most unwanted bouncing. The RX 350 AWD accelerated to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, while the FWD version did so in 7.5 seconds. Fuel economy was expected to average 25 mpg for the FWD and 24 mpg for the AWD, though real-world results were slightly lower.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 1.87-kWh battery pack, and a 48-hp electric motor, delivering a total of 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD. The Land Cruiser excelled off-road, with features like Multi-Terrain Select, an automatic limited-slip differential, and a push-button disconnect for the front sway bar. The CRAWL control function offered five speed settings for challenging terrain, operating silently. The Land Cruiser's transmission was unobtrusive, enhancing the off-road experience.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 offered comfortable seating, with the F Sport Handling package providing sport seat bolsters for added support. The RX 350 Luxury featured premium leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a sophisticated interior design. The back seat was roomy, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. Cargo space improved over the previous generation, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 46.2 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, based on the Prado, had two rows of seating with headroom measuring 36.1 inches in the front and 35.3 inches in the back. The center console provided easy access to off-road features, and the cargo area offered 37.5 cubic feet of space. The trunk included a 120-volt AC outlet and USB-C ports in higher trims. The interior emphasized usability and comfort, with features like a center console cool box in the Premium Package.

The 2023 Lexus RX featured the new Lexus Interface infotainment system with a choice of 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen displays. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. The Intelligent Assistant responded to voice commands, though it occasionally provided inaccurate results. User profiles saved driver settings, and the system allowed streaming of Apple Music or Amazon Music. The 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system required tone adjustments for optimal performance. Additional features included a color head-up display and digital key smartphone technology.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser's Multi-Terrain Monitor system, standard on higher trims, enhanced the 12.3-inch touchscreen display's usefulness off-road. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with USB-C ports for front and rear passengers. The base model had an 8-inch display and six-speaker sound system, while higher trims offered a 14-speaker JBL premium sound system. The Premium Package added a head-up display and digital rear-view mirror.

The 2023 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring advanced driving assistance systems like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. New semi-autonomous technologies included Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist. While LSS+ 3.0 was impressive, it had some flaws, such as unmarked adaptive cruise controls and non-predictive curve-speed reduction technology.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been rated by IIHS or NHTSA, but Toyota's safety track record inspired confidence. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and Proactive Driving Assist. The Premium Package added lane-keep assist, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist, standard on the First Edition.