Toyota Land Cruiser vs Toyota Highlander

If you have a family and need a spacious, three-row vehicle to haul around the kids and all their gear, the choices can seem overwhelming. This includes SUVs and minivans. There are also a lot of gimmicks, like built-in vacuums and intercom systems—as if yelling back to the third row isn’t the least bit satisfying. The 2022 Toyota Highlander might be guilty of offering some of these gimmicks, but where it really shines is by covering the basics. This three-row midsize SUV offers tons of versatility, a stout V6 engine, and it comes standard with safety features buyers are looking for.

There is a wide range of trims, features, and prices that make up the Highlander lineup. Depending on your needs and budget, there might be an ideal setup for your family. Read on to learn more about the Highlander and where it stacks up in an all-important family-hauling vehicle segment.

This two-row midsize SUV is designed for traveling almost anywhere at almost any time. It shares its platform with the rugged Toyota 4Runner SUV and Tacoma pickup truck, and is equipped with a turbocharged hybrid powertrain better at supplying power than efficiency. Additionally, it is more affordable than it has been in the past, but still commands a premium over its primary rivals. The 2025 Land Cruiser is almost unchanged following its 2024 redesign, which introduced the current 250-series model (known as the Land Cruiser Prado overseas) to the United States.

Verdict: There is a lot to like about the Land Cruiser, especially if you don’t care about fuel economy. Our test vehicle averaged 15.7 mpg, falling well short of expectations. That thirst for fuel easily ranks as the worst thing about this SUV. Also, we recommend upgrading from the base 1958 trim level.