Toyota Land Cruiser vs Honda CR-V

The 2023 Honda CR-V presented a more refined and slightly aggressive appearance with its blunt nose, elongated hood, and extended wheelbase. This sixth-generation model adopted a cleaner design compared to its predecessor, though it lacked the distinct personality of the fifth-gen CR-V. The conservative styling was expected to age gracefully. Both the CR-V EX and EX-L featured 18-inch alloy wheels and dark-tinted rear privacy glass, maintaining a uniform exterior look. Inside, the EX-L offered leather-wrapped seats and a steering wheel, enhancing the interior's quality and simplicity. The dashboard, inspired by the latest Civic, incorporated metal mesh trim and a digital instrumentation display. The CR-V EX-L also boasted a larger touchscreen infotainment system and additional features like a power-adjustable front passenger seat and parking sensors.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser embraced its iconic boxy design with a flat roof, reminiscent of its heritage. Each of the three trims featured elements that paid homage to past models, such as the heritage grille and round headlights. The Land Cruiser's lighting was fully LED, aligning with modern standards. The two higher trims offered color-selectable fog lights, adding a contemporary touch. The beltline was lowered for improved visibility, and all trims came with 18-inch alloy wheels, with 20-inch options available for the middle trim. The First Edition trim included off-road gear like a roof rack and skid plate. Inside, the base trim had cloth seats, while the higher trims featured SofTex or real leather. 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 2023 Honda CR-V was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which powered either the front or all four wheels. While the CVT was known for its droning noise during hard acceleration, the CR-V excelled in ride and handling. Its suspension, steering, and brakes were finely tuned, providing a smooth and engaging driving experience. The CR-V managed to suppress body motion and impact harshness, making it enjoyable to drive on various terrains. Despite the CVT's drawbacks, the CR-V achieved impressive fuel economy, averaging 29.1 mpg in combined driving.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-hp electric motor and a 1.87-kWh battery pack. This setup delivered a total of 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. The Land Cruiser came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard full-time four-wheel drive, with an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case. The Multi-Terrain Select system allowed for operation in both 4Hi and 4Lo. The Land Cruiser also included an automatic limited-slip differential and rear- and center-locking differentials. The ability to disconnect the front sway bar enhanced off-road articulation. The updated CRAWL control function provided low-speed cruise control for challenging terrains, operating silently and effectively.

The 2023 Honda CR-V offered a spacious interior, though the driver's seat felt relatively low. The second row provided ample space, resembling a midsize model with good thigh support and legroom. The CR-V featured numerous storage options, including a large bin under the center armrest and storage trays. The cargo area, accessed via a power liftgate, offered 39.3 cubic feet of space, expandable to 76.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, based on the Prado, had two rows of seating. Headroom measured 36.1 inches in the front and 35.3 inches in the back, with legroom at 33.0 inches front and 26.7 inches rear. The center console housed controls for off-road features, and the infotainment screen was easily accessible. The cargo area, with a raised load floor, offered 37.5 cubic feet of space and included a 120-volt AC outlet and USB-C ports.

The 2023 Honda CR-V featured a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the EX trim. The EX-L trim added a 9-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an upgraded sound system. While the technology was improved, it didn't surpass competitors in terms of features.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser's higher trims came with a 12.3-inch center touchscreen display, equipped with the Multi-Terrain Monitor system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with USB-C ports for front and rear passengers. The middle trim offered a 10-speaker sound system, with an optional upgrade to a 14-speaker JBL premium sound system.

The 2023 Honda CR-V included Honda Sensing, a suite of driver-assist systems with features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. New camera and radar units improved accuracy, and the Traffic Jam Assist system provided added assistance in low-speed situations. The CR-V's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure aimed to enhance occupant protection.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, featuring 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. While the Land Cruiser hadn't been rated by safety organizations, Toyota's track record and platform-mates' ratings provided confidence in its safety.