Toyota Land Cruiser vs Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid had a robust and angular design that marked a departure from its previous softer crossover styling. The trapezoidal grille, borrowed from Toyota's truck line, added a sense of heft, complemented by beveled and angled bodywork that framed the headlights. This design choice, initially groundbreaking, became more common as competitors like the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-50 adopted similar aesthetics. Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid continued the angular theme with a multi-tiered dashboard featuring beveled cutouts, adding visual interest to an otherwise straightforward layout. The materials used were average for its class, with hard plastics prevalent but lightly padded surfaces where contact was frequent. However, the base and Woodland trims opted for a less appealing urethane steering wheel, which felt cheap compared to the leather-wrapped options available in higher trims. Despite this, the build quality was solid, with no noticeable creaks or squeaks during drives.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, on the other hand, embraced its iconic status with a boxy design and flat roof, reminiscent of its predecessors. Each of the three trims featured heritage details, such as the "TOYOTA" grille and round or rectangular headlights, depending on the trim, all updated with LED technology. The vehicle's design was a blend of classic inspiration and modern standards, with features like color-selectable fog lights on higher trims. The Land Cruiser's interior was designed for comfort and capability, with cloth, SofTex, or leather seats depending on the trim. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with additional features like a moonroof and ventilated seats available in the Premium Package. The cabin was comfortable, with cushy seats and padded surfaces, allowing drivers to focus on the terrain without discomfort.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor/generator, producing a combined 219 horsepower. This setup, along with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and an additional electric motor for all-wheel drive, allowed the RAV4 Hybrid to accelerate to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds. This was about half a second quicker than the standard RAV4, though the RAV4 Prime was faster still at 5.5 seconds. The RAV4 Hybrid's braking system utilized regenerative braking to charge the battery, transitioning smoothly to physical brakes when needed. The suspension provided a comfortable ride over bumps and potholes, with confident cornering, though it wasn't particularly sporty. Overall, the RAV4 Hybrid offered a calm and effortless driving experience, similar to its competitors.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser featured Toyota's 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 delivered a total of 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive. The Land Cruiser's off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like 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 for precise low-speed navigation over challenging terrain. During testing, the Land Cruiser demonstrated its off-road prowess, with the transmission operating unobtrusively and the CRAWL control functioning quietly.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered ample space for front passengers, while the rear seats comfortably accommodated average-sized adults. Although rear headroom was slightly more than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage, legroom was a bit less, though the differences were minor. The rear seat cushions were set low, which might have been uncomfortable for taller passengers on long trips. The cargo area provided 37.5 cubic feet of space, nearly matching the non-hybrid RAV4 and comparable to its rivals. Interior storage was a strong point, with a wide dashboard shelf, a phone tray, large cupholders, and a spacious center armrest bin.

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 housed controls for off-road features, while climate and media controls were easily accessible. The cargo area, with a raised load floor and rubber mat, offered 37.5 cubic feet of space, equipped with a 120-volt AC outlet and USB-C ports in higher trims. The center console cool box, part of the Premium Package, was a convenient feature for keeping items chilled.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system with modern graphics and logical menu arrangements. Most trims featured an 8.0-inch display, while higher trims upgraded to a 10.5-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though a wireless charging pad was optional. The system supported over-the-air updates and included a Wi-Fi hotspot. The top trim offered a fully digital instrument panel and an 11-speaker JBL audio system, while most models had a six-speaker setup.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser's Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM) system, standard on higher trims, was invaluable during off-road testing. The 12.3-inch touchscreen displayed the MTM automatically at low speeds or on demand. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with USB-C ports for both front and rear passengers. The base trim had an 8-inch display and six-speaker system, while the middle trim offered a 10-speaker system or an upgrade to the First Edition's 14-speaker JBL system. The Premium Package added a head-up display and digital rear-view mirror.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid received high safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA for overall and side crash protection, and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. It came standard with Toyota's Safety Sense 2.5 suite, including forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more. Higher trims added features like a blind-spot monitor and parking sensors. The systems performed reliably, with smooth adaptive cruise control.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Toyota's reputation and the Tundra's Top Safety Pick award provided some confidence. It featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, with adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and more. The Premium Package added lane-keep assist and other advanced features, standard on the First Edition.