Toyota Land Cruiser vs Volvo XC40

The 2023 Volvo XC40 maintained its distinctive design, characterized by a flat-roofed profile that was quintessentially SUV-like. It featured Volvo's clean exterior styling, devoid of unnecessary detailing, and embraced the brand's pro-electrification ethos with hidden tailpipes on gasoline models. Updates for 2023 included a pixelated design for the "Thor’s Hammer" headlights, a more angular front bumper, and new wheel designs. The XC40 Recharge was easily identifiable by its new sealed-off grille. Inside, the XC40 continued with its minimalist design, offering dual-zone automatic climate control, optional leather upholstery, and a range of premium options like a panoramic moonroof and Orrefors crystal shift knob. Despite its entry-level status, the XC40's fit and finish were commendable, though the materials reminded one of its position in Volvo's lineup.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, known for its iconic boxy design, paid homage to its heritage with details like the "TOYOTA" grille and round headlights reminiscent of earlier models. All lighting was LED, blending classic inspiration with modern standards. The vehicle featured a lowered beltline for improved visibility and came standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, with 20-inch options available. The First Edition trim boasted additional off-road gear, including a roof rack and skid plate. Inside, the Land Cruiser offered a range of seating materials, from cloth to real leather, with heated front seats standard across trims. The Premium Package added features like a moonroof and ventilated seats, enhancing comfort for off-road adventures.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 introduced mild-hybrid powertrains, incorporating a 48-volt electrical system and a 13-horsepower integrated starter generator to assist the gasoline engine. This setup improved fuel economy and power delivery smoothness. The base B4 powertrain combined the mild-hybrid system with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 197 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, while the B5 variant offered 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B4 being FWD-only and the B5 AWD-only. The XC40's acceleration was competitive, with the B4 and B5 models reaching 60 mph in 8.1 and 6.1 seconds, respectively. The XC40 Recharge, with its dual electric motors, delivered 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, achieving 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and offering a 223-mile range. The Recharge also had a higher towing capacity of 4,409 pounds compared to the B5's 3,500 pounds.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 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, producing a total of 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard full-time 4WD, with an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case. The Multi-Terrain Select system, available on mid-tier and First Edition models, operated in both 4Hi and 4Lo. The Land Cruiser also 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, enhancing off-road capability.

The 2023 Volvo XC40, while marketed as an SUV, was more suited for solo commuting than family carpooling. It offered reasonable space among its competitors, with ample rear-seat headroom and average legroom. The XC40 provided 20 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 46.9 cubic feet with them folded, less than some rivals. Interior storage was well-designed, with scalloped door panels and a spacious center console.

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 key off-road controls, 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. The trunk included a 120-volt AC outlet and USB-C ports in higher trims.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 featured an Android-based infotainment system with Google apps, including Google Maps and Google Assistant. It came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 9-inch touchscreen. The B5 Ultimate model included a 13-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and USB-C ports for both rows. The system's graphics were pleasing, but the lack of analog controls made some functions less intuitive.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser's Multi-Terrain Monitor system, standard on higher trims, enhanced off-road visibility through the 12.3-inch center touchscreen. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with USB-C ports for both front and rear passengers. The base model featured an 8-inch display and a six-speaker sound system, while higher trims offered a 14-speaker JBL premium sound system and additional features through the Premium Package.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 boasted a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring. Upgrading to higher trims added features like a 360-degree camera system and adaptive cruise control. The XC40 received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though it had an "Acceptable" rating in the updated side-impact test.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and road-sign assist. The Premium Package added features like lane-keep assist and front cross-traffic alert. Toyota's safety track record provided confidence in the Land Cruiser's safety.