2024 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2023 Cadillac Escalade

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade stood as a towering presence, nearly six-and-a-half feet above the ground, requiring a substantial 18 to 19 feet of length to park. It was a motorized cargo container, equipped with three rows of leather seats and an array of computers, reminiscent of a command center. The standard Escalade was already impressive, but the Escalade ESV extended its length by an additional 15 inches, primarily stretching the wheelbase. This SUV was designed for show, appealing to pop musicians, overzealous parents, wannabe federal agents, or boaters with large families. Its athletic and trim appearance was achieved through clever design elements like thin LED lights and darkened chrome bits, masking its mass. The interior boasted a rich first-row experience with a 38-inch curved screen and luxurious wood trim, though the allure faded in the second and third rows, where cheaper GM parts were evident.

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 carried heritage details, such as the "TOYOTA" grille and round headlights, paying homage to earlier models. The Land Cruiser was a hybrid, powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, with an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case. The interior offered comfort with heated seats and a heated steering wheel, while the Premium Package added a moonroof and ventilated front seats. The cabin was designed for both comfort and capability, allowing drivers to focus on navigating challenging terrains without distraction.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade offered a pleasant driving experience, though its standard 6.2-liter gasoline V8 engine, with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, did not deliver the acceleration its sound suggested. It was suitable for gentle cruising, with a combined 16 mpg fuel economy in the standard length with optional 4WD. The Escalade-V variant addressed acceleration concerns with a supercharged Corvette V8, producing 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque. The optional 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6, with 277 hp, provided better fuel economy at a combined 22 mpg with 4WD. The Escalade's 4WD system was rudimentary, requiring manual engagement for low-traction surfaces. Its magnetic dampers and air suspension improved maneuverability, though wind noise was noticeable at highway speeds.

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 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. It had an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard full-time 4WD, with an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case. The Multi-Terrain Select system operated in both 4Hi and 4Lo, enhancing off-road capability. The Land Cruiser's automatic limited-slip differential and rear- and center-locking differentials provided added traction. The push-button disconnect for the front sway bar allowed for better articulation off-road. The CRAWL control function managed braking and acceleration over challenging terrain, with five speed settings for precision.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted a spacious interior, with 25 cubic feet behind the third row, 73 cubic feet behind the second row, and 121 cubic feet with both rows down. The Escalade ESV offered even more space, with 143 cubic feet in total. The independent rear suspension provided generous headroom and legroom in every row. The controls were user-friendly, with a smart and fast infotainment system. The optional front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps added convenience. However, the second-row seats were not powered like the third row.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, being the Prado, had 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 provided easy access to off-road features, with hard controls for climate and media. 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 Cadillac Escalade featured a span of OLED screens across the dash, providing sharp and clear displays. The front camera displayed a high-res feed of the road, with directional arrows and street names overlaid. Super Cruise, a $2,500 option, was the best hands-free highway driving system, using infrared eye-tracking cameras for driver monitoring. The Escalade also offered night vision with pedestrian detection, a 36-speaker AKG audio system, and a rear-seat entertainment system with streaming capabilities.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with the Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM) system, standard for the two higher trims. The 12.3-inch center touchscreen display was useful on the off-road course, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The middle trim offered a 10-speaker sound system, with the option to upgrade to the First Edition's 14-speaker JBL premium sound system. The Premium Package included a head-up display and a digital rear-view mirror.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade earned four out of five stars from the NHTSA, with a lower rating for front-passenger protection in a frontal crash test and rollover resistance. It featured forward automatic emergency braking, a Safety Alert seat, rear parking sensors, and a rear seat reminder as standard. Optional features included reverse emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and Super Cruise.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but its platform-mates, like the 2024 Tundra, earned a Top Safety Pick award. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, lane-tracing assist, automatic high beams, road-sign assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. The Premium Package added lane-keep assist, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist.