2024 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2023 Honda HR-V

The 2023 Honda HR-V underwent a significant styling transformation, shedding some of its previous quirky charm for a more sophisticated and modern appearance. The lowered beltline and simplified detailing contributed to a sleeker look, with cleaner lines and fewer interruptions. The windshield wipers were discreetly tucked under the hood's lip, and the black molding strips on the roof were removed. The test model was showcased in a unique Nordic Forest Pearl color, adding to its refined aesthetic. The HR-V's interior was designed with a focus on comfort and refinement, featuring perforated leather seats in the EX-L trim, dual-zone climate control, and a power moonroof. The cabin's quality materials and thoughtful design elements, such as the metal honeycomb grille and sculptural center console, elevated the HR-V's entry-level status.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser retained its iconic boxy design, reminiscent of its predecessors. The J250 model featured a flat roof and heritage grille with "TOYOTA" spelled out, paying homage to the 40 series. The lighting, now all LED, added a modern touch to the classic-inspired design. The Land Cruiser's interior emphasized comfort and capability, with heated front seats standard across all trims and a heated steering wheel. The mid-grade trim offered SofTex-covered seats, while the First Edition boasted real leather with unique logos. The cabin's design incorporated elements from Toyota's current truck lineup, with cushy seats and attractive contrast stitching enhancing the overall comfort.

The 2023 Honda HR-V was powered by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque, an improvement over the previous model. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) featured a Step-Shift function to mimic traditional automatic transmission sounds during acceleration. The HR-V offered multiple drive modes, including Normal, Snow, ECON, and Sport, each tailored to different driving conditions. The SUV's front and fully independent rear suspensions, along with widened tracks, contributed to a surprisingly enjoyable driving experience, especially on mountain roads. However, the HR-V was not overpowered, and competitors offered more powertrain options.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, on the other hand, 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 a total of 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission and standard full-time four-wheel drive, with an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case, enhanced its off-road capabilities. The Land Cruiser's Multi-Terrain Select system, available on mid-tier and First Edition models, operated in both 4Hi and 4Lo, providing versatility in challenging terrains. The vehicle also featured an automatic limited-slip differential and rear- and center-locking differentials, further enhancing its off-road prowess.

The 2023 Honda HR-V, a subcompact SUV, offered a well-thought-out interior with a center console featuring a shelf for drive mode controls and USB ports. The HR-V's fastback design slightly reduced rear-seat headroom, but the overall interior space remained comfortable. Cargo space measured 24.4 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 55.1 cubic feet with them folded. The HR-V's passenger volume varied slightly across trims, with the EX-L offering 97.3 cubic feet. The rear seats featured a 60/40 split and a thoughtfully engineered hinge for easy entry and egress.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, based on the Prado, offered two rows of seating with headroom measuring 36.1 inches in the front and 35.3 inches in the back. The center console provided easy access to off-road features, and the wireless charging pad was conveniently located. 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 in higher trims. The middle-trim test car featured a rubber mat for easy cleaning, while the backs of the second-row seats were less practical for dirty items.

The 2023 Honda HR-V featured a tablet-style touchscreen for its infotainment system, with physical knobs for power and volume. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all trims, with wireless versions available on the EX-L. The EX-L also boasted a 9-inch infotainment display, a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad, and an eight-speaker audio system. The HR-V's technology package included a 7-inch digital gauge cluster and a 7-inch color touchscreen display, with the EX-L offering a 9-inch system with Smart Shortcuts.

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

The 2023 Honda HR-V came standard with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. New features for 2023 included traffic-sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and automatic high-beams. The HR-V had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the 2022 model received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, the latest iteration of the automaker's driver-assistance technology suite. It included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, lane-tracing assist, and more. The Premium Package added lane-keep assist, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist. The Land Cruiser had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Toyota's track record and platform-mates' evaluations provided some confidence in its safety.