2024 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2023 Honda Pilot

The 2023 Honda Pilot underwent a complete redesign, presenting a more rugged and substantial appearance. Its upright grille and boxier styling not only made it look larger but also increased its dimensions, being 3.4 inches longer, up to 1.5 inches wider, and 0.8 inches taller than its predecessor. These changes complemented the all-terrain-capable TrailSport model, which featured a one-inch taller ride height, unique 18-inch wheels, chunky all-terrain tires, and underbody skid plates. The interior took a more conventional styling route, remaining attractive, functional, and versatile, with materials quality meeting class expectations. Overall, the new Pilot emphasized function over form, offering a tidy and utilitarian aesthetic.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, known for its iconic look, maintained its boxy design with a flat roof, reminiscent of its predecessors. Each of the three trims carried heritage details, such as the "TOYOTA" grille and round headlights, while all lighting was updated to LED. The beltline was lowered for improved visibility, and all models came with 18-inch alloy wheels, with 20-inch options available. The First Edition trim included additional off-road gear like a roof rack and skid plate. Inside, the base trim featured cloth seats, while higher trims offered SofTex or real leather. The cabin emphasized comfort with cushy seats and padded consoles, allowing drivers to focus on navigating challenging terrains.

The 2023 Honda Pilot was equipped with a new 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all models and standard on the Elite and TrailSport trims. The Pilot offered quick acceleration and a pleasant engine hum, though it was tuned more for comfort than sporty driving. The TrailSport model increased ground clearance by an inch and featured all-terrain tires, providing a subtle vibration on pavement but enhancing off-road capabilities. Despite its off-road potential, the Pilot maintained on-road composure and comfort, making it a versatile family SUV.

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, producing a total of 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. It 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 operated in both 4Hi and 4Lo, and the vehicle included standard rear- and center-locking differentials. The Land Cruiser also offered a push-button disconnect for the front sway bar, enhancing off-road articulation. The updated CRAWL control function provided low-speed cruise control with five speed settings, operating silently over challenging terrains.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's interior was more conventional compared to other new Honda models, featuring a handy dash shelf for the front passenger. The entry-level trims had a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, while higher trims upgraded to a nine-inch display. The Elite trim's touchscreen was adequate but seemed small for the space. The Pilot offered logical placement of climate and drive mode controls, a large rubberized shelf for phones, and a wireless charging pad. The standout feature was the stowable second-row center seat, providing a pass-through for third-row access. The second row offered ample space for adults, while the third row was less inviting. Cargo capacity reached up to 114.3 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, based on the Prado, offered two rows of seating with no third row available in the U.S. 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 provided easy access to off-road features, and hard controls for climate and media were conveniently placed. The cargo area featured a raised load floor with a rubber mat, offering 37.5 cubic feet of space. It included a 120-volt AC outlet and USB-C ports in higher trims.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's EX-L trim and above offered a larger infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, and USB ports in every row. Higher trims included a multi-view camera system, a head-up display, and a fully digital instrument panel. The infotainment system was functional with quick responses and a logical layout. Additional features included Honda's CabinTalk, a navigation system, Bose premium audio, remote monitoring, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser featured the Multi-Terrain Monitor system on higher trims, with a 12.3-inch center touchscreen display. The system activated automatically at low speeds, providing valuable off-road visibility. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with USB-C ports for front and rear passengers. The base trim had an 8-inch display and six-speaker sound system, while higher trims offered a 10-speaker system or an optional 14-speaker JBL premium sound system. The Premium Package added a head-up display and digital rear-view mirror.

The 2023 Honda Pilot had not yet been rated by the NHTSA, but it received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard Honda Sensing safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. Higher trims added low-speed automatic braking and parking sensors. The TrailSport and Elite trims featured surround-view and multi-view camera systems. The adaptive cruise control functioned smoothly, and proximity warnings could be disabled for off-roading.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Toyota's safety track record provided confidence. All models came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and more. The Premium Package added lane-keep assist, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist. The Land Cruiser's safety features were comprehensive, though distinct proportions could impact certain tests.