2024 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2023 Jeep Wrangler

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler presented a rugged, no-nonsense design with its boxy shape and straight lines, reminiscent of a brick on wheels. Available in both two-door and four-door Unlimited versions, the Wrangler allowed for a customizable open-air experience with removable doors and a fold-down windshield. The iconic seven-slot grille, round headlights, and wide fenders, adorned with the American flag, added to its classic Jeep aesthetic. The tailgate swung out, and the rear glass lifted for easy cargo access, while the interior featured practical elements like easy-to-clean floor mats and a body-colored dash.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser embraced a boxy design with a flat roof, paying homage to its heritage with details like the "TOYOTA" grille and round headlights reminiscent of earlier models. The Land Cruiser offered three trims, each with unique nods to its past, while incorporating modern elements like LED lighting and color-selectable fog lights. The interior focused on comfort and functionality, with heated seats across all trims and a Premium Package option adding features like a moonroof and ventilated seats. The cabin design emphasized comfort with cushy seats and padded surfaces, ensuring a pleasant driving experience.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler was a powerhouse for off-road enthusiasts, offering a range of engine options to suit different needs. The standard V6 engine delivered 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder provided 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking more torque, the 3.0-liter Ecodiesel V6 offered 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. The Rubicon 392 model boasted a 6.4-liter V8 with 470 horsepower and torque, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid combined two electric motors with a 17.3 kWh battery for 21 miles of electric range. However, the 392 model's brakes and steering were less refined, requiring early braking and careful steering input.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 1.87-kWh battery, 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. The Multi-Terrain Select system allowed for operation in both 4Hi and 4Lo, while the automatic limited-slip differential and rear- and center-locking differentials enhanced off-road capability. The Land Cruiser's CRAWL control function offered five speed settings for precise low-speed maneuvering, and the push-button disconnect for the front sway bar improved articulation off-road.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler offered comfortable front seats, with heated options available in the 392 model or through a cold-weather package. The rear seat was tight, especially in the four-door models, and the small rear doors made access challenging. Storage space was limited, with a flat dash and small glove box and center console. The cargo area provided 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Wrangler's top options included a removable hard top, a Sunrider option, and the Sky One-Touch power soft top, which retracted in 17 seconds at speeds up to 60 mph. Charging points were plentiful, with USB-A and USB-C ports and a 115-volt outlet.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, based on the Prado, offered two rows of seating with headroom of 36.1 inches in the front and 35.3 inches in the back. Legroom measured 33.0 inches in the front and 26.7 inches in the rear. The center console housed controls for off-road features, while the wireless charging pad and center console cool box added convenience. The cargo area, with a raised load floor and rubber mat, provided 37.5 cubic feet of space. A 120-volt AC outlet and USB-C ports were available in higher trims.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect infotainment system, while our tester had the larger 8.4-inch screen. The system, though initially complex, offered intuitive access to features like off-road pages, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Wrangler included a forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories, but lacked advanced tech features like a digital key or over-the-air updates for vehicle performance.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser's Multi-Terrain Monitor system, standard on higher trims, utilized a 12.3-inch touchscreen display for off-road navigation. The infotainment system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with USB-C ports for front and rear passengers. The base infotainment system included 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 Jeep Wrangler's safety features were limited, with only a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control as standard. Advanced features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control were standard only on the 392 model or available as options. The Wrangler received mixed ratings from the IIHS and a four-star frontal crash test rating from the NHTSA, with a three-star rollover rating.

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. All Land Cruisers came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and lane-tracing assist. The Premium Package added lane-keep assist, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist.