2024 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2023 Mazda CX-30

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 presented a choice between two models: the 2.5 S and the 2.5 Turbo. The 2.5 S was equipped with a standard 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, while the 2.5 Turbo boasted a turbocharged version of the same engine, delivering up to 250 horsepower. Both models featured a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The CX-30's design was characterized by a long hood, dramatic flanks, and a stubby rear end, giving it a nose-heavy appearance. Despite its appealing design, the excessive gray body cladding detracted from its overall aesthetic. Inside, the CX-30 offered an upscale cabin with quality materials, including leather upholstery in all but the base trim. The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus model featured a tasteful combination of off-white leather, a chocolate brown center console, and black accents, creating an entry-level luxury SUV feel.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, known for its iconic design, retained its boxy shape and flat roof, reminiscent of its predecessors. Each of the three trims featured details that paid homage to past models, such as the heritage grille and round headlights. The Land Cruiser's lighting was updated to LED, aligning with modern standards. The vehicle's beltline was lowered for improved visibility, and it came with 18-inch alloy wheels, with 20-inch options available for the middle trim. The First Edition trim included additional off-road gear like a roof rack and mudflaps. Inside, the base trim had cloth seats, while the middle trim featured SofTex upholstery, and the First Edition boasted real leather with unique logos. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard across all trims. The Premium Package added features like a moonroof and ventilated front seats, enhancing the cabin's comfort and functionality.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S models gained an additional five horsepower, totaling 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque from the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This improvement was accompanied by a notable increase in fuel economy, with an EPA-rated 29 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 Turbo model, when fueled with premium gas, delivered 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, while regular gas resulted in 227 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The CX-30 offered eight inches of ground clearance and an Off-Road traction assist function. However, the suspension struggled with speed bumps, and the small 12.7-gallon fuel tank limited its range. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-30 excelled on twisty roads, thanks to its G-Vectoring Control Plus technology and responsive steering.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 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 had an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive with an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case. The Land Cruiser's Multi-Terrain Select system operated in both 4Hi and 4Lo, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The vehicle also included an automatic limited-slip differential and rear- and center-locking differentials. The front sway bar could be disconnected for improved articulation off-road. The CRAWL control function, with five speed settings, allowed for precise control over challenging terrain. The Land Cruiser's transmission was unobtrusive, and the vehicle performed well on the off-road course.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered standard dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and a power sunroof. The Turbos added a heated steering wheel. While the driver's seat was comfortable, the front passenger seat had limited manual adjustment. Rear passengers had standard air conditioning vents, but legroom was tight. The CX-30 provided reasonable storage space, with a center armrest bin, glove compartment, and door panel bins. The power liftgate revealed 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 45.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, based on the Prado, featured two rows of seating. 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 housed controls for 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. The Premium Package added a center console cool box, enhancing the vehicle's practicality.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30's Mazda Connect infotainment system had three significant flaws. It lacked a touchscreen display, requiring drivers to use center console controls that were distracting. The system also lacked conversational voice-recognition technology, making it challenging to use effectively. Additionally, there was no tuning knob, limiting radio station navigation. Despite these shortcomings, the 8.8-inch display was well-integrated into the dashboard, and the system offered Bluetooth, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected services. Turbos added SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and a 14-speaker Bose sound system.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser featured the Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM) system, standard on higher trims, which utilized a 12.3-inch center touchscreen display. MTM activated automatically at low speeds, aiding off-road navigation. 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 a six-speaker sound system, while the middle trim offered a 10-speaker system with an optional upgrade to a 14-speaker JBL system. The Premium Package added a head-up display and a digital rear-view mirror.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, thanks to improved side-impact crash protection and standard rear side airbags. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus added a surround-view camera, parking sensors, and Traffic Jam Assist. The driving assistance systems worked well, although the forward-collision warning system was overly sensitive in some situations.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Toyota's track record and the Tundra's Top Safety Pick award provided some confidence in its safety. 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. The Land Cruiser's safety features were comprehensive, enhancing driver confidence.