2024 Genesis GV80 vs 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2024 Genesis GV80 presented a choice between two engines: the 2.5T turbocharged four-cylinder and the 3.5T twin-turbocharged V6, with trim levels ranging from Standard to Prestige Signature. Prices varied from $57,700 to $81,750, plus a $1,350 destination charge. Our test vehicle, a GV80 3.5T in the top-tier Prestige Signature trim, featured an optional Matterhorn White Matte paint, bringing the MSRP to $84,600. The Prestige Signature models offered exclusive exterior colors and a stylish 22-inch wheel design, though the dark paint obscured the wheel details. Inside, the Ultramarine Blue over Dune interior exuded luxury with diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and a wide touchscreen display. Despite its opulence, the Prestige Signature's exterior was relatively plain, and we found the regular Prestige trim more appealing.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser, no longer offering the First Edition, came in two trims: the base 1958 and the more modern Land Cruiser. The 1958 model, priced at $58,195, featured a retro look with round headlights and basic equipment. The Land Cruiser, at $62,965, offered a more upscale appearance, additional colors, and enhanced off-roading capabilities. Our test vehicle, equipped with the Premium Package, Heritage Blue paint, and a roof rack, reached an MSRP of $71,004. The Land Cruiser's utilitarian design maximized off-road clearances and visibility, while the interior, though nicer than the 1958, had some ergonomic issues. The Java-colored leather added contrast, and the dual 12.3-inch screens provided a modern touch. However, the steering-wheel controls were notably more intuitive than those in a Lexus RX.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: the 2.5T turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and the 3.5T twin-turbocharged V6 producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel-drive, with five driving modes available. The GV80 3.5T, with its upgraded front brakes and adaptive damping suspension, delivered a rewarding driving experience, though it was thirsty on fuel, achieving 17.2 mpg compared to the EPA's 20 mpg estimate. The SUV's 8.1 inches of ground clearance and 6,000-pound towing capacity added to its versatility. The GV80 excelled in urban and suburban settings, offering swift acceleration and a sporty feel, though the steering was unremarkable.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser featured Toyota's i-Force Max hybrid system, combining a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. The full-time 4WD system, with electronic locking differentials, allowed for a 6,000-pound towing capacity. Despite an EPA rating of 23 mpg, our test observed only 15.7 mpg. The Land Cruiser excelled as a daily driver and off-road adventurer, though it struggled on twisty roads due to its tires and suspension tuning. The SUV's high seating position and off-road features, like the front stabilizer bar disconnect and Multi-Terrain Monitor, enhanced its capability. However, acceleration was modest, and the ride motions were best suited for slow and steady driving.

In 2024, the Genesis GV80 3.5T Advanced was the only model with a third-row seat, while the Prestige Signature offered seating for four with second-row captain's chairs. The interior featured premium materials, including diamond-stitched leather and a panoramic glass roof. However, the seats were uncomfortable for long trips, and the rear seats lacked sufficient legroom. Cargo space measured 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 84 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Prestige Signature's rear center console required caution when loading items.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser, with the Premium Package, offered real leather and a power sunroof. The front seats provided excellent support, but the second-row seats lacked comfort and thigh support. The rear window design limited airflow, and the center console's cool box reduced storage space. The Land Cruiser offered 46.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 82.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. However, the high load floor required effort when loading heavy items.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, though its placement encouraged use of the center console's control dial. The standard package included navigation, SiriusXM, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Prestige Signature added wireless charging in the second row. The GV80's digital key system and Lexicon premium sound system enhanced convenience and audio quality. The head-up display provided blind-spot warnings, contributing to safety.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser, with the Premium Package, upgraded to dual 12.3-inch displays. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and access to music accounts. Five connected service plans were available, including Drive Connect with cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The Premium Package added a JBL sound system, wireless charging, a head-up display, and digital key technology.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 came equipped with numerous advanced driving-assistance systems (ADAS), including a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The latter combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering and lane-change assist, though it was less effective in heavy traffic. The Blind-Spot View Monitor provided video feeds within the digital instrument panel, enhancing safety during lane changes. The GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it earned four stars in the frontal-impact test.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0), including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist offered semi-autonomous highway driving, though they struggled in certain conditions. The Premium Package added front cross-traffic alert and Traffic Jam Assist. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side-impact testing but a three-star rollover resistance rating.