2024 Jeep Wrangler vs 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler retained its iconic rugged appearance, characterized by a burly, body-on-frame design. Despite the variety of powertrains and off-road systems available, the Wrangler's look remained consistent across models. Notable changes included a redesigned grille, initially seen on the 2023 20th Anniversary edition, which was shorter and wider to enhance engine airflow. The integration of the antenna into the windshield was a practical upgrade, preventing it from snagging on branches during off-road adventures. Additionally, the Wrangler offered ten new wheel designs and various roof options, including soft-top, hard-top, and power-retractable sunroofs, allowing for a customizable open-air experience.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser presented a more traditional SUV design with a two-box shape that maximized off-road clearances and visibility. The base model, known as the 1958, featured a retro look with round headlights and basic equipment, while the more upscale Land Cruiser trim offered a modern appearance with additional color options and a refined interior. The Land Cruiser's utilitarian design was complemented by dark gray cladding around the lower perimeter, emphasizing its utility. Inside, the Land Cruiser provided a comfortable yet functional cabin, with the Premium Package adding leather upholstery and advanced technology features.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler offered a range of engine options, including a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 270 horsepower, a plug-in hybrid version with 375 horsepower, a 3.6-liter V6 with 285 horsepower, and a powerful 6.4-liter V8 producing 470 horsepower. The Wrangler's off-road capabilities were enhanced by various transfer cases, with the Rubicon trim featuring the Rock-Trac transfer case for superior crawling ability. Most models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while a six-speed manual was available with the V6 engine. The 4xe PHEV variant stood out for its 21 miles of all-electric range and impressive torque, making it a favorite among testers.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with Toyota's i-Force Max hybrid system, combining a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. This setup, paired with a full-time 4WD system, allowed for a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. The Land Cruiser excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to features like Multi-Terrain Select modes, Crawl Control, and a front stabilizer bar disconnect. However, its on-road performance was less impressive, with a tendency to lean in corners and a less-than-ideal fuel economy of 15.7 mpg observed during testing.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler saw an increase in towing capacity to 5,000 pounds for specific models, thanks to a new full-float solid rear axle. Inside, the Wrangler offered heated seats and a heated steering wheel, with new 12-way power-adjustable front seats that remained functional even when submerged. The 4xe model featured a 30-amp Power Box, allowing for the use of various accessories powered by the vehicle's battery.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser provided a comfortable interior with SofTex artificial leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Premium Package added real leather and a power sunroof. While the front seats were supportive, the second-row seats lacked comfort, and the high load floor made loading heavy items challenging. The Land Cruiser offered 46.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 82.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler came standard with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen running Uconnect5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was praised for its speed and ease of use, particularly when accessing Off-Road Pages. The Trails Offroad feature provided guidance for over 200 trails, with the option to subscribe for access to 3,000 trails. Additional features included a wireless hotspot, dual Bluetooth phone pairing, and the ability to store multiple user profiles.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser featured two 12.3-inch displays with the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and access to Apple Music and Amazon Music accounts. The Drive Connect service provided cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The Premium Package added a 14-speaker JBL sound system, wireless smartphone charger, head-up display, and digital key technology.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler introduced first- and second-row side-curtain airbags, with forward collision warning standard on most models. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and park assist. The Wrangler had not yet been rated for 2024, but previous models received mixed ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems. Features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with high marks in side-impact testing but a lower rollover resistance rating.