2024 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2025 Nissan Armada

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, known for its iconic design, retained its classic boxy shape with a flat roof, reminiscent of its predecessors. Each of the three trims featured elements that paid homage to earlier models, such as the heritage grille with "TOYOTA" spelled out, round headlights on the base and top trims, and rectangular ones on the mid-grade trim. All lighting was updated to LED, blending classic inspiration with modern standards. The higher trims offered color-selectable fog lights, adding a contemporary twist. The lowered beltline improved visibility, and the First Edition trim came with additional off-road gear like a roof rack and skid plate. Inside, the base trim had cloth seats, while the mid-grade featured SofTex, and the First Edition boasted real leather with unique logos. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard across all trims, with the Premium Package adding a moonroof and ventilated seats.

The 2025 Nissan Armada showcased a high beltline, similar to its luxury counterpart, the Infiniti QX80. Its grille and front fascia appeared taller, enhanced by higher ground clearance. The PRO-4X trim stood out with a skid plate and unique front lighting signature featuring C-shaped LED lines. The Armada's imposing grille made a strong impression, setting it apart from its predecessor. From the side, the third-generation Armada appeared larger and more business-like, with a parallel beltline and distinctive D-pillar design. The PRO-4X trim added rugged character with black plastic cladding and Lava Red accents. The rear featured C-shaped LED taillights and a fashionable red lightbar on higher trims. Wheel sizes varied, with 18-inch wheels standard on the SV and 22-inch on the Platinum Reserve. The PRO-4X offered a unique wheel design with all-terrain tires and optional two-tone paint jobs.

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 had an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard full-time four-wheel drive, with an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case for high and low range. The Multi-Terrain Select system, available on mid-tier and First Edition models, operated in both 4Hi and 4Lo. The Land Cruiser also included an automatic limited-slip differential, rear- and center-locking differentials, and a push-button disconnect for the front sway bar on higher trims. The updated CRAWL control function offered five speed settings and operated silently, enhancing off-road capability.

The 2025 Nissan Armada introduced a new powertrain with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, delivering 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive or Nissan’s Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive available on most trims. The PRO-4X trim, designed for off-roading, included dedicated 20-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, an electronic locking rear differential, and metal skid plates. The Armada's adaptive electronic air suspension, shared with the Platinum Reserve, provided a 33-degree approach angle, 25.5-degree breakover angle, and 24.5-degree departure angle, with 9.6 inches of ground clearance. The Armada offered eight selectable drive modes and a towing capacity of up to 8,500 pounds. On-road, the updated electric power steering provided a nice sense of engagement, while the adaptive air suspension enhanced comfort.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, based on the Prado, offered two rows of seating with headroom measuring 36.1 inches in the front and 35.3 in the back. Legroom was 33.0 inches in the front and 26.7 in the rear. The center console provided easy access to off-road features, with buttons for the stabilizer-bar disconnect and lockers. The rear liftgate opened to a cargo area with a raised load floor, offering 37.5 cubic feet of cargo volume. The trunk included a 120-volt AC outlet and USB-C ports in higher trims.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured a push-button transmission, freeing up center console space for a wireless charging pad. The Armada Platinum Reserve had "Zero Gravity" seats, offering comfort with standard eight-way driver's-side power adjustment. Heated front seats were standard on the SL trim, with cooling and second-row heating available on higher trims. The Armada offered three rows of seating, with a second-row bench standard and captain’s chairs on Platinum trims. Cargo volume increased across the board, with 20.4 cubic feet behind the third row, 56.3 behind the second, and 97.1 in total. Headroom and legroom varied, with improvements in the third row.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser featured the Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM) system on higher trims, with 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 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 2025 Nissan Armada came with two large screens, 12.3-inch on lower trims and 14.3-inch on higher trims, housed side by side. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with six USB-C ports. The SL trim added a wireless charging pad and Google Built-In, allowing Google Maps to be viewed on the driver-information display. A head-up display was optional from the SL trim level. The base Armada SV had a six-speaker sound system, while a 12-speaker Klipsch Premium Audio System was standard on higher trims.

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. 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 2025 Nissan Armada featured Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist suite, with enhanced versions on higher trims. ProPILOT Assist 1.1 added proactive speed management, while ProPILOT Assist 2.1 offered hands-free highway-driving assist. Every Armada included Nissan Safety Shield 360, with features like traffic-sign recognition and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims had a surround-view camera or Nissan’s 3D Around View Monitor, with additional views for enhanced visibility.