2024 Toyota RAV4 vs 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 was designed to project a rugged appearance, with its aggressive front fascia and angular body cladding. Despite its tough exterior, the RAV4's performance did not match its looks, as the dual exhaust outlets suggested more power than the vehicle actually delivered. The TRD Off-Road model, which we tested, came with a base price of $38,295, plus a destination charge of $1,350. It featured Army Green paint, a digital rearview mirror, and additional option packages, bringing the total MSRP to $41,925. The RAV4's interior was utilitarian, with easy-clean surfaces and practical storage solutions, but higher trim levels offered more upscale options.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser was available in two trims, with the base model named the 1958, reflecting its retro design. The more modern Land Cruiser trim offered a sophisticated look, with additional off-roading capabilities and a Premium Package option. Our test vehicle, equipped with the Premium Package, featured Heritage Blue paint, 20-inch wheels, and a roof rack, raising the MSRP to $71,004. The Land Cruiser's interior was utilitarian yet upscale, with Java-colored leather and dual 12.3-inch digital screens. Despite its traditional SUV design, the Land Cruiser excelled in off-road performance, thanks to features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Monitor.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The TRD Off-Road model came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, along with off-road suspension tuning and all-terrain tires. Despite its off-road enhancements, the RAV4 offered the same ground clearance as other models and lacked improved approach or departure angles. The RAV4's fuel economy was rated at 28 mpg combined, but our test vehicle averaged 26.6 mpg during evaluation.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser featured Toyota's i-Force Max hybrid system, combining a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with an electric motor for a total output of 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. The Land Cruiser's full-time four-wheel-drive system and electronic locking differentials enabled a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. Despite an EPA rating of 23 mpg combined, our test vehicle achieved only 15.7 mpg. The Land Cruiser excelled in off-road conditions, with features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Monitor, but its handling on twisty roads was less impressive.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4's interior focused on practicality, with storage shelves, trays, and rubberized control knobs. The TRD Off-Road trim featured SofTex upholstery and optional heated and ventilated front seats. The RAV4 comfortably seated four adults, with a rear seat offering good legroom and footroom. The cargo area provided 37.6 cubic feet of space, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior offered SofTex upholstery in the base model, with real leather available in the Premium Package. The front seats were comfortable, but the second-row seats lacked support. The Land Cruiser's cargo area measured 46.2 cubic feet, expanding to 82.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. However, the high load floor made loading heavy items challenging.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 featured the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, with an 8-inch or optional 10.5-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and various connected services. The system included Service Connect, Safety Connect, Remote Connect, Wi-Fi Connect, and Drive Connect. While the infotainment system was sophisticated, it lacked a multi-panel Home screen and had some usability issues.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser offered two 12.3-inch displays with the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and connected services. The Premium Package added a JBL premium sound system, wireless smartphone charger, head-up display, and digital rearview mirror. The Drive Connect system provided cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant, performing well in voice recognition tests.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, offering a range of advanced driver-assistance systems. However, the base LE trim lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The RAV4's safety performance was adequate, but it lost its Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS due to lower crash-test ratings.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The system also included adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist. The Land Cruiser's safety features were generally effective, but some systems required manual intervention. The NHTSA rated the Land Cruiser with four stars overall, with a three-star rollover resistance rating.