2026 Genesis GV70 vs 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser was offered in two trim levels, with the base model named the 1958, a nod to the year it first hit the US market. This version had a retro aesthetic, featuring round headlights, cloth seats, and basic equipment, available in three paint colors. The more modern Land Cruiser trim, priced higher, boasted a sophisticated look with a wider color palette, upscale interior, and essential off-roading enhancements. The Premium Package added leather, advanced tech, and a sunroof, elevating the SUV's appeal. Despite its utilitarian design, the Land Cruiser's interior was enhanced with dual 12.3-inch screens and intuitive controls, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a blend of tradition and technology.

The 2026 Genesis GV70 exemplified Genesis' "Athletic Elegance" design philosophy, showcasing a refined style with a strong grille and sweeping profile. Offered in nine colors, including the new Ceres Blue, the GV70's exterior was both polished and distinctive. The interior featured a 27-inch OLED screen, redesigned lighting elements, and luxurious materials. The Sport model added unique styling cues, such as dark chrome molding and carbon fiber trim. Despite some ergonomic challenges with the rotary shifter and infotainment controls, the GV70's cabin was spacious and well-appointed, offering a blend of sporty and luxurious elements that set it apart in the luxury SUV segment.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by 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. This setup, paired with a full-time 4WD system, allowed for a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. Despite an EPA rating of 23 mpg combined, real-world testing yielded only 15.7 mpg. The Land Cruiser excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, but its handling on twisty roads was less impressive due to its suspension tuning.

The 2026 Genesis GV70 offered a base 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with 300 horsepower, while the Sport Prestige model featured a 3.5-liter V6 producing 375 horsepower. The GV70's AWD system and multiple driving modes, including a new Terrain Mode, provided versatility across various conditions. The Sport+ mode enhanced performance by adjusting throttle response and suspension firmness. New technologies like hydro bushings and Highway Body Motion Control improved ride comfort, while the Road Preview feature optimized suspension settings based on road conditions, ensuring a smooth and controlled driving experience.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior featured SofTex artificial leather, with the Premium Package adding real leather and a sunroof. Front seats were comfortable, but the second-row seats lacked support. The rear cargo area offered 46.2 cubic feet of space, expanding to 82.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. However, the high load floor and non-power rear window were drawbacks.

The 2026 Genesis GV70 provided ample space for front occupants, though the 27-inch screen was partially obscured by the steering wheel. The center console's rotary controls were sometimes confusing, and storage space was limited. Rear seats offered good headroom and shoulder room, but legroom was less generous. The sloping roofline contributed to a slightly cramped feel, and cargo space was less than some competitors.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser featured dual 12.3-inch displays with the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with various connected services. The Premium Package added a JBL sound system, wireless charger, and digital key technology. Voice recognition was effective, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2026 Genesis GV70's 27-inch OLED screen supported over-the-air updates and customizable themes. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a 360-degree camera system. The digital gauge cluster was customizable, and voice commands controlled various functions, though some features were not fully operational. Genesis Digital Key 2 and a Fingerprint Authentication System added convenience and security.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering features like forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, some systems were inconsistent, particularly in challenging conditions. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with mixed results in specific tests.

The 2026 Genesis GV70 included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and Highway Driving Assist. The latter used capacitive sensors for improved reliability. While not yet tested for 2026, previous models received high safety ratings, suggesting the new GV70 would perform similarly well.