2025 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2026 Volvo XC60

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser was available in two trim levels, the 1958 and the Land Cruiser. The 1958 model, named after the year the Land Cruiser first hit the U.S. market, featured a retro design with round headlights and basic equipment, offering a nostalgic nod to its origins. Despite its lower price, the 1958 lacked the modern amenities and off-roading capabilities found in the more expensive Land Cruiser trim. The Land Cruiser trim boasted a modern, upscale appearance with a variety of color options, a refined interior, and advanced off-roading features. The Premium Package added leather upholstery, larger screens, and additional tech, enhancing the vehicle's appeal. The Land Cruiser's design emphasized utility, with a traditional two-box SUV shape, dark gray cladding, and an optional roof rack, making it a practical choice for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2026 Volvo XC60 T5 Ultra, on the other hand, was a testament to Scandinavian design and luxury. The XC60's exterior, highlighted by the new Forest Lake paint and 22-inch wheels, exuded elegance and sophistication. Inside, the XC60 Ultra's interior was a masterpiece of minimalist design, featuring plush Nappa leather, premium wood trim, and high-end audio components. The clean lines and attention to detail created a serene and pampered driving experience. While the minimalist approach to controls might have frustrated some, the XC60's interior was undeniably stylish and comfortable. The XC60's nearly decade-old design continued to age gracefully, offering a blend of modern technology and timeless aesthetics.

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 power was delivered through a full-time four-wheel-drive system with electronic locking differentials, providing a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. Despite its impressive off-road capabilities, the Land Cruiser's fuel efficiency fell short of expectations, with real-world testing yielding only 15.7 mpg compared to the EPA's 23 mpg rating. The Land Cruiser excelled in urban and off-road environments, offering a smooth ride over rough terrain and excellent visibility. However, its handling on twisty roads was less than stellar, with noticeable body roll and a tendency to lean in corners.

In contrast, the 2026 Volvo XC60 T5 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, generating 247 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The XC60's powertrain provided a 6.5-second sprint to 60 mph, but turbo lag and transmission hesitation affected power delivery. The XC60's fuel efficiency was also below expectations, with real-world testing showing 24.7 mpg compared to the EPA's 26 mpg rating. The XC60's ride quality was impacted by the optional 22-inch wheels, but the air suspension helped maintain comfort. In Firm mode, the XC60 demonstrated agility and grip in corners, though the steering lacked feedback. The XC60's off-road capabilities were limited by its ground clearance and wheel size, but it excelled as a comfortable and practical road-tripper.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser offered a utilitarian 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 comfortable, the second-row seats lacked support and comfort. The Land Cruiser's rear window design and center console's cool box were less practical, and the high load floor made loading heavy items challenging. The Land Cruiser provided 46.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 82.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2026 Volvo XC60 excelled in long-distance comfort, with top-shelf front seats featuring Nappa leather, heating, cooling, massage, and extending leg supports. The rear seats, however, were less comfortable, with firm cushions and limited legroom. The XC60's four-zone climate control and panoramic sunroof enhanced the cabin experience. In-cabin storage was adequate, with clever solutions like tamboured covers for cupholders. The XC60 offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 63.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, though the spare tire and hybrid components limited additional storage.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a sophisticated infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a range of connected services. The Premium Package added a JBL premium sound system, wireless smartphone charger, head-up display, and digital key technology. The voice recognition system performed well, providing accurate navigation and assistance.

The 2026 Volvo XC60 introduced a new 11.2-inch touchscreen display with Volvo Car UX software and a four-year subscription to Digital Services. The system included Google built-in features, such as Google Maps and Google Assistant, but lacked a radio tuning knob. The voice recognition system worked well, though some functions required specific phrasing. The XC60 supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but only with a wired connection. The optional Bowers & Wilkins audio system offered exceptional sound quality, though at a significant cost.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). 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 safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with five stars in side-impact testing but a three-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2026 Volvo XC60, despite Volvo's reputation for safety, did not earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) due to an Acceptable rating in the side-impact crash test. The XC60 featured a range of safety technologies, including forward-collision warning with large animal detection, oncoming collision mitigation, and intersection braking assist. However, the real-world performance of the driver-assistance tech was less impressive, with issues in lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control. The XC60 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.