2026 Jeep Cherokee 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. Priced at $58,195, it was a more affordable option, but the Land Cruiser model, priced at $62,965, offered a more modern and upscale look. This version came with additional color options, a nicer interior with larger screens, and essential off-roading hardware and software. The Premium Package added leather and more tech, enhancing the vehicle's appeal. The Land Cruiser's design maximized off-road clearances and visibility, with a traditional two-box SUV design and dark gray cladding underscoring its utility. The interior was utilitarian yet nicer than the 1958, with dual 12.3-inch digital screens and intuitive steering-wheel controls.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee, compared to its predecessor, adopted a boxy shape reminiscent of the classic XJ Cherokee from the 1980s and 1990s. While this design was less polarizing, it also appeared somewhat generic amidst other rugged-looking crossovers. The rear-end design was more successful, combining an XJ-like profile with aerodynamic surfacing and distinctive taillights. The Cherokee shared the Stellantis STLA Large platform with other models, offering similar appearances across its trim levels. The high-end Overland trim featured 20-inch wheels and leatherette seats, with recycled materials used in the interior for environmental reasons. The interior trim was mostly plastic, but Jeep's use of muted finishes was commendable. The Cherokee's interior exceeded expectations for style, with a concave dashboard and rotary shifter reminiscent of the Grand Wagoneer.

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 eight-speed automatic transmission and an electric motor. This setup delivered 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, with a full-time 4WD system and electronic locking differentials, allowing for a 6,000-pound towing capacity. Standard features included Downhill Assist Control and Crawl Control, with the Land Cruiser model adding Multi-Terrain Select off-roading modes and a front stabilizer bar disconnect feature. Despite an EPA rating of 23 mpg combined, real-world testing yielded only 15.7 mpg. The Land Cruiser excelled as a daily driver and off-road adventurer, with impressive suspension tuning and off-road capabilities, including 8.7 inches of ground clearance. However, it struggled on twisty roads due to its tires and suspension tuning, and its handling was best described as slow and steady.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee launched with a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a two-motor hybrid system, producing 210 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque. The standard AWD system featured a clutch-based rear-axle disconnect, favoring fuel economy over off-road capability. Jeep’s Selec-Terrain drive modes and best-in-class approach and departure angles enhanced its off-road potential, though the planned test drive location was waterlogged. The hybrid system was smooth and quiet, but the steering had significant play, requiring adjustments through the touchscreen. Regenerative braking was lacking, with a “low mode” that caused high engine rpms on descents.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser offered SofTex artificial leather upholstery, with 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 thigh support and had an uncomfortable backrest angle. The rear window design was less practical, and the center console's cool box reduced storage space. The Land Cruiser provided 46.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 82.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, though the high load floor required effort to load heavy items.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee provided comparable headroom and legroom to competitors, with comfortable seats despite a deep dashboard and steeply raked windshield. Upgrading to higher trims added power seats and heated front seats. Rear-seat passengers had similar headroom but less legroom compared to rivals, with heated rear seats available on Overland models. The Cherokee offered 33.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 68.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The dashboard maintained important analog controls, though some buttons were hard to find, and the touch sensors for climate controls lacked feedback.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser featured dual 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. Five connected service plans were available, with Drive Connect providing cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The Premium Package added a 14-speaker JBL sound system, wireless smartphone charger, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and digital key technology.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, running the Uconnect 5 system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless device charging was standard on higher trims. Uconnect 5 was stable and upgradable via OTA updates, though the digital instrument cluster’s graphics were plain. Vehicle settings were split between the touchscreen and dashboard buttons, and the native navigation system was laggy compared to Android Auto. The audio system showed little difference between lower and higher trims.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Additional features included a road sign reader, automatic high-beam headlights, and Predictive Driving Assist. The Premium Package added front cross-traffic alert, lane-change assist, and Traffic Jam Assist. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with five stars in side-impact testing and a three-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee offered standard driver-assistance features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Active Driving Assist was also standard, with traffic-sign recognition on the Overland model and an optional surround-view camera system. Crash test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of writing.