2025 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2026 Audi Q3

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 U.S. 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 economical choice, saving buyers $4,770 compared to the more modern and upscale Land Cruiser model. The latter, priced at $62,965, boasted a sophisticated look, a wider color palette, and a more luxurious interior with larger screens and essential off-roading enhancements. The Premium Package added leather, advanced tech, and other upgrades, bringing the price to $71,004. Despite its utilitarian design, the Land Cruiser's interior was more refined than the 1958, with dual 12.3-inch digital screens and intuitive steering-wheel controls, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a blend of tradition and modernity.

The 2026 Audi Q3 aimed to enhance its SUV-like appearance with a taller front end, elongated hood, and the signature Audi “singleframe” grille. While its design was not universally praised, with some elements appearing cluttered, the Q3 featured a distinctive “UFO line” that created a floating effect. The model included programmable daytime running lights and OLED taillights as part of the Technology Package. Built on the Volkswagen Group MQB architecture, the Q3 offered sportier S Line styling as standard, with options for larger wheels. Audi streamlined the trim levels, elevating the standard interior with leather upholstery and wood dashboard trim, though the authenticity of the latter was questioned. Despite the presence of plastic, the Q3's cabin quality was deemed suitable for its entry-luxury price point.

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 four-wheel-drive system featuring electronic locking differentials. It had a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds and included standard features like Downhill Assist Control and Crawl Control. The Land Cruiser model added Multi-Terrain Select modes, Multi-Terrain Monitor camera views, and a front stabilizer bar disconnect. 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, though it struggled on twisty roads due to its suspension tuning. It offered a high driving position with excellent visibility, making it easy to park and maneuver on trails. Off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like the front stabilizer bar disconnect and Crawl Control.

The 2026 Audi Q3 retained its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but output increased to 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This allowed the Q3 to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, faster than the 2025 model. The transmission was updated to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, with all-wheel drive remaining standard. Audi claimed the Q3 was quicker than competitors like the BMW X1 xDrive28i and Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4Matic, though real-world performance was hindered by transmission calibration and accelerator pedal modulation. At higher speeds, the Q3 offered a refined and composed ride, though steering and suspension were less engaging than some rivals. Laminated acoustic glass reduced wind noise, but larger wheels impacted ride quality. Overall, the Q3 provided a comfortable ride suitable for its premium positioning.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser offered SofTex artificial leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel in the upgraded model. The Premium Package added real leather and a power sunroof. While front seats were comfortable, the second-row seats lacked support, and running boards could be cumbersome for taller passengers. The rear window design was less practical compared to the 4Runner, 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 when loading heavy items.

The 2026 Audi Q3 grew in size, offering a longer, taller, and wider body than the 2025 model, with a nearly identical wheelbase. This resulted in similar legroom but improved cargo space, with 29 cubic feet available behind the second row and 50 cubic feet with the seats folded. While first-row headroom decreased, the Q3 maximized interior space effectively, though it didn't surpass competitors in headroom or legroom. The Q3 excelled in cargo space behind the second row, making it a practical choice over small sedans. Its 1,500-pound towing capacity was modest but competitive within its segment. The Q3 introduced a new control layout, with a bar replacing traditional stalks for shifting and signaling, freeing up space for cupholders and a wireless device charger.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 12.3-inch digital driver display and infotainment system, upgraded from the 1958 model's smaller screens. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and access to Apple Music and Amazon Music. Five connected service plans were available, with Drive Connect offering 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 Audi Q3 introduced the Digital Stage screen setup, with an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch touchscreen in a curved housing. The MMI infotainment system, based on Android Automotive OS, included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB-C ports, and a built-in app store. The voice recognition system featured ChatGPT integration for various commands. The optional Technology Package included a head-up display, while the Infotainment Package offered SiriusXM and a 12-speaker Sonos audio system, though sound quality was criticized for lacking midrange.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering advanced driving assistance systems like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. It also included lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist, with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist providing semi-autonomous highway driving. 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 the NHTSA, with mixed results in specific tests.

The 2026 Audi Q3 offered standard driver-assist features like adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, traffic-sign recognition, and forward-collision warning. It also included blind-spot monitors and rear cross-traffic alert, with nine airbags as standard. The optional Driver Assistance Package added a 360-degree camera system, Adaptive Cruise Assist, and Park Assist Plus. Crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS were unavailable, but the previous generation's mixed performance indicated room for improvement.