2026 Buick Envista vs 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2026 Buick Envista was available in three trim levels: Preferred, Sport Touring, and Avenir, with prices ranging from $26,495 to $31,295, including a $1,795 destination charge. The Sport Touring Studio Series test vehicle had no additional options and was priced at $31,855, including destination. The Envista's design was striking, with a trendy Ceramic paint option, although the interior revealed its affordability through the use of plastic, fake leather, and hard seats. The vehicle's lack of refinement was evident in the noises from the center armrest, turn signal stalk, and transmission shifter, reminding drivers of its budget-friendly nature.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser was offered in two versions: the Land Cruiser 1958 and a higher trim level. The 1958 featured round headlights and cloth seats, while the higher trim had rectangular lamps and artificial leather upholstery. Starting at $59,775, the 1958 catered to those seeking a basic yet functional vehicle, while the upmarket version, priced from $64,620, offered more features and options. The test vehicle included several upgrades, such as a Premium Package, stabilizer bar disconnect system, and a center console cool box, with an MSRP of $73,740. The Land Cruiser's cabin emphasized function over form, with optional Premium Package features like soft leather upholstery and generous padding. The vehicle exuded quality, despite a thin metallic echo when a door slammed.

The 2026 Buick Envista's engineering matched its price tag, featuring a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It offered only front-wheel drive, with an output of 137 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 162 pound-feet of torque at 2,500 rpm. The base curb weight was 3,137 pounds, resulting in a slow and not very fuel-efficient vehicle. Turbo lag was noticeable, making it challenging to maneuver in traffic. Over 300 miles, the Envista averaged 28.1 mpg, falling short of the EPA rating of 30 mpg combined. The six-speed automatic transmission was a positive aspect, preventing steady-state droning. However, the steering lacked road feel, and the brakes were rudimentary. The ride quality remained unsettled, and the cabin was not as quiet as expected.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with the i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, combining a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, full-time four-wheel drive, and a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. The Land Cruiser averaged 20.3 mpg during a heat wave and 18.1 mpg on a mountainous route. It boasted off-roading capabilities with features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select modes. The i-Force Max powertrain provided impressive torque, and the Land Cruiser excelled in off-road conditions. In daily driving, it felt rugged but handled urban infrastructure well. The brake pedal was touchy, and wind noise was noticeable on highways.

The 2026 Buick Envista offered easy entry and exit due to its higher seating position, though rear-seat passengers needed to watch the sloping roofline. The interior featured basic climate control, with effective air conditioning. Front seats were hard but supportive, with power adjustment for the driver. Storage space was decent, but unlined surfaces caused items to rattle. Rear-seat passengers found the Envista accommodating, with generous legroom. Cargo space was 20.7 cubic feet, expanding to 42 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The power rear liftgate was part of the Studio Series upgrade.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser's 1958 model had manually adjustable front seats and cloth upholstery, while the higher trim offered power-adjustable seats with heating and ventilation. The Premium Package added genuine leather, memory settings, and a power sunroof. The Land Cruiser accommodated up to five people comfortably, with no third-row seat. Storage was mixed, with a small center console cool box and cupholders that couldn't hold larger bottles. The power liftgate provided access to a 46.2 cubic-foot cargo area, expanding to 82.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The liftover height was high due to the hybrid powertrain's battery placement.

The 2026 Buick Envista featured an 8-inch digital driver display and an 11-inch touchscreen housed within a single glass surface. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Wireless smartphone charging was part of the Studio Series upgrade but operated slowly. OnStar Basics connected services were free for eight years. The six-speaker audio system was adequate, with steering wheel controls for volume and tuning.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser 1958 came with a 7-inch digital driver display and an 8-inch touchscreen, while the higher trim offered a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and touchscreen. The test vehicle had wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Toyota Connected Services. The Premium Package included a 14-speaker JBL audio system, a digital rearview mirror, and a head-up display. Five connected service plans were available, with complimentary subscriptions for some. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the Intelligent Assistant occasionally misinterpreted commands.

The 2026 Buick Envista offered basic driver-assistance tech, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and rear parking sensors. The Studio Series Package added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Envista received a Poor rating from the IIHS for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention and a Marginal headlight rating. It also received a Poor rating in the updated moderate overlap front crash test.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including high-beam assist, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist provided additional safety, though it could be aggressive. The Premium Package added lane-change assist and Traffic Jam Assist. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and mostly Good ratings from the IIHS, with some Acceptable and Marginal scores.