2027 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2026 Mazda CX-30

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 was available in eight trim levels, all featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive. The trims ranged from the S to the Turbo Premium Plus, with prices spanning from $27,870 to $39,395, including destination charges. The S Aire Edition, priced at $33,130, was noted for its premium appearance, featuring blacked-out exterior trim, white artificial leather upholstery, and suede-like dashboard trim. The Aero Gray paint option provided a striking contrast with the black exterior details, enhancing the upscale look of the vehicle. Despite its premium feel, the CX-30's infotainment system, Mazda Connect, required a learning curve due to its console-based controls, though it became intuitive over time.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser was offered in two versions: the basic Land Cruiser 1958 and a higher trim level. The 1958 model, starting at $59,775, featured round headlights and cloth seats, while the higher trim, priced from $64,620, boasted rectangular lamps and artificial leather upholstery. Our test vehicle, equipped with the Premium Package and several options, had an MSRP of $73,740. The Land Cruiser's cabin prioritized function over form, with the Premium Package adding soft leather upholstery and other comfort features. Despite a thin metallic echo when doors slammed, the Land Cruiser's construction and materials exuded quality, making it a cut above the norm.

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque in its standard form. Turbocharged versions offered up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on premium fuel. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and Mazda’s i-Activ AWD system. The standard engine achieved 27 mpg combined, while the turbo averaged 25 mpg. During testing, the naturally aspirated S Aire Edition averaged 28.5 mpg on a mixed driving loop. The CX-30's G-Vectoring Control Plus technology and brake-based limited-slip differential enhanced its driving dynamics, making it more engaging than many rivals. Despite modest ground clearance, the CX-30's AWD and Off-Road Traction Assist allowed for some off-road capability.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser featured the i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, combining a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with an electric motor to deliver 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, offering a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. The Land Cruiser's fuel economy was rated at 23 mpg combined, but during testing, it averaged 20.3 mpg in hot conditions and 18.1 mpg on a mountainous route. Off-road, the Land Cruiser excelled with features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select modes. Despite its weight, the powertrain provided adequate performance, though the SUV's handling was more suited to off-road adventures than spirited driving.

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 had some practical limitations, such as small door openings and a tight back seat. The front seats were comfortable but snug, with only the driver's seat offering height adjustment. The air conditioning struggled in hot weather, and rear passengers lacked USB charging ports. Storage was decent, with a roomy center bin and practical door pockets. The cargo area offered 20.2 cubic feet of space, expanding to 45.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, though this was smaller than many competitors.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior varied by trim, with the 1958 model featuring manual cloth seats and the higher trim offering power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated seats with leather upholstery. The Premium Package added further comfort and technology upgrades. The Land Cruiser accommodated five people comfortably, but lacked a third-row seat. Cargo space was generous, with 46.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 82.2 cubic feet. However, the high liftover height and non-flat folding seats made loading bulky items challenging.

The 2026 Mazda CX-30's Mazda Connect infotainment system offered two screen sizes and varying features. The base S trim included an 8.8-inch display with wired smartphone integration, while higher trims added wireless connectivity and a larger 10.25-inch screen. A 12-speaker Bose audio system was available on top trims. The system's reliance on a console knob for navigation was initially distracting but became intuitive over time. Voice recognition was limited, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided better alternatives.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser's tech varied by trim, with the 1958 model featuring a 7-inch driver display and 8-inch touchscreen. The higher trim offered 12.3-inch displays, wireless smartphone integration, and a 14-speaker JBL audio system. Toyota Connected Services included several plans, with Drive Connect offering cloud-based navigation and voice recognition. The Intelligent Assistant generally performed well, though it occasionally misinterpreted commands. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with customizable digital driver display panels.

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 boasted impressive safety features and ratings. Standard systems included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added parking sensors and a surround-view camera. The CX-30 earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with high marks in most assessments.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Premium Package added advanced features like Traffic Jam Assist. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with mixed results in crash tests. The IIHS gave it mostly Good ratings, though some areas received lower scores.