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2024 Toyota Land Cruiser vs GMC Yukon: Which is Better?
Toyota’s Land Cruiser is making a surprising comeback, sharing a platform with the Lexus GX and boasting a boxy design. This time, it’s a medium-sized SUV, taking on rivals like the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler while leaving the full-size market to the Toyota Sequoia. Inside, it seats five with modern infotainment technology and advanced driver-assistance features. The new Land Cruiser aims to serve as both a weekend adventure vehicle and a weekday commuter, hitting dealerships in spring 2024. As for GMC’s 2023 Yukon, it offers luxurious accommodations for passengers, boasting ample space across three rows and a larger Yukon XL version for extra cargo room. The SUV excels in towing and acceleration, though the V-8 engines are not the most fuel-efficient. The base SLE trim is well-equipped, while the upscale Denali trim competes with premium models like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator.
| 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser | GMC Yukon | |
| Dimensions | 193.7 in x 78.0 in x 73.2 in | 210.0 in x 81.0 in x 76.5 in |
| Engine | Hybrid turbocharged 2.4L 4-pot | 6.2L pushrod V8 |
| Horsepower | 381 hp | 420 hp |
| Torque | 401 lb-ft | 460 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | NA | 6.0 sec |
| 0-100 MPH | NA | 15.4 sec |
| Top-Speed | NA | 112 mph |
Toyota Land Cruiser
Engine & Performance
Exciting news awaits the 2024 Land Cruisers as they receive a cutting-edge upgrade. All models will now feature the innovative 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid iForce Max powertrain and eight-speed transmission. This state-of-the-art technology has already proven its success in the top-tier Tacoma TRD Pro. While the new powertrain may have slightly lower horsepower at 326 combined. It outshines the previous 5.7-liter V-8 with a robust combined torque of 465 pound-feet compared to the old model’s 401 pound-feet. Especially in off-road conditions. What’s truly remarkable is the iForce’s peak torque, which occurs at just 1700 rpm. Offering improved capabilities where it truly matters off the beaten path— a notable advantage over the previous 3600 rpm.
Price & Mileage
In its previous appearance in the U.S. market, the Land Cruiser came with a hefty price tag of $87,030, but this time. Toyota pleasantly surprised us with a much more appealing starting price in the mid-$50,000 range. The smaller frame and five-seat cabin add to its charm. While Toyota has yet to release fuel economy estimates. We are optimistic about significant improvements compared to the disappointing 14 mpg combined of the 2021 model. With the introduction of the reformulated hybrid Cruiser, it is likely to outperform the larger LX600, which only managed 19 mpg combined. This exciting change breathes new life into the Land Cruiser. Making it a more budget-friendly and eco-conscious choice for potential buyers.
Acceleration & Features
The Land Cruiser comes with an integrated tow hitch as a standard feature. However, this smaller and less powerful version has a reduced tow rating of 6000 pounds compared to the previous model’s 8100 pounds. Nevertheless, it’s still a respectable figure. The engine choice means that the Land Cruiser can only accommodate up to five passengers. As the hybrid system’s battery takes up the space that could have been used for a third row. Consequently, the load floor is higher than ideal. On a positive note, all Land Cruisers come equipped with Toyota’s excellent infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s important to mention that the base 1958 trim has a relatively modest 8.0-inch display. While the other trims boast a much larger 12.3-inch touchscreen.
GMC Yukon
Engine & Performance
Just like its predecessor, the Yukon offers two V-8 engine options: a 355-hp 5.3-liter and a robust 420-hp 6.2-liter. For those seeking to tow hefty loads, GMC provides an impressive 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline-six, generating a remarkable 460 pound-feet of torque. All models come with a convenient 10-speed automatic transmission, controlled by dashboard buttons, and offer the choice of rear- or all-wheel drive. For adventure seekers, there’s the off-road-ready AT4 model, featuring a two-speed transfer case, 20-inch all-terrain tires on stylish wheels, underbody skid plates, and an optional air suspension that can raise ground clearance by up to two inches. With these diverse offerings, the Yukon caters to various driving preferences and challenges with confidence.
Price & Mileage
While the rugged and adventurous AT4, featuring its bold appearance and off-road capabilities, and the luxurious Denali, boasting a lavish hand-stitched leather interior, may seem appealing, the smart choice is actually the well-equipped and budget-friendly SLT. With a starting price of $59,295, the Yukon offers a range of options for different preferences. While it may not be the most fuel-efficient SUV, it has shown some improvement compared to the previous generation, particularly in city driving. Opting for the 5.3-liter V-8 engine provides the best gasoline-powered efficiency, with ratings of 16 mpg city, 20 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined. For even better fuel economy, the turbo-diesel engine offers impressive ratings of up to 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.
Acceleration & Features
During our evaluation of the fully equipped Denali model featuring the 6.2-liter V-8 engine, we were thrilled to witness an impressive zero-to-60-mph time of just 6.0 seconds, showcasing its powerful performance. Notably, the braking capabilities have shown significant enhancements compared to the previous generation model. GMC ensures a seamless experience for all Yukon models with its large infotainment display, featuring the latest interface, which we found remarkably user-friendly. The SLE, SLT, and AT4 models proudly display their center dash screens, while the Denali model takes it up a notch by surrounding the display with striking chrome and integrating it into the dashboard, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to the overall appearance.