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2024 Toyota Land Cruiser vs Land Rover Defender: Which is Better?
Toyota surprised everyone by bringing back the Land Cruiser after it was thought to be gone for good. Now, in a more compact form, it competes with mainstream off-roaders like the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler, leaving room for the Toyota Sequoia in the full-size SUV market. With seating for five and modern infotainment, the Land Cruiser caters to both weekend adventurers and weekday commuters, thanks to advanced driver-assistance features. It’s set to arrive in dealerships in spring 2024. For those who love off-roading but also seek refinement for daily use, the 2024 Land Rover Defender offers the perfect blend. Alongside rivals like the Jeep Wrangler and Lexus GX, the Defender excels on off-road trails, yet remains appealing for everyday driving. It comes with various powertrain options and body styles, including the cool two-door 90 model and the more spacious 130 model with a usable third row.
| 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser | Land Rover Defender | |
| Dimensions | 193.7 in x 78.0 in x 73.2 in | 210.9 in x 79.1 in x 77.6 in |
| Engine | Hybrid turbocharged 2.4L 4-pot | 5.0L supercharged V8 |
| Horsepower | 381 hp | 518 hp |
| Torque | 401 lb-ft | 460 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | NA | 4.4 sec |
| 0-100 MPH | NA | NA |
| Top-Speed | NA | 149 mph |
Toyota Land Cruiser
Engine & Performance
In an exciting update for the 2024 Land Cruisers. All models will now be equipped with the innovative 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid iForce Max powertrain and eight-speed transmission. Already proven successful in the top-tier Tacoma TRD Pro. While the new powertrain boasts slightly lower horsepower at 326 combined. It significantly outperforms 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. Particularly in off-road conditions. Notably, the iForce generates peak torque 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 U.S. market appearance, the Land Cruiser had a hefty starting price of $87,030. However, this time, Toyota has pleasantly surprised us with a much more appealing starting price in the mid-$50,000 range. Thanks to its smaller frame and five-seat cabin. As for fuel economy, Toyota has not yet released the estimates. But we anticipate significant improvements over 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 change brings a breath of fresh air to the Land Cruiser. Making it a more affordable and eco-friendly option for potential buyers.
Acceleration & Features
The Land Cruiser’s integrated tow hitch comes standard. Though this smaller and less powerful version has a reduced tow rating of 6000 pounds compared to the previous model’s 8100 pounds—still a respectable figure. This engine choice limits the Land Cruiser to accommodate only five passengers. Due to the hybrid system’s 1.87-kWh NiMH battery placed where a third row could have been. The load floor is higher than ideal. On the bright side, all Land Cruisers feature Toyota’s excellent infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, it’s worth noting 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.
Land Rover Defender
Engine & Performance
The Defender comes equipped with a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Naturally, all models include four-wheel drive and locking differentials to conquer challenging landscapes. Additionally, the Defender offers an optional 3.0-liter inline-six engine that incorporates an electric supercharger and a 48-volt hybrid system. Departing from its previous design. The Defender now features a unibody construction instead of a body-on-frame setup and replaces solid axles with a fully independent suspension. While the base suspension utilizes coil springs, there is also the option to upgrade to an air suspension, allowing for adjustable ride height.
Price & Mileage
While the two-door 90 model certainly has an appealing aesthetic, for most buyers. The practicality of the four-door 110 and 130 models outweighs its charm. If you’re looking for a well-rounded option, we recommend considering the 110 SE trim level. This variant enhances the Defender’s features with desirable additions like 19-inch aluminum wheels, automatic high-beam headlamps, 12-way power-adjustable front seats, and a digital gauge display. The Land Rover Defender’s price range starts at $57,875 for the 90 S and extends up to $120,075 for the 110 Carpathian Edition.
The fuel efficiency ratings provided by the EPA for different Defender models remain consistent regardless of the engine choice. The four-cylinder engine in the 90 models achieves ratings of 18 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. If you opt for the six-cylinder engine, the city rating slightly decreases to 17 mpg. But the highway rating improves to 23 mpg for the 90 models. The 110 model with the six-cylinder engine has the same estimated fuel economy as the six-cylinder 90. However, the long-wheelbase 130 model, is also equipped with a six-cylinder engine. Achieves ratings of 17 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. In terms of the V-8 variants, the 110 model is rated at 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway.
Acceleration & Features
The extended-wheelbase 130 model, equipped with a 3.0-liter inline-six engine, achieved a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 6.2 seconds. For those seeking even more power, there is the option of the supercharged V-8 engine, delivering 518 horsepower. Which propelled the Defender 90 from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 4.4 seconds. Inside the Defender, you’ll find a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system called Pivi Pro, designed by Land Rover. Alternatively, you can choose to upgrade to the larger 11.4-inch display. Unlike the Touch Pro Duo interface found in other Land Rover models. The Defender features a single touchscreen with improved responsiveness and the capability to receive over-the-air software updates for future enhancements.