In a world where choices abound, picking the right SUV can be a daunting task. The debate between rugged versatility and refined family comfort often stands at the forefront of this decision. Toyota, a name synonymous with reliability and innovation, presents two remarkable options that cater to distinct needs – the Toyota Land Cruiser and the Toyota Highlander.
In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the features, capabilities, and recommendations for these two stellar SUVs. Whether you’re an adventurer seeking untamed terrains or a family-oriented driver with a penchant for luxury, understanding the nuances of the Toyota Land Cruiser and Toyota Highlander is essential.
In the following article, we unravel the distinct personalities of these SUVs to help you make an informed choice. Discover which Toyota vehicle aligns with your lifestyle, expectations, and aspirations, and embark on a journey of unparalleled driving experience.
N.B: Prices are reflective of average BE FORWARD pricing as of July 2022.
Toyota Land Cruiser Toyota Highlander
Capacity/Doors 5 doors/8 seater
5 door/8 seater
Torque 650 Nm 239 Nm
Top Speed 209 km/h 189 km/h
0-100 km/h 6.7 sec 6.7 sec – 8.4 sec
Max Power 409 hp 155 hp - 295 hp
Engine 3.3L – 3.4L 2.0L – 3.5L
Fuel Tank Capacity 110L 68L
Key Features Dual Front Airbags Package,
Airbag Knee Driver, Airbag
Knee Passenger, Anti-lock
Braking, Automatic Collision
Notification, Autonomous
Emergency Braking,
Automatic Emergency Call
(eCall), Aero Wipers - FrontToyota Safety SenseTM 2.5+
(TSS 2.5+) – Pre-Collision
System with Low-Light
Pedestrian Detection, Lane
Departure Alert, Steering
Assist, Full-Speed Range
Dynamic Radar Cruise
Control, Lane Tracing Assist,
etc. Blind Spot Monitoring
with Rear-Cross Traffic Alert
Fuel Consumption 5.53 km/l – 7.23 km/l 8.93 km/l – 12.33 km/l
Length x Width x Height 4.95×1.98×1.91 m 4.88×1.92×1.78 m
BE FORWARD PRICE USD 7,370 - USD 190,860 USD 6,500 – USD 33,660
Price
Toyota Land Cruiser
| 2010 | USD 17,890 – 37,450 |
| 2015 | USD 21,410 – 71,110 |
| 2020 | USD 34,240 – 81,860 |
| 2022 | USD 42,800 – 155,150 |
| 2023 | USD 42,800 – 141,550 |
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Toyota Highlander
| 2010 | USD 10,820 – 12,920 |
| 2012 | USD 12,840 – 30,240 |
| 2015 | USD 12,840 – 30,240 |
| 2016 | USD 20,330 |
| 2020 | USD 33,920 |
Why Land-cruiser tend to be expensive
The Toyota Land Cruiser commands a premium price due to its unmatched combination of off-road capability, durability, and luxurious features. Its exceptional four-wheel-drive systems, advanced safety technology, and powerful engine are engineered to withstand the harshest conditions. The high-quality materials, interior craftsmanship, and limited production contribute to the cost. Its exclusive status, limited production, and import expenses in some regions also influence the price. While the initial investment is higher, the Land Cruiser’s reliability, resale value, and versatile performance justify the expense, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a rugged yet refined SUV.
Exterior
Land Cruiser
The Toyota Land Cruiser’s exterior embodies strength and utility. With its substantial size and dimensions, this full-size SUV stretches around 194 inches in length, offering generous space for passengers and cargo alike. Its design concept seamlessly blends ruggedness and sophistication, featuring bold, muscular lines and a distinctive grille. The Land Cruiser’s robust exterior emphasizes durability and off-road capabilities while providing a commanding presence on the road. Its timeless design and imposing size make it an iconic SUV, suited for both adventurous journeys and upscale urban settings, where it stands as a symbol of versatility and reliability.
Highland
The Toyota Highlander’s exterior design is a harmonious blend of size, length, and concept. As a midsize SUV, it strikes a balance between spaciousness and maneuverability, making it ideal for families and urban environments. With an overall length typically around 194 inches, it offers ample interior room while remaining easy to navigate. The Highlander’s concept leans towards modern elegance, featuring sleek lines and a bold front grille. Its exterior design exudes sophistication and versatility, making it equally suitable for city commutes and family adventures. The Highlander’s refined yet practical exterior showcases its ability to combine style and functionality seamlessly.
Interior
Land Cruiser
The Toyota Land Cruiser’s interior is a testament to comfort, quality, and versatility. The spacious cabin seats up to eight passengers comfortably, with a range of seating configurations available. Plush leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a multi-zone climate control system provide a luxurious experience.
(a) Cabin Storage: The Land Cruiser boasts ample cabin storage, with various compartments and cubbies for keeping essentials organized. It ensures a clutter-free environment, enhancing the overall driving experience.
(b) Cargo Space: In addition to its passenger capacity, the Land Cruiser offers considerable cargo space. The rear seats can be folded to create a flat load floor, ideal for accommodating bulkier items, making it a practical choice for both family road trips and adventurous excursions.
Whether you’re embarking on a cross-country journey or a weekend getaway, the Land Cruiser’s interior is thoughtfully designed to cater to your every need.
Highlander
The Toyota Highlander’s interior is a testament to spaciousness, comfort, and smart design. With seating for up to eight passengers, it offers a range of seating configurations to accommodate both passengers and cargo effectively. Plush seating materials, adjustable seats, and a user-friendly infotainment system contribute to a comfortable and intuitive driving experience.
(a) Cabin Storage: The Highlander features ample cabin storage with numerous bins, pockets, and cupholders strategically placed throughout the interior. This ensures that everyday essentials and personal items are within easy reach, promoting a clutter-free environment.
(b) Cargo Space: In addition to its passenger capacity, the Highlander provides substantial cargo space. The rear seats can be folded to create a flat load floor, making it versatile for various cargo needs, from groceries to sports equipment. This combination of passenger comfort and cargo flexibility makes the Highlander a practical and family-friendly choice for any journey.
Off-road capability
Land Cruiser
The Toyota Land Cruiser is renowned for its exceptional off-road capability. Equipped with a robust 4×4 drivetrain, it’s engineered to conquer the most challenging terrains, from rocky trails to desert dunes. Its advanced suspension system, including a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), ensures optimal wheel articulation and stability, even during high-speed off-roading. The Land Cruiser effortlessly transitions from adventurous outdoor treks to everyday drives with a sports car’s precision, thanks to its exceptional suspension. Its off-road prowess, combined with on-road performance, establishes the Land Cruiser as the epitome of versatility and capability in the SUV world.
Highlander
The Toyota Highlander, primarily designed as a family-oriented SUV, offers impressive all-wheel-drive (AWD) capabilities, though it’s not traditionally viewed as an off-road specialist. Equipped with optional AWD, it provides enhanced traction and stability in adverse weather conditions. The Highlander’s robust 4×4 system ensures better grip on uneven terrain and muddy roads. While it’s not built for extreme off-roading like the Land Cruiser, it exhibits a degree of off-road adaptability. Its sporty handling and agility further enhance its capabilities, making it a versatile choice for on-road adventures and light off-road excursions, suitable for those seeking a balance between urban comfort and occasional off-road ventures.
Fuel Consumption
Land Cruiser
Fuel consumption differ from one engine to another and driving habit but the approximately the Land Cruiser J300 series has a better fuel consumption from 9.4Km/L to 13Km/L for a Diesel engine and the Hybrid version reach 12.6km/l
Highlander
In FWD configurations for every trim level, the estimated EPA ratings are 12.3km/l on the highway and 8.9km/l in the city. Opting for the AWD setup results in a combined fuel efficiency of 9.7km/l, offering 11.4km/l on the highway and 8.5km/l in city driving for a diesel engine while for a hybrid version they achieve two times of the diesel engine.
Writer’s Perspective on Land Cruiser
In the writer’s perspective, the Toyota Land Cruiser is a remarkable embodiment of performance, blending power, control, and comfort seamlessly. Its acceleration is robust, owing to a potent V8 engine that effortlessly conquers challenging terrains and highway cruises. Surprisingly, for its size, the Land Cruiser exhibits agile handling, offering stability around corners and ensuring a composed ride. The ride comfort is elevated to a luxurious standard with plush seating, advanced climate control, and a quiet interior, even on rugged terrains. The Land Cruiser is an icon of versatility and reliability, catering to adventurers and urban drivers alike with its exceptional performance.
Writer’s Perspective on Highlander
The Toyota Highlander, from the writer’s perspective, delivers a commendable performance package. Its acceleration is confident, with responsive engine options that provide ample power for both city driving and highway merging. The Highlander’s handling is surprisingly agile for a midsize SUV, offering precise steering and stability through corners. Ride comfort stands out with its well-damped suspension, ensuring a smooth and pleasant experience for both driver and passengers. This SUV’s performance strikes an ideal balance, catering to a wide range of drivers, from those seeking family comfort to those with a taste for adventure on various road types.
In my view, the Toyota Highlander offers several advantages, such as its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and range of engine options. It’s an excellent choice for families seeking a versatile and well-rounded SUV. However, its fuel economy may not be as impressive as some rivals, and enthusiasts craving a sportier drive might prefer other options. Public reviews often praise the Highlander for its reliability, but some criticize its infotainment system for not being as intuitive as desired. Nonetheless, it remains a top pick for those valuing practicality, comfort, and safety in their SUV.
Final verdict
If you’re pushed to powerful engines, the Land Cruiser is the choice, boasting over 400 hp compared to the Highlander’s 295 hp. The Land Cruiser also excels in torque, offering 650 Nm compared to the Highlander’s 239 Nm. However, the Highlander shines in fuel efficiency, delivering far better than the Land Cruiser.
The Land Cruiser J300 series is the pinnacle of off-road capability, surpassing the Highlander in this regard. While both are luxurious, the Land Cruiser takes luxury a step further. It’s a statement of opulence, requiring substantial financial resources, while the Highlander offers luxury at a more reasonable price point. Visit BE FORWARD to explore your options.
BROWSE LOW COST USED TOYOTA HIGHLANDER from $6,500
BROWSE LOW COST USED TOYOTA LAND CRUISER from $6,500
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I am a car enthusiast and experienced freelance car writer with over 5 years in automotive journalism. Recognized for delivering engaging and informative content across diverse websites and blogs, prominently featured on platforms like BE FORWARD. A passion for cars, coupled with a proven track record of insightful articles, showcasing a deep understanding of the industry.
With over 5 years of writing expertise in the automotive domain, I specialize in comprehensive coverage of car-related topics. My portfolio spans engaging reviews, up-to-date news, and in-depth features, showcasing a versatile understanding of the automotive landscape. This experience reflects my commitment to delivering insightful content that captivates readers across a broad spectrum of car enthusiasts and general audiences.
My favorite car is the Range Rover Sport for its luxurious design, powerful performance, and unparalleled comfort on and off-road.
