If you’re in the market for a luxury SUV, you might be considering the Land Rover Range Rover or the Toyota Land Cruiser. Both are known for their off-road capabilities and luxurious features, but which one is the better choice for you?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Range Rover vs. Land Cruiser to help you make an informed decision.
Range Rover vs Land Cruiser
The Range Rover is a British-made luxury SUV that has been around since the 1970s. It’s known for its luxurious interior, impressive off-road capabilities, and powerful engine options.
On the other hand, the Land Cruiser is a Japanese-made SUV that has been around since the 1950s. It’s known for its durability, reliability, and off-road capabilities. While both vehicles are designed to handle tough terrain, they have distinct differences that set them apart.
Performance
When it comes to performance, both the Land Cruiser and Range Rover are impressive vehicles.
Let’s take a closer look at the different aspects of performance that matter most.
Engine performance
The Land Cruiser comes with a 5.7L V8 engine that generates 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. On the other hand, the Range Rover comes with a 3.0L Turbo Inline-6 Gas engine that generates 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque.
While the Range Rover has a slightly more powerful engine, the Land Cruiser’s V8 engine provides more than enough power for most drivers.
Torque
When it comes to torque, the Range Rover has a slight edge over the Land Cruiser. The Range Rover’s engine generates 406 lb-ft of torque at 2000 rpm, while the Land Cruiser’s engine generates 401 lb-ft of torque at 3600 rpm.
This means that the Range Rover has more low-end torque, which can be useful for off-roading and towing.
Transmission
Both the Land Cruiser and Range Rover come with automatic transmissions. The Land Cruiser has a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the Range Rover has an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The extra gears in the Range Rover’s transmission can provide smoother shifting and better fuel efficiency.
Handling
The Land Cruiser and Range Rover both offer impressive handling for their size and weight. The Land Cruiser features a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System that helps keep the vehicle stable on rough terrain.
The Range Rover features an Adaptive Dynamics system that adjusts the suspension based on driving conditions. Both systems provide a smooth and comfortable ride.
Brakes
Both the Land Cruiser and Range Rover come with powerful brakes that provide excellent stopping power. The Land Cruiser has 13.9-inch ventilated front disc brakes and 13.6-inch ventilated rear disc brakes. The Range Rover has 15.5-inch ventilated front disc brakes and 14.4-inch ventilated rear disc brakes.
The larger brakes on the Range Rover can provide better-stopping power, but both vehicles have more than enough stopping power for most situations.
Overall, both the Land Cruiser and Range Rover are impressive vehicles when it comes to performance. While the Range Rover has a more powerful engine and slightly better torque, the Land Cruiser’s V8 engine provides more than enough power for most drivers. Both vehicles offer smooth handling and powerful brakes, making them excellent choices for those who value performance.
Off-road capability
When it comes to off-road capability, both the Land Cruiser and Range Rover are impressive SUVs that can handle challenging terrain.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the key factors that contribute to their off-road performance.
Off-road performance
The Land Cruiser and Range Rover both offer impressive off-road performance, with features like four-wheel drive, low-range gearing, and locking differentials.
The Land Cruiser is known for its exceptional off-road performance, thanks to its rugged body-on-frame construction and advanced off-road technologies like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control.
The Range Rover also has a reputation for off-road prowess, with its Terrain Response system that allows you to select different modes for different types of terrain.
Suspension
Both the Land Cruiser and Range Rover have suspension systems that are designed to handle off-road driving. The Land Cruiser’s suspension is built for durability and can handle rough terrain with ease.
The Range Rover’s suspension is more sophisticated, with an air suspension system that can adjust the ride height depending on the terrain. This allows the Range Rover to maintain a comfortable ride on the road while still being able to handle challenging off-road conditions.
Tires
Off-road tires are an essential component of any off-road vehicle, and both the Land Cruiser and Range Rover come equipped with tires that are designed to handle challenging terrain. The Land Cruiser comes with 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, while the Range Rover comes with 19-inch wheels and off-road tires. Both SUVs also offer the option to upgrade to even more capable off-road tires.
Overall, both the Land Cruiser and Range Rover are capable off-road SUVs that can handle challenging terrain with ease. Whether you’re looking for a rugged body-on-frame SUV like the Land Cruiser or a more luxurious option like the Range Rover, both vehicles offer impressive off-road capability that will allow you to explore the great outdoors with confidence.
Cargo and passenger space
When it comes to cargo and passenger space, both the Land Cruiser and Range Rover offer ample room for their respective classes.
Let’s take a closer look at the cargo area, legroom, shoulder room, and third-row seats for each SUV.
Cargo area
The Range Rover has 40.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind its rear seats, which increases to 83.5 cubic feet with the seats folded.
On the other hand, the Land Cruiser has 16.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind its third-row seats, which expands to 82.8 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.
Legroom
The Land Cruiser offers slightly more legroom than the Range Rover. In the Land Cruiser, the first row has 42.9 inches of legroom, while the second row has 34.4 inches of legroom.
In contrast, the Range Rover’s first and second rows have 39.2 and 39.3 inches of legroom, respectively.
Shoulder room
The Land Cruiser wins in terms of shoulder room, offering more space for passengers to stretch out. The Land Cruiser’s first and second rows have 61.0 and 61.1 inches of shoulder room, respectively. In comparison, the Range Rover’s first and second rows have 60.9 and 60.2 inches of shoulder room, respectively.
Third-Row seats
While both the Land Cruiser and Range Rover offer third-row seats, the Land Cruiser’s third-row is more spacious and comfortable. The Land Cruiser’s third-row has 35.8 inches of legroom and 54.5 inches of shoulder room, making it a viable option for adult passengers. In contrast, the Range Rover’s third-row is best suited for children or smaller adults, with only 28.3 inches of legroom and 47.5 inches of shoulder room.
Overall, both the Land Cruiser and Range Rover offer ample cargo and passenger space, but the Land Cruiser wins in terms of shoulder room and third-row comfort, while the Range Rover offers more legroom in the first and second rows.
Towing capacity
When it comes to towing capacity, both the Land Cruiser and Range Rover are known for their impressive performance. However, there are some differences between the two.
The Land Cruiser has a maximum towing capacity of 8,100 lbs, while the Range Rover’s maximum towing capacity is 7,716 lbs. This means that the Land Cruiser is capable of towing heavier loads than the Range Rover.
It’s important to note that towing capacity can vary depending on the specific model and configuration of the vehicle. For example, the Range Rover’s towing capacity can vary between 5,511 lbs and 7,716 lbs depending on the engine and drivetrain.
If you plan on doing a lot of towing, it’s important to consider the towing capacity of the vehicle you choose. The Land Cruiser’s higher towing capacity may make it a better choice for those who need to tow heavy loads on a regular basis.
It’s also worth noting that towing capacity is not the only factor to consider when choosing a vehicle for towing. Other factors, such as the vehicle’s stability, braking power, and suspension, can also play a role in how well it performs when towing.
Overall, both the Land Cruiser and Range Rover are capable of towing impressive loads, but the Land Cruiser’s higher towing capacity may give it an edge for those who need to tow heavier loads on a regular basis.
Fuel economy
When it comes to fuel economy, both the Land Cruiser and Range Rover have similar ratings. However, the Land Cruiser has a slightly better fuel economy rating than the Range Rover. Let’s take a closer look at the mileage of both SUVs.
Mileage
The Land Cruiser has an EPA rating of 13 MPG in the city and 17 MPG on the highway, while the Range Rover has an EPA rating of 16 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. The Land Cruiser has a fuel tank capacity of 24.6 gallons, while the Range Rover has a fuel tank capacity of 23.8 gallons.
It’s important to note that the fuel economy of both SUVs can vary depending on factors such as driving conditions, terrain, and driving style. If you frequently drive in the city, you may notice that the fuel economy of both the Land Cruiser and Range Rover drops significantly.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Land Cruiser has a slight edge over the Range Rover. However, it’s worth noting that both SUVs are not known for their fuel efficiency. If you’re looking for a fuel-efficient SUV, you may want to consider other options.
Overall, if fuel economy is a top priority for you, the Land Cruiser may be a better option than the Range Rover. However, if you’re willing to sacrifice fuel efficiency for luxury and performance, the Range Rover may be the better choice.
Verdict
When it comes to choosing between the Land Cruiser and the Range Rover, it ultimately depends on what you’re looking for in an SUV. Both vehicles have their strengths and weaknesses, and your decision should be based on your specific needs and preferences.
If you’re looking for a reliable and durable SUV that can handle tough terrain, the Land Cruiser is a great choice. It has a solid reputation for off-road capability and is known for its longevity. The Heritage Edition is a particularly appealing option for those who want a classic and rugged look. However, if you prioritize luxury and style over off-road performance, the Range Rover is the way to go. With its sleek design and high-end features, it’s a top choice for those who want to make a statement on the road.
In terms of power and performance, the Land Cruiser has the upper hand with its V8 engine and impressive towing capacity. However, the Range Rover offers a smoother and more refined ride, thanks to its advanced suspension system and powerful engines. If you’re looking for a more responsive and agile driving experience, the BMW X models are worth considering as well.
When it comes to interior features, both the Land Cruiser and Range Rover offer plenty of amenities to keep you comfortable and entertained on long drives. The Range Rover has a slight edge in terms of technology, with its advanced infotainment system and digital instrument cluster. However, the Lexus LX 570 is another strong contender in this category, with its spacious and luxurious cabin and high-tech features.
Overall, choosing between the Land Cruiser and Range Rover comes down to your personal priorities and preferences. Both vehicles have their strengths and weaknesses, and it’s important to weigh them carefully before making a decision. Whether you prioritize off-road performance, luxury features, or a combination of both, there’s an SUV out there that will meet your needs.