2021 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its final year of the current form, offered a Heritage Edition trim to celebrate its 65th anniversary. This edition was available in four colors, with Midnight Black being the standout choice, complemented by bronze BBS wheels and a Yakima Megawarrior roof basket. However, the standard Land Cruiser, which arrived for review, was dressed in Magnetic Gray with Terra semi-aniline leather upholstery. Its exterior, with oversized headlights and taillights, was adorned with chrome, giving it a somewhat dated appearance. Inside, the Land Cruiser mixed Toyota switchgear with Lexus design elements, featuring high-quality materials and a traditional hand-operated parking brake. The overall experience was akin to a nostalgic journey back in time, albeit not far enough to capture the SUV's former glory.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander was anything but boring, standing out among midsize SUVs with its distinctive design. Its front end, though less dramatic than the Sienna minivan, featured wide headlights and a trapezoidal grille. The side profile boasted a character line reminiscent of the Supra sports car, while the rear taillights borrowed elements from Lexus models. The Highlander appeared longer and lower than its predecessor without sacrificing size. The introduction of the XSE trim added a sportier look with a restyled front end and 20-inch wheels. Our test vehicle, in Limited trim, exuded upscale appeal with chrome accents and a luxurious interior featuring tan leather seats and wood details. The Highlander prioritized comfort and convenience, making it an ideal family car.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine, shared with the Toyota Tundra. Despite its power, the engine's roar was subdued, contributing to an average fuel economy of 14.7 mpg, slightly better than the EPA rating of 14 mpg. An eight-speed automatic transmission delivered power to all four wheels through a full-time four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case. The Land Cruiser's off-road prowess was enhanced by features like a Torsen limited-slip differential, mud-and-snow tires, and a full-size spare tire. It also boasted advanced traction control systems, including Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, making it capable of conquering challenging terrains. On-road, the Land Cruiser offered a refined driving experience, akin to a Lexus, but its nearly 3-ton weight required some effort when maneuvering.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive, the Highlander offered a smooth and predictable driving experience. While not a performance powerhouse, it provided adequate power for highway merging and compared favorably with competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. The Highlander's suspension prioritized comfort, though the XSE trim added sportier tuning for those seeking a bit more excitement. Overall, the Highlander delivered a balanced performance suitable for family-oriented buyers.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior, though dated, exuded luxury with plush leather upholstery and heated, ventilated front seats. The cabin featured a four-zone automatic climate control system with 28 air vents, ensuring comfort for all passengers. The second-row bench seat offered ample space, while the third-row seat, though accommodating adults, lacked leg support for long journeys. Cargo space was limited to 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 41.4 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded. The Land Cruiser's split clamshell-style liftgate provided easy access to the cargo area, with a maximum capacity of 82.8 cubic feet.

In the 2021 Toyota Highlander, interior space was optimized for comfort and convenience. The front seats featured large shelves for storage, and a wireless charging pad was standard on higher trims. Second-row passengers enjoyed generous legroom, with seats that could slide to accommodate third-row occupants. However, the third row was best suited for short trips. Cargo space measured 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.3 cubic feet with both rows down. The Highlander offered practical storage solutions for families on the go.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's technology was a throwback to simpler times, featuring a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Toyota Entune technology. While functional, it lacked modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system relied on basic voice commands and offered a three-month SiriusXM subscription. The dashboard featured large buttons and knobs for easy control, while the rear-seat entertainment system, though dated, provided DVD playback and HDMI connections. A 14-speaker JBL Synthesis audio system delivered decent sound quality.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander offered a more modern tech experience. Lower trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen, while the Limited trim offered an optional 12.3-inch display, standard on the Platinum trim. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, though navigation struggled with points of interest. The JBL audio system provided good sound quality, and the 12.3-inch screen impressed with its clarity and responsiveness. However, some apps were limited to an 8-inch display area, raising questions about the larger screen's value.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser came equipped with 10 airbags and a robust curb weight, offering a sense of security in collisions. However, it lacked crash-test ratings, leaving its safety performance uncertain. Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) was standard, including features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also included. However, the Land Cruiser lacked advanced driving assistance systems like stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+), enhancing its safety suite with advanced features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and intersection support. The Highlander also offered road-sign assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The NHTSA awarded it five stars, and the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+, highlighting its strong safety credentials.