Summary

• The Toyota Land Cruiser is again, however smaller in dimension, and able to compete with the legendary Jeep Wrangler in 2024.
• Torque outweighs horsepower in off-roading; Wrangler affords extra powertrain choices, and Land Cruiser goes hybrid with i-FORCE MAX.
• Wrangler edges out Land Cruiser in floor clearance, angle capabilities, tire dimension, and customary off-road know-how.

It was thought to most that the Toyota Land Cruiser had left the States for good and was by no means going to return. Toyota had claimed that it was time to put the legendary SUV to relaxation. That’s why it took us all unexpectedly once they introduced that it was coming again in 2024. However, it has been shrunk down and now does battle with a complete new set of foes, together with the Wrangler and the Ford Bronco.

One of essentially the most legendary off-roaders all over the world, however notably within the U.S., is the Jeep Wrangler. Now that the Land Cruiser can also be a medium-sized SUV they’re rearing to lock horns with each other. Both SUVs have an unbelievable legacy behind them. We examine options, energy, and total brawn of those two midsize SUVs.

In order to provide the most recent and correct info attainable, the information used to compile this text was sourced from varied producer web sites and different authoritative sources together with Toyota and Stellantis.

In Terms Of Torque, The Wrangler And Land Cruiser Are Almost Identical

Horsepower is a crucial issue, notably in off-roading. However, torque is a a lot better indicator of off-road efficiency. Horsepower signifies how briskly an engine can work, and better horsepower often means a better high velocity; torque signifies the turning pressure produced by the engine. When selecting an off-road SUV, until you intend on utterly ripping out the engine, torque is vital to contemplate.

The Land Cruiser has a single-engine possibility throughout the board, however the Wrangler has many various powertrains to select from.

Toyota Land Cruiser Horsepower And Torque

(Specifications sourced from Toyota)

The new Toyota Land Cruiser ditches the V-8 in favor of their new i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain. This is the same powertrain found in the current generation of the Toyota Tacoma, which has confirmed its chops. Horsepower on this hybrid four-cylinder will not be the very best however its torque permits it to compete with loads of different greater engines in comparable off-roaders.

Jeep Wrangler Horsepower And Torque

(Specifications sourced from Jeep)

The Wrangler has 4 totally different powertrains to select from, with various quantities of energy. While the bottom V-6 and inline-four are succesful powertrains, the PHEV four-cylinder offers much better bang for your buck. The torque and the horsepower on this mannequin are akin to Toyota’s Land Cruiser and the most affordable mannequin with this feature is across the similar worth.

If you’re on the lookout for essentially the most quantity of energy attainable, the V-8 within the Rubicon 392 ought to be extra to your style. However, the starting MSRP of $92,140 may change your thoughts on that account until you’re on the lookout for all the extra gear, particularly contemplating your torque output would be the similar because the cheaper Land Cruiser.

Off-Road Hardware And Capability

Coming out of the powertrain part, these two off-road SUVs are nonetheless head-to-head. Toyota could have skipped just a few essential issues on the Land Cruiser which might be extremely vital in an excellent off-road automobile.

Ground clearance, method angles, departure angles, and breakover angles are vital elements in an off-roading automobile. These features of a automobile are key when taking a look at what sort of terrain it might probably realistically sort out.

Ground Clearance And Angles

(Specifications sourced from Toyota and Jeep)

Ground clearance is an important think about an off-roading automobile and eight inches is taken into account to be the minimal. For most fanatics, 8.7 inches simply isn’t going to be sufficient and also you’re seemingly going to should raise your Land Cruiser to get essentially the most out of it.

Whilst the entry, departure, and breakover angles aren’t the worst, they’re not exactly brilliant either. The 22-degree departure angle particularly goes to be irritating to many who had been hoping to have the ability to take the brand new Land Cruiser overlanding.

Part of the Jeep Wrangler’s enchantment is that it’s a no-compromise off-roading SUV. A mirrored image of this sentiment is the bottom clearance on the Rubicon. However, even essentially the most primary Wrangler, the Sport, has loads of clearance at 9.7 inches.

The Wrangler Rubicon proves Jeep’s superiority in terms of being an SUV for off-road purists. While the Rubicon’s numbers are spectacular, the bottom Sport mannequin nonetheless manages to outclass the Land Cruiser with an method angle of 41.4 levels, a departure angle of 35.9 levels, and a breakover of 25 levels.

Here’s How Both 4x4s Are Protected When Taken Off The Pavement

When off-roading sturdy all-terrain tires are an absolute should. Not solely does this assist with floor clearance but additionally with traction on rocky and slippery surfaces. The Wrangler and the Land Cruiser go head-to-head right here with professionals and cons to each autos in terms of their customary and elective tires.

Protecting your automobile from these rocky trails is simply as vital which is why skidplates and armor are important. We examine what Toyota and Jeep have outfitted their midsize SUVs with as customary and what choices you’ve gotten by way of upgrades.

Toyota Land Cruiser Tires And Protection

Even in its most adventurous trim, the Land Cruiser comes outfitted with 32.6-inch all-season street tires. Not solely are these tires smaller than different off-road oriented Toyotas, however they’re smaller than the usual tires on the previous generation Land Cruiser. They’re additionally not all-terrain tires which is a giant damaging within the Land Cruiser column.

Toyota addresses defending the SUV from path harm with a number of skidplates defending the radiator, engine, and gasoline tank in addition to a plate of armor masking the switch case. The first version Land Cruiser comes with rock rails as properly.

Jeep Wrangler Tires And Protection

To get essentially the most off-road-oriented Wrangler (with out paying for the absurd Rubicon 392), you’ll need to go together with the Rubicon. The Wrangler Rubicon comes factory-equipped with beefy all-terrain 35-inch tires, that are a lot better fitted to tackling trails.

In phrases of safety, the Wrangler comes customary with skidplates that shield the gasoline tank, automated transmission oil pan, and switch case. Rock rails are additionally customary on all fashions.

The Toyota Offers A Lot Of Standard Equipment But The Wrangler Packs More Cusotmization

Both the Land Cruiser and the Wrangler include customary tools that prepares them for hitting off-road trails. However, it’s evident that the Wrangler is the extra devoted off-roader and that the Land Cruiser nonetheless goals to supply a mix of each day consolation and journey.

This continues as we check out the tools that each autos include. The Wrangler is extra devoted to the paths however Toyota has ensured to incorporate all of the necessities that anybody seeking to depart the crushed path would wish.

Toyota Land Cruiser Off-Road Equipment

• Front Stabiliser Bar Disconnect
• Multi-Terrain Select Four-Wheel Drive
• CRAWL Control
• Front Tow/Recovery Hooks
• 2400W AC Inverter

Toyota packs the Land Cruiser with a ton of kit that reveals their dedication to their SUV being a devoted off-roader. You wouldn’t have the ability to inform simply how succesful the Land Cruiser is simply by taking a look at it. This new era Land Cruiser is extra inflexible and ready than it ever was earlier than by way of tools.

Toyota can also be devoted to after-market equipment by way of its Toyota Genuine Accessories and Associated Accessory Products program. They plan to offer hundreds of additional accessories available for purchase to all Land Cruiser owners.

Jeep Wrangler Off-Road Equipment

• 100:1 Crawl Ratio
• Full Float Dana Rear Axle
• 4:1 Rock-Trac Heavy-Duty Part-Time 4WD
• Hydraulic Assist Brake Booster
• Heavy Duty Suspension With Gas Shocks

Both the Land Cruiser and the Wrangler come totally kitted with off-road tools. However, the Wrangler is the extra rugged possibility and has the means to tackle rougher and extra intense trails. Its lengthy checklist of kit and its greater ceiling by way of customization make it the better choice for off-road purists.