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Off-Road Showdown: Jeep Wrangler vs. Toyota Land Cruiser – Key Differences

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.

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Toyota Land Cruiser Vs Jeep Wrangler: A Comprehensive Comparison Of The Off-Road SUVs

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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

Engine

Horsepower

Torque

2.4-Liter Turbocharged Hybrid Inline-Four

326 hp

465 lb-ft

(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

Engine

Horsepower

Torque

3.6-Liter Naturally Mild-Hybrid Aspirated V-6

285 hp

260 lb-ft

2.0-Liter Turbocharged Mild-Hybrid Inline-4

270 hp

295 lb-ft

2.0-Liter Turbocharged PHEV Inline-4

375 hp

470 lb-ft

6.4-Liter Naturally Aspirated V-8

470 hp

470 lb-ft

(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.

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How The Toyota Land Cruiser Stacks Up Against The Ford Bronco: Off-Road Hardware Compared

The Land Cruiser and Bronco are two of essentially the most formidable 4x4s presently on sale, and this is how they examine by way of {hardware} and functionality

Off-Road Hardware And Capability

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser
Toyota

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

Model

Toyota Land Cruiser

Jeep Wrangler

Ground Clearance

8.7 Inches

10.8 Inches

Approach Angle

31 Degrees

44 Degrees

Departure Angle

22 Degrees

37 Degrees

Breakover Angle

25 Degrees

27.8 Degrees

(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.

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

Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon
Jeep

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.

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

Interior shot of the shift knob and interior controls in the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser
Toyota

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.

The Ford Mustang Dark Horse Looks Great As A Next Gen NASCAR

The new, seventh-generation Ford Mustang will compete in next year’s NASCAR Cup Series. The automaker revealed the latest Dark Horse motorsport variant today, which will make its racing debut at the series’ Clash at the Coliseum early next year. 

The Mustang has been racing full-time in NASCAR since 2011, competing in the Xfinitiy Cup. It began competing in the Cup Series in 2019, winning 18 races the following year. Joey Logano won the driver’s championship in 2022, piloting a Mustang to victory, and Ford hopes to build on those successes with the new race car. 

Hyundai Santa Cruz Only Needed “Minimal” Off-Road Mods For Rebelle Rally

Hyundai is returning to the Rebelle Rally, and this time, they will be competing with a modified Santa Cruz pickup truck. The Santa Cruz has undergone some off-road upgrades and received a custom livery in preparation for the competition.

In order to get the Santa Cruz ready for the rally, Hyundai only had to make “minimal” modifications. The truck now features larger 17-inch Falken Wildpeak A/T3W off-road tires that not only enhance ground clearance but also a Truxxx lift kit. This lift kit raises the front of the truck by 1.5 inches and the rear by 1.0 inch.

Everything You Need To Know About The Lamborghini SC63 LMDh

Summary

  • The Lamborghini SC63 LMDh, a hybrid racing prototype, will compete in the Hypercar division of the World Endurance Championship and the GTP class of the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship in 2024.
  • The SC63 stands out with its superior aerodynamics, lightweight design, and potent hybrid drivetrain made specifically for racing.
  • The SC63 incorporates traditional Lamborghini design features, has advanced engineering, and tactfully plays with the LMDh rule book.

The Lamborghini SC63 LMDh will be racing in the Hypercar division of the World Endurance Championship as part of the Iron Lynx team in 2024. It will also be participating in the GTP class of the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship. For motorsport enthusiasts, this exciting news ignites the anticipation for an exhilarating thrill awaiting them. The name SC63 pays homage to Lamborghini’s esteemed motorsport department, Squadra Corse, and the year it was founded, 1963 – what a great way to celebrate its 60th anniversary! The Hypercar is Lamborghini’s first hybrid endurance racing prototype and represents a significant milestone in the Squadra Corse department’s ten years of operation. To put it simply, it’s the most advanced racing car to come out of Lamborghini’s production line.

Wraps went off the SC63 officially in the just concluded Goodwood Festival of Speed, and it was nothing short of goals. What makes this Lamborghini version stand out is its superior aerodynamics, lightweight design, and potent hybrid drive train that is specifically made for racing. Indeed, the SC63 aligns with the company’s vision of achieving high-performance mobility in the future.

Related: 10 Fun Facts You Need To Know About The All-New Lamborghini Revuelto

The New SC63 LMDh Incorporates Lamborghini’s Styling Cues Throughout

A closer scrutiny of the SC63 reveals a lot of traditional Lamborghini design features. The race design team at Lamborghini worked with the Centro Stile design department to create the curvy bodywork. As seen on the new Revuelto, Lamborghini’s most recent ride has a Y-shaped headlight signature at the front and rear, surrounding some bulbs that illuminate in the dark. The aggressive design philosophy of Lamborghini complements the sports prototype’s unwavering focus on function. As a matter of fact, it’s right to say that the New Lamborghini resembles the Lamborghini V-12 Vision Gran Turismo in most parts.

The fenders of the new Lambo’ have pressure-relief holes that run along their length and are designed to release excess pressure in the event of a crash. This helps to prevent the fenders from buckling or collapsing, which could protect the driver and passengers from injury. These holes blend into louvered rear vents on both the front and rear fenders. The car also has multiple air intakes on both sides that feed eight different radiators. Furthermore, the engineering team has integrated a total of eight different radiators, including;

  • Two intercoolers
  • Two water radiators
  • One gearbox radiator
  • One condenser for air conditioning
  • One radiator for the Energy Recovery System (ERS)
  • One radiator for the Energy Storage System (ESS)

Sporting regulations and the integration of Lamborghini’s own brand aesthetic elements throughout the vehicle influenced the size of the cabin and the principal character of the vehicle. A NACA duct, inspired by the air intake of the Countach, can be observed integrated into the side panel of the body. In addition, the rear wheel arch design gives the impression of acceleration towards the front, drawing inspiration from Lamborghini’s signature wheel arch design language seen on the Revuelto model.

Related: 10 Electric Supercars Everyone Should Drive Once In Their Life

Tactfully Playing With The LMDh Rule Book

Lamborghini SC63 hybrid
Lamborghini
Shot of the Lamborghini SC63 hybrid endurance racing prototype.

The SC63 is a special racing car built in accordance with the LMDh rules. Under these rules, cars can be built differently but will end up achieving the same level of performance. For instance, only four companies, namely ORECA, Dallara, Ligier, and Multimatic are licensed to produce the monocoque and the suspension, also referred to as the spine of the car or simply the chassis. Lamborghini procured the SC63’s chassis from Ligier Automotive, which, as a requirement, must be the next-generation LMP2 design. By so doing, the SC63 became the first LMDh car to partner with the French-based auto company Ligier.

While Ligier was responsible for manufacturing the chassis, Lamborghini’s engineers contributed to the development by specifying some features, such as requesting a push rod-type front suspension system and ensuring the structure had an even weight distribution and could support easy servicing. The car’s 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine is brand new and was designed by Lamborghini engineers specifically for racing. This engine is set up in a layout called a ‘cold V’ configuration, which attaches turbochargers outside the engine’s V-angle. This promotes faster cooling and serviceability and also increases the car’s stability on the racetracks.

Lamborghini SC63 LMDh Specs

Engine Specs

New 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-8 and electric motor

Total Power Output

671 horsepower

Drive Type

Rear-Wheel Drive

The overall power output from the hybrid system is 671 horsepower, which also happens to be the maximum power competing cars are allowed to generate. Bosch’s electronic control unit manages this power unit. To control costs, certain parts like the gearbox, battery, and motor generator unit (MGU) are standardized for all LMDh cars. However, the rules for LMDh racing limit the power output of the SC63, as well as all other cars in its class, to 671 horses. This is to ensure fair competition and keep the racing exciting and competitive. Lamborghini still has some freedom to customize the gearbox to their liking. They can choose the gear ratios and the way the mechanical differential works. This customization allows them to optimize the car’s performance for racing.

Related: 10 EVs That Can Outrun The World’s Best Supercars

A Chance To Showcase Another Lamborghini Win In The Biggest Endurance Races

Lamborghini SC63 hybrid
Lamborghini
Shot of the Lamborghini SC63 hybrid endurance racing prototype.

Lamborghini SC63 LMDh comes in a striking Verde Mantis green hue on the SC63s, which is accentuated by a modern Nero Noctis black stripe that covers the interior, front hood, carbon diffuser, rear fin, and wing. Additionally, these cars proudly showcase the iconic Italian Tricolore colors of green, white, and red. Notably, the branding of Lamborghini’s trusted long-time partner, Swiss watch manufacturer Roger Dubuis, will also be prominently displayed on the vehicles.

Next year, the Lamborghini SC63 will make its debut on the racetracks, and it will be managed by the experienced Iron Lynx team, known for its success in GT3 racing. The team’s driver lineup is truly impressive, featuring two former Formula 1 drivers, Romain Grosjean and Daniil Kvyat, who will be joined by Lamborghini’s factory racing drivers, Andrea Caldarelli and Mirko Bortolotti. Together, they will form a formidable team ready to take on the challenges of the racing season.

The SC63 is Lamborghini’s most technologically advanced racing vehicle ever manufactured, according to the company’s chairman and CEO Stephan Winkelmann. It follows their strategy, “Direzione Cor Tauri,” which defines their goals for electrifying their whole product line. The SC63 LMDh represents a significant step into the highest echelons of motorsports and embodies the future of racing for their Squadra Corse team.

Related: 15 Most Powerful Production Cars In The World

What’s Next For Lamborghini SC63 LMDh?

Lamborghini SC63 hybrid
Lamborghini
Shot of the Lamborghini SC63 hybrid endurance racing prototype.

The Lamborghini SC63 LMDh is a cutting-edge race car designed with endurance competitions in mind. As for what the future holds for the car, Lamborghini does not have any plans to add another car on top of the LMDh. But most importantly, this hypercar demonstrates something more than just trying to become the best in racing. It spells the pursuit of technical solutions, such as aerodynamics, that can be applied to other production cars to improve their functionality. Turns out that the experience Lamborghini is getting from the SC63 will be instrumental in shaping their transition from ICEs to hybrid and all-electric models.

Dacia teams up with Prodrive to enter Dakar rally in 2025

Dacia has announced its participation in the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) and plans to compete in the famous Dakar rally starting from 2025.

The automaker will collaborate with British specialist Prodrive to develop a prototype 4×4 vehicle. Prodrive is well-known for its involvement in the World Rally Championship and has previously worked with the Subaru World Rally Team.

Although Dacia hasn’t revealed how closely the race car will resemble its road models, the brand will have a production version of the Bigster SUV and a redesigned Duster available for sale by 2025.

Dacia’s participation in the W2RC will provide an opportunity to explore new ideas related to “outdoor functionality” and develop more environmentally friendly powertrain solutions. The brand aims to strengthen its go-anywhere lifestyle branding and commitment to low-carbon mobility.

To start with, Dacia will use synthetic fuels supplied by Aramco for its prototype racers. These fuels are produced by blending renewable hydrogen with captured carbon dioxide. Aramco, a Saudi Arabian firm, recently announced its investment in Renault-Geely’s combustion-engine joint venture and plans to expand into hydrogen and synthetic fuel technologies.

The Dacia 4x4s will be piloted by Sébastien Loeb and Cristina Gutiérrez Herrero, two highly regarded drivers. Testing for the vehicles will commence at next year’s Rally of Morocco.

Loeb, widely considered as one of the greatest rally drivers in history, has won nine consecutive WRC drivers’ titles from 2004 to 2012. He has participated in the Dakar rally since 2016 and achieved podium finishes in several years, but is yet to secure a victory.

Next-Gen Mitsubishi Triton Ralliart Prepares for Asia Cross Country Rally

Mitsubishi Motors has announced its participation in the upcoming August 2023 Asia Cross Country Rally with Team Ralliart. The team achieved an overall victory at last year’s event and will once again be led by Hiroshi Masuoka, a former two-time consecutive Dakar Rally champion driver. Joining Masuoka are drivers Chayapon Yotha of Thailand, Rifat Sungkar of Indonesia, and Katsuhiko Taguchi of Japan.

For this year’s rally, the Ralliart team will be driving the new Mitsubishi Triton Group T1 prototype cross-country vehicles. These trucks have undergone a complete redesign, including upgrades to the body, frame, chassis, and engine. Extensive endurance testing and adjustments have ensured the vehicles’ reliability and durability in preparation for the demanding competition.