The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser Got Drug By the 2021 Ford Expedition In 1 Major Way
In many ways, comparing trucks and SUVs is a lot simpler than comparing most other segments in the automotive world. Take Sports cars as an example. It would be tough to compare a Ferrari 458 to a Mazda Miata. They are both great sportscars but are meant for very different things. Utility vehicles are a bit simpler; can they do the job you need or not? No matter how cool the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser is, the 2021 Ford Expedition can compete because it can tow significantly more weight.
The 2021 Ford Expedition is a towing beast
Motor1 ran a list of the best SUVs for towing. Of course, SUVs can’t compete with the heavy-duty trucks that are purpose-built for such work, but you might be surprised by some of these towing numbers.
The 2021 Ford Expedition topped the list with an impressive towing capacity of 9,300 pounds. The Expedition is not coming across the numbers lightly. The giant Ford offers an optional Heavy-Duty Trailer Towing Package, which allows for this max weight rating. Even without the HD towing package, the long-wheelbase Expedition MAX still beats the competition with a 9,000-lb towing capacity.
If the max weight wasn’t enough to trounce the Land Cruiser, the HD package is more about towing with greater safety and ease. According to Motor1, the HD package comes with a heavy-duty radiator, integrated trailer brake controller, and the innovative Pro Trailer Backup Assist that allows for easy backing up of a trailer with the turn of a knob. This package runs an extra $795.
How is the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser on Towing?
The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, along with literally every other Land Cruiser ever, is awesome. They are all cool, but they have become bloated and overpriced. The new Land Cruiser is still super-capable but is over 1,000-lbs short of the Expeditions towing max at 8,100 lbs. That isn’t a bad load, but, strangely, the expedition could so handedly whoop such a utility icon. The Land Cruiser is definitely the strong 4×4. There’s no question about that, but it can’t hang on the utility side of things.
What engines are in the Land Cruiser and Expedition
The Land Cruiser sports the same ol’ massive 5.7-liter V8 making 381 hp that powers many a Toyota over the past 10,000 years (it feels like, at least.) The dinosaur V8 is a strong and reliable motor, but it is also quite thirsty. The beastly Land Cruiser claims 14 mpg overall. Compared to nearly anything else on the road these days, that is pretty abysmal.
The Expedition comes with two engine options; both are 3.5-liter turbocharged V6s, one making 375 hp, and the other, more tuned verison, makes 400 hp. Although the Expedition is better on fuel, it isn’t much better. The V6 is sucking a combined 16 mpg.
How much do these Suvs cost?
Neither are cheap, but the Land Cruiser is wildly pricy. The Toyota Land Cruiser runs between $85,665 – $87,995. That is serious money for something so dated. In fairness, the LC is a very capable off-roader with a tame and comfy ride on the tarmac.
The Expedition is the superior work SUV and costs a bit less than the Land Cruiser. To get into a new Expedition, buyers will spend between $49,025 – $78,825. Obviously, the stronger towing package and engine options will be on the higher end of that spectrum. Even still, the most expensive Expedition is nearly $6k cheaper than the Land Cruiser.
