2025 Toyota 4Runner vs. Land Cruiser: We Tested Both, Here’s Their Comparison | Carscoops

      Welcome to a comprehensive guide on selecting the right off-road SUV from Toyota.

      by Stephen Rivers

      The completely redesigned sixth-generation 2025 Toyota 4Runner has made its debut, and based on our driving experience, it’s the finest version so far. However, how does it compare to its more expensive counterpart, the North American Land Cruiser? Toyota's choice to reintroduce the Land Cruiser at a higher price has sparked numerous inquiries about the similarities and differences between these two SUVs. Let's clarify this comparison.

      We had the chance to drive both models back-to-back on identical roads and off-road trails during the 4Runner’s launch event, where Toyota had both vehicles available. The insights gained from that experience, combined with data from Toyota, provide compelling arguments for each SUV.

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      Now, let's analyze the specifics including pricing, standard features, options, driving experiences, and more. Ultimately, we’ll determine which SUV offers better overall value.

      QUICK FACTS

      Similarities

      It’s unsurprising that these durable SUVs share many similarities. Both are built on Toyota’s TNGA-F platform, the same foundation used in the Tacoma and Tundra. This shared architecture enables Toyota to utilize several identical components across models.

      For instance, the Land Cruiser and 4Runner both feature a 112.2-inch wheelbase, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and have nearly the same width, with most trims measuring 77.9 inches. They also boast a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds when properly equipped.

      Additionally, Toyota equips the higher trims of the 4Runner with its i-Force Max 2.4-liter turbocharged hybrid four-cylinder engine, which is the sole engine option for the Land Cruiser. Both models deliver identical power outputs of 326 hp (243 kW) and 465 lb-ft (630 Nm), irrespective of their specific application. However, the 4Runner also provides a non-hybrid variant of this engine that produces 278 hp (207 kW) and 317 lb-ft (429 Nm), which is noticeably less powerful.

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      Despite the powertrain not having a long-standing reputation for formidable reliability yet, Toyota extends the same warranty to both vehicles. This includes three years or 36,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage, five years or 60,000 miles of powertrain coverage, and eight years or 100,000 miles of hybrid component coverage.

      Differences On Paper

      The first major divergence between these two SUVs is pricing, significantly influenced by their respective trim levels. The Land Cruiser begins at $56,700 for the 1958 Edition, with a fully loaded model reaching $61,470, resulting in a modest $4,770 difference between the base and the top-tier configurations.

      Conversely, the 4Runner starts significantly lower at $40,770, but the gap between its highest and lowest trims is a vast $26,000, with the TRD Pro and Trailhunter trims priced at $66,900. This disparity is largely due to the non-hybrid powertrain in the lower trims of the 4Runner, while the Land Cruiser comes equipped with Toyota’s hybrid system.

      The engine in question, simply referred to as the i-Force, mirrors a nearly identical 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder but without hybrid features. It produces 278 hp (207 kW) and 317 lb-ft (429 Nm) of torque, achieving up to 20 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined, as reported by Toyota.

      Interestingly, the Land Cruiser outperforms this setup overall. With a higher horsepower capacity, it achieves up to 22 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined. This is particularly notable because the base 4Runner, which achieves those fuel economy figures, is rear-wheel drive, whereas all Land Cruisers come standard with four-wheel drive.

      Moreover, the Land Cruiser provides superior interior space for passengers, offering nearly two more inches of headroom and over an inch more legroom in both rows. Additionally, it offers greater cargo space than a hybrid-equipped 4Runner, at 46.2 cubic feet versus 42.6 cubic feet.

      However, there’s a compromise to consider. All Land Cruiser models are designed to seat only five due to the hybrid battery’s placement, while certain 4Runner trims allow for an optional third row for added seating capacity. It should be noted, though, that the third row in the 4Runner is primarily suitable for children or smaller passengers, making it more of a convenience feature than a genuine seating solution.

      For some consumers, these small distinctions may not discourage them from investing more for enhanced off-road capability. With that in mind