Toyota 4Runner Vs. Toyota Land Cruiser

• 

  
  2024 Toyota Land Cruiser
  

  Dating to 1951, the Land Cruiser is completely reinvented for 2024. It rides on a modern global truck platform and has heritage-inspired styling inside and out. The biggest change is that V-8 engines are no longer available: North America will only get an inline-four 2.4-liter turbo hybrid. Offroad capability remains best in class.

  Pros

  • Back with a hybrid powertrain
  • Boxy, rugged looks
  • Much more affordable this time

  Cons

  • Not available with a third-row
  • Not luxurious anymore

• 

  2025 Toyota 4Runner
  

  With the previous generation dating all the way back to 2010, the new generation coming for the 2025 model year is a much-welcome update. Gone is the tried and true 4.0-liter V-6, and in its place, the same 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 used in the latest Tacoma. Other updates include an 8-speed replacement for the antiquated 5-speed transmission and tech that should satisfy the modern consumer. 

  Pros

  • A new generation after 15 long years
  • Up to 326 horses with the hybrid mill
  • The Tacoma’s SUV alter-ego in many senses

Toyota has long maintained an unyielding presence in the off-road vehicle world, with its SUV fleet spearheading the charge. Among these formidable options, the Land Cruiser and the 4Runner stand out, revered for their legendary capability to traverse even the most challenging terrains with ease.

Yet, the Land Cruiser faced a hiatus in the U.S., leaving enthusiasts yearning for its return, while the 4Runner persisted with aging technology. But now, the wait is over. With the Land Cruiser hybrid rejoining the fray for the 2024 model year and the 4Runner poised for a triumphant comeback in 2025, aficionados of overlanding and Toyota enthusiasts alike have reason to celebrate. It’s a promising era for those who crave adventure behind the wheel of these iconic off-roaders.

In order to bring you the most up-to-date and accurate comparison possible, we’ve relied on information sourced from Toyota, Fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, IIHS, and hands-on experience. For information regarding our ranking and grading procedures, please refer to our methodology policy.

Performance And Capability

Excitement peaked among Land Cruiser and 4Runner enthusiasts as Toyota revealed the new powertrain choices for these legendary off-road SUVs. Departing from the traditional V-8 engine, the 2024 Land Cruiser embraces a modern electric-assisted, turbocharged four-cylinder, akin to the potent setup in the Tacoma. While it may not resonate with the classic V-8 rumble, this dynamic powertrain delivers ample power and torque to conquer any terrain with ease.

Base Powertrain Comparison

• 	2024 Toyota Land Cruiser	2025 Toyota 4Runner
  Model	Land Cruiser	4Runner
  Engine	2.4-liter turbo inline-four hybrid	2.4-liter Turbocharged I-4
  Transmission	8-speed automatic	8-Speed Automatic
  Horsepower	326 Horsepower	278 HP
  Torque	465 LB-FT	317 LB-FT
  Driveline	Four-wheel drive	RWD, 4WD
  Starting Price (MSRP)	$55,950 – $74,950	TBA
  Fuel Economy	23 MPG	TBD
  Towing Capacity	6,000 pounds	6,000 Pounds

Every 2024 Land Cruiser boasts a four-wheel-drive configuration paired with a sophisticated eight-speed automatic transmission, promising optimal off-road performance. The system’s advanced features ensure adept navigation through challenging landscapes, offering drivers a suite of capabilities tailored for adventurous expeditions.

Meanwhile, the 4Runner receives a long-awaited powertrain overhaul, presenting enthusiasts with two distinct options: the i-Force and the i-Force MAX. The latter mirrors the Land Cruiser’s electrified setup, while the former remains solely gas-powered, appealing to different preferences. Toyota also provides flexibility with drivetrain choices in the 4Runner, offering two-wheel drive, part-time four-wheel drive, or full-time all-wheel drive configurations, all coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission for seamless performance on and off the beaten path.

Full Performance Specifications

While both models boast identical power and torque figures, their performance may vary slightly due to differences in weight distribution and suspension tuning. The 4Runner, designed as a rugged and capable workhorse, excels in off-road environments with features like the Stabilizer Bar Disconnect Mechanism and Active Traction Control, enhancing its agility and maneuverability on challenging trails.

In contrast, the Land Cruiser, tailored as a premium SUV with formidable off-road capabilities, prioritizes comfort and sophistication, featuring advanced off-road equipment such as locking differentials and a multi-terrain select system, ensuring superior traction and stability in various driving conditions.

Fuel Economy

As previously noted, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser and the 2025 Toyota 4Runner share a powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged hybrid inline-four engine, offering promising fuel efficiency. The Land Cruiser boasts an estimated 22 MPG in the city, 25 MPG on the highway, and a combined rating of 23 MPG. Although exact figures for the 4Runner are pending, its parallel powertrain hints at comparable performance, ensuring eco-conscious drivers can expect efficient travels regardless of the terrain.

2024 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Towing And Off-Road Capability

Impressively, both the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser and the 2025 Toyota 4Runner showcase a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. Notably, for the 4Runner, equipped with its new hybrid powertrain, this represents a substantial increase of 1,000 pounds over its predecessor.

Towing And Payload Capacities

Off-Road Capability

Renowned for their off-road prowess, the Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser each boast an impressive array of equipment tailored for rugged terrain. Historically, the 4Runner has been celebrated as the rugged workhorse of the duo, while the Land Cruiser has garnered a reputation for its luxurious off-road capabilities. However, with the latest iterations hitting the market, both vehicles demonstrate formidable capabilities for tackling the great outdoors.

The 2024 Land Cruiser showcases a comprehensive suite of off-road enhancements, including center and rear-locking differentials for improved traction, a front stabilizer bar disconnect mechanism to enhance suspension flex, and an updated CRAWL function for precise control in challenging terrains. Similarly, the 2025 4Runner emerges with strengthened capabilities, featuring a Stabilizer Bar Disconnect Mechanism for enhanced suspension flex and a Multi-Terrain Monitor to scan potential hazards ahead. Both models share advanced features like Multi-Terrain Select and CRAWL functionality, ensuring adept performance whether traversing rocky trails or navigating steep descents. Also, the 4Runner distinguishes itself with notable upgrades such as Active Traction Control, an automatic limited-slip differential, and premium off-road components like ARB’s Old Man Emu shocks and Toyo Open Country tires.

Off-Road Specifications

Interior Design And Technology

In terms of interior technology, the 2024 Land Cruiser and the 2025 4Runner represent significant strides towards modernization. While the Land Cruiser has historically kept pace with technological advancements, the 4Runner has often been criticized for lagging behind. However, the latest iterations of both vehicles aim to bridge this gap.

Now, the 2025 4Runner marks a significant departure from its reputation as outdated, introducing a range of modern features to elevate the driving experience.

2025 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Technology Comparison

Standard amenities in the new 4Runner include an eight-inch infotainment screen and a seven-inch gauge cluster, with higher trim levels offering an impressive 14-inch infotainment display and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Notably, the 4Runner now integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility across all models, along with USB-C ports and smartphone-controlled functionalities for added convenience. Furthermore, like its Land Cruiser counterpart, the 4Runner includes a robust inverter system, underscoring Toyota’s commitment to enhancing both comfort and connectivity within its vehicles.

The 2024 Land Cruiser boasts a well-equipped infotainment system, offering an eight-inch display as standard and an optional expansive 12.3-inch touchscreen on higher trims. Additionally, drivers can enjoy the convenience of a 14-speaker JBL sound system and a robust 2,400-watt AC inverter in the cargo area for powering external devices.

Interior Room And Cargo Capacity

The new Land Cruiser and 4Runner each undergo notable transformations in their cargo configurations, adapting to meet the diverse needs of modern adventurers. The Land Cruiser, now tailored for mid-size SUV competition, opts for a strictly two-row, five-seater layout. Despite its smaller footprint, the Land Cruiser prioritizes passenger comfort with heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a premium six-speaker sound system across all trim levels. This refinement underscores Toyota’s commitment to demonstrating that off-road capability can coexist with luxurious amenities, ensuring occupants remain comfortable during rugged excursions.

Similarly, the 4Runner undergoes a subtle yet significant evolution in its cargo versatility. While maintaining its iconic design ethos, the 4Runner offers a standard five-seater configuration, with the option to equip a third row for expanded passenger capacity. Notably, the second-row seats feature tumble functionality, enhancing the vehicle’s already spacious cargo area to accommodate gear for outdoor adventures. Furthermore, the introduction of a Platinum trim level introduces unexpected interior luxuries, elevating the 4Runner’s comfort and appeal beyond its rugged reputation.

Cargo Space Comparison

Safety And Reliability

While neither the 2025 4Runner or the 2024 Land Cruiser have been safety rated or crash tested, we can look at the previous 2024 4Runner as a guide. It impressed with notable NHTSA ratings, including a perfect 5-star overall side crash rating and solid scores in overall and front crash safety. Despite a slightly lower rollover rating, the 4Runner exhibits Toyota’s dedication to passenger safety, underscored by zero recalls, investigations, or consumer complaints reported by the NHTSA. While the safety performance of the 2024 Land Cruiser remains untested, Toyota’s established commitment to safety across its vehicle lineup instills confidence in the Land Cruiser’s potential to prioritize passenger protection, echoing the brand’s reputation.

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

• Recalls (NHTSA): 0
• NHTSA Investigations: 0
• NHTSA Consumer Complaints: 0

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Safety

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser has not yet been rated by the NHTSA and the above crash test is of a previous 2023 Land Cruiser model

Reliability Comparison

Toyota has established a renowned reputation for building hyper-reliable cars, and both the 4Runner and Land Cruiser are likely to exemplify this commitment to durability. While specific reliability ratings for the 2024 Land Cruiser and 2025 4Runner are not yet available, Toyota’s track record for producing dependable vehicles instills confidence in their long-term performance. With both models featuring new powertrains for the 2024 and 2025 model years, including electric-assisted turbocharged engines designed for off-road adventures, Toyota emphasizes not only performance but also reliability in diverse driving conditions. Additionally, Toyota’s dedication to safety, showcased through some NHTSA 5-star safety ratings for the previous 4Runner, further reinforces the brand’s commitment to engineering robust and dependable SUVs.

Drawing from Toyota’s legacy of reliability, the redesigned Land Cruiser and 4Runner incorporate advanced off-road features and modern technology, aimed at enhancing both performance and dependability. The Land Cruiser, equipped with locking differentials and advanced off-road equipment, demonstrates Toyota’s dedication to ensuring reliability in tackling rugged terrains. Similarly, the 4Runner, with its Stabilizer Bar Disconnect Mechanism and updated off-road features, lays bare Toyota’s commitment to providing reliable and capable vehicles for off-road enthusiasts. While specific reliability data for these models is forthcoming, Toyota’s enduring reputation for building durable and dependable vehicles positions both the Land Cruiser and 4Runner as trusted choices for adventure seekers seeking reliability and performance.

Warranty

Pricing And Availability

The pricing and availability of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner and the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser offer insights into their respective market positions and target audiences. The specific pricing for the 4Runner has yet to be announced. With trim levels such as TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro, the 4Runner caters to a diverse range of buyers seeking off-road capability and modern amenities. However, availability details remain undisclosed, leaving hopeful buyers eagerly anticipating further information on when they can get behind the wheel of Toyota’s latest offering.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser boasts a premium price tag, starting from $55,950 for the Land Cruiser 1958 trim and reaching up to $74,950 for the Land Cruiser First Edition. Positioned as a luxury SUV with formidable off-road capabilities, the Land Cruiser appeals to discerning buyers seeking top-tier performance and sophistication. Despite its higher price point, the Land Cruiser remains an attractive option for enthusiasts looking for uncompromising reliability and comfort, with availability likely limited to select markets due to its premium positioning within Toyota’s lineup.

Trim Pricing Comparison