2024 Toyota 4Runner vs 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner was a nostalgic nod to the past, with its design largely unchanged since its 2010 redesign. Despite minor updates over the years, it retained a boxy shape that was both classic and appropriate for an all-terrain vehicle. Its flared fenders and rugged grille design gave it a robust appearance, while features like underbody skid plates and all-terrain tires on the TRD Pro model enhanced its off-road persona. Inside, the 4Runner showed its age with an analog instrument panel and an outdated eight-inch infotainment touchscreen. The interior was filled with hard plastics, though cushioned panels provided some comfort. The overall feel was more utilitarian than luxurious, appealing to those who valued durability over modern aesthetics.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser offered a more modern and upscale look, especially in its higher trim levels. The base model, known as the 1958, had a retro appeal with round headlights and basic equipment, while the more expensive Land Cruiser trim featured larger screens and a nicer interior. The Land Cruiser's design maximized off-road capabilities with a traditional two-box SUV shape and dark gray cladding for utility. Inside, the Premium Package added real leather, a sunroof, and other luxury features. The Land Cruiser's interior was more refined than the 1958 model, with dual 12.3-inch digital screens and intuitive steering-wheel controls, making it feel worth its price.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. While these figures were competitive with rivals like the Bronco and Wrangler, the 4Runner's five-speed automatic transmission limited its responsiveness and fuel efficiency. The TRD Pro model came standard with four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case, making it capable off-road. However, on pavement, the 4Runner felt sluggish, with noticeable rear-end squat during acceleration and a loud engine that detracted from the driving experience. The soft suspension, while beneficial for off-roading, resulted in body roll and floatiness on highways.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser featured Toyota's i-Force Max hybrid system, combining a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a total output of 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. This setup, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, provided a more powerful and responsive driving experience. The Land Cruiser's full-time four-wheel-drive system and advanced off-roading features, such as Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, made it a formidable off-road vehicle. However, its handling on twisty roads was less impressive due to its suspension tuning. Despite an EPA rating of 23 mpg combined, real-world testing showed a lower fuel economy of 15.7 mpg.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's interior was straightforward, with large climate-control dials and sturdy handles for off-road stability. It offered ample space for front passengers, though taller drivers might find the steering wheel's reach limited. The second row provided good legroom but limited headroom due to the elevated bench. Cargo space was generous, with up to 89.7 cubic feet available when the rear seats were stowed. However, the lack of remote seat releases and a powered liftgate were drawbacks. The 4Runner's sliding glass rear window was a unique feature, adding convenience for accessing gear.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior was more refined, especially with the Premium Package, which added real leather and a sunroof. The front seats were comfortable, but the second-row seats lacked thigh support and had an uncomfortable backrest angle. The Land Cruiser's rear window design was less convenient than the 4Runner's, as it didn't power down into the tailgate. Cargo space was slightly less than the 4Runner's, with 82.1 cubic feet available when the rear seats were folded. The high load floor made loading heavy items challenging, but the cube-shaped cargo area was practical.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's infotainment system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the small eight-inch touchscreen was challenging to use while driving. The TRD Pro model featured a 15-speaker JBL audio system, though road noise often obscured the sound quality. Off-road controls were located in the headliner console, requiring familiarity with the owner's manual to fully utilize them.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser offered a more advanced technology suite, with dual 12.3-inch displays and the Toyota Audio Multimedia system. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and access to Apple Music and Amazon Music accounts. The Premium Package added a JBL sound system, wireless smartphone charger, head-up display, and digital key technology. The Drive Connect feature provided cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant for voice commands.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with four out of five stars from NHTSA for overall and frontal crash protection, and five stars for side impacts. However, it scored three stars in rollover evaluations. The IIHS gave it "Good" ratings for moderate frontal overlap and side protection tests, but "Marginal" and "Poor" results in the small overlap frontal test. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-departure warning, though some alerts were overly sensitive.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems. These included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist. The Premium Package added front cross-traffic alert and lane-change assist. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with four stars in frontal-impact tests and five stars in side-impact testing.