So, you’re eyeing a new Toyota SUV but can’t decide between the 4Runner and the Land Cruiser, huh? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Let’s take a joyride through the details together to find the perfect fit for your next adventure!
4Runner vs. Land Cruiser: Which Toyota SUV Should You Choose?
| Feature | 2025 Toyota 4Runner | 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | TNGA-F | TNGA-F |
| Dimensions | ||
| Wheelbase | 112.2 inches | 112.2 inches |
| Length | 194.9 inches | 193.8 inches |
| Height | 70.8 inches | 76.1 inches |
| Width | 77.8 inches | 77.9 inches |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | Turbocharged 2.4L i-Force | Turbocharged 2.4L i-Force |
| four-cylinder | four-cylinder | |
| Horsepower | 278 hp (non-hybrid) | 326 hp |
| 326 hp (i-Force Max) | ||
| Torque | 317 lb-ft (non-hybrid) | 465 lb-ft |
| 465 lb-ft (i-Force Max) | ||
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drive | 2WD/4WD | Full-time 4WD |
| (locking center and rear | ||
| differentials) | ||
| Off-road Features | Active Traction Control, | Active Traction Control, |
| Multi-Terrain Select, CRAWL | Multi-Terrain Select, | |
| Control | CRAWL Control | |
| Suspension | ||
| Front Suspension | Double-wishbone independent | Double-wishbone independent |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link with coil springs | Multi-link with coil springs |
| Ground Clearance | N/A | 8 inches |
| Towing Capacity | 6,000 lbs | 6,000 lbs |
| Pricing | SR5: Starting around $43,000 | Starting at $57,345 |
| TRD Sport: Estimating at $46,000 | (Land Cruiser 1958) | |
| TRD Sport Premium: Around $48,000 | (Range-topping First Edition | |
| TRD Off-Road: Approximately $50,000 | starting closer to $76,345) | |
| TRD Off-Road Premium: Estimated at $52,000 | Mid-level model: $63,345 |
So, Toyota probably sat down with their marketing team and said, “Hey, we’ve got this shiny new Land Cruiser, it’s a big deal, but we need to move a ton of them.” And the team’s like, “Alright, let’s make it more budget-friendly, more accessible.” That means folks walking into the dealership might think, “Hmm, dropping 80 or 90 grand on a car seems a bit steep. But hey, 55,000? That’s doable.”
Then they spot the 4Runner and go, “Well, that’s even cheaper. Maybe I’ll go for the $45,000 option.” So, it seems like Toyota’s strategy is to lower the 4Runner’s price to make room for the Land Cruiser in a more affordable bracket.
But here’s the hitch: they’ve made the Land Cruiser and the 4Runner too alike. They’re practically twins in terms of price, capability, and image. When you’re splashing out 55 grand on a ride, you want it to turn heads, right?
For me, the biggest issue is the fuel economy. The 4Runner with the 2.4 L engine gets 20/27 mpg, whereas the Land Cruiser gets 16/22. So if I were to buy one of these, I’d choose the 4Runner because I think fuel economy is a big deal.
Then there’s also the badge factor because the Land Cruiser has a much more illustrious heritage here in America than the 4Runner does.
I mean, the 4Runner, it was a popular SUV, but the Land Cruiser was the first car to drive to the South Pole, you know, it was the first car to explore the Australian outback. It has a much longer and more storied history than the 4Runner, which really is an offshoot of the truck.
And when you look at them side by side, especially with the round headlights and some of the similar styling cues, it might be confusing for some folks to figure out why they should spend $20,000 more on a Land Cruiser than on a 4Runner.
I think the new Land Cruiser might be a bit too similar to the 4Runner, and they’re banking on the idea that people want a larger Land Cruiser for a lower price. The result is that the two are too alike, making it confusing for many folks to decide which one to choose.
In the end, it boils down to personal preference. Do you prefer something a bit larger with slightly worse fuel economy but the prestigious Land Cruiser badge? Or do you prefer something slightly smaller with slightly better fuel economy but the 4Runner badge? It’s a tough decision.
Ultimately, the market will decide. Toyota will release them both, and if one outsells the other, they’ll focus more on the one that performs better.
And let’s not forget the new kid on the block: the Ford Bronco. It’s coming in hot, ready to take on the Jeep Wrangler.
So, if I were Toyota, I’d be scratching my head, wondering if I should’ve made the Land Cruiser more of a Wrangler rival to go toe-to-toe with the Bronco. But hey, only time will tell how this all plays out.
So, what’s your take on it, huh? Would you go for the Land Cruiser or stick with the trusty ol’ 4Runner? Let me know in the comments below!
