Toyota has upgraded their hardcore SUVs with a new 2025 version of the 4Runner and a rebooted 2024 Land Cruiser with two options for adventure lovers. They are both known for their reliability and capability off-road but they cater to very different budgets. Let's look at them and help you determine which SUV is best for your lifestyle.
Performance and Powertrains
The 2025 4Runner takes advantage with two powertrains. The standard 4Runner comes with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. The optional i-Force Max hybrid provides an increase in performance to 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. The Land Cruiser comes as a hybrid and provides the identical power of the i-Force 4Runner engine. Both come with an eight-speed automatic and both will tow 6,000 pounds. However, the advantage of the 4Runner is the rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive part-time options.; whereas, the Land Cruiser comes with full-time 4-wheel drive.
Off-Road Capabilities
Both SUVs utilize Toyota's TNGA-F body-on-frame architecture, which emphasizes durability and is built for the off-road environment. The 4Runner has a maximum ground clearance of 10.1 inches on its TRD Pro and Trailhunter trims, while the Land Cruiser offers 8.7 inches. Additionally, the 4Runner features better approach and departure angles, which help it on rougher terrain. Both models have features such as Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, but the 4Runner also can be outfitted with optional Old Man Emu shocks and some other off-road features it doesn't shy away from because it does present itself more as an off-road specific option than the Land Cruiser.
Interior Comforts and Features
The Land Cruiser provides additional luxury features on the interior such as nicer materials, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and a 14-speaker JBL audio system. The Land Cruiser has more headroom and legroom, which gives an idea of how spacious it is inside. The 4Runner is outfitted more rugged and practical, when you get into a higher trim, it has a larger 14-inch touchscreen in the higher trims, but the JBL audio is only 10-speaker. Also, the 4Runner offers an optional third-row seat which would allow up to seven, whereas the Land Cruiser comes factory available with five seating positions because of the hybrid battery location.
Value and Pricing
The 2025 4Runner starts out slightly more than $42,220 for the SR5 rear-wheel-drive version to around $68,350 for TRD Pro and Trailhunter high trims. By comparison, the 2024 Land Cruiser starts at $58,150 for the 1958 Edition with the high trim version costing $62,920. The Land Cruiser represents more luxury. However, the 4Runner presents many more trims and options for people to shop for based on their budget and needs.
Specification Comparison
| Feature | 2025 Toyota 4Runner | 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser |
| Starting Price | $42,220 | $58,150 |
| Engine Options | 2.4L Turbo I4 (278 hp), Hybrid (326 hp) | Hybrid (326 hp) |
| Drivetrain | RWD, Part-time 4WD, Full-time 4WD | Full-time 4WD |
| Towing Capacity | 6,000 lbs | 6,000 lbs |
| Ground Clearance | Up to 10.1 inches | 8.7 inches |
| Seating Capacity | Up to 7 (with optional third row) | 5 |
| Infotainment Screen | Up to 14 inches | Up to 12.3 inches |
| Audio System | 10-speaker JBL | 14-speaker JBL |
Conclusion
The choice of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner or the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser comes down to your priorities. If you want a rugged and capable SUV that you can configure in many ways that is priced a bit more efficiently, then the 4-Runner is a great option. If you would prefer luxury, added features and a standard hybrid powertrain, then the Land Cruiser stands out in this respect. Overall, both are capable vehicles that represent what a Toyota represents for reliability and off-road capability and you should be happy whether you choose one or the other.
Source(Image / Thumbnail): nyetoyota, caranddriver
