2024 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition, or 40 ASE, was based on the SR5 Premium trim level and added $4,505 to its price. Of this, $1,875 covered the standard four-wheel-drive system, while the remaining $2,630 paid for retro body stripes, a heritage grille, bronze 17-inch wheels, and other unique design elements. This special edition was available only in black, white, or red paint with a black artificial leather interior. The 4Runner lineup included various trims, with prices ranging from $39,555 to $54,020, plus a $1,335 destination charge. The 40 ASE test vehicle had an MSRP of $48,455. The 4Runner's design evoked a nostalgic 1970s vibe, with its groovy stripes and bronze wheels, appealing to those who appreciated a classic truck-based SUV look. The interior, though filled with plastic, felt solid and of quality, with easy-to-use controls.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, known as the J250, maintained its iconic boxy look with a flat roof, reminiscent of its predecessors. Each of the three trims featured heritage-inspired details, such as the "TOYOTA" grille and round or rectangular headlights, depending on the trim. All lighting was LED, aligning with modern standards. The Land Cruiser offered improved visibility with a lowered beltline and came standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, with 20-inch options for the middle trim. The First Edition included additional off-road gear like a roof rack and skid plate. Inside, the base trim had cloth seats, while higher trims offered SofTex or real leather with unique logos. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with options for a moonroof and ventilated seats. The cabin emphasized comfort with cushy seats and a padded console, allowing drivers to focus on the terrain ahead.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 278 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. It featured a five-speed automatic transmission, with power sent to the rear wheels unless upgraded to a 4WD system. The 4Runner had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and an EPA fuel economy rating of 17 mpg combined, with our test averaging 16.9 mpg. It offered a minimum of nine inches of ground clearance and various off-roading technologies, including Hill-Start Assist Control, Downhill Assist Control, and Active Traction Control. The TRD trims provided specific ride and handling enhancements for off-road performance. Despite its off-road prowess, the 4Runner's on-road performance was less impressive, with leisurely acceleration, heavy steering, and a brake pedal that lacked finesse.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser featured Toyota's i-Force MAX hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 1.87-kWh battery pack and a 48-hp electric motor, producing a total of 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. It had an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard full-time 4WD with an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case. The Multi-Terrain Select system operated in both 4Hi and 4Lo, and the vehicle came with an automatic limited-slip differential and rear- and center-locking differentials. The Land Cruiser's off-road capabilities were enhanced by a push-button disconnect for the front sway bar and the latest CRAWL control function, which managed braking and acceleration over challenging terrain. The system operated silently, allowing for a more pleasant off-road experience.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a unique power-down rear window, providing excellent ventilation when combined with the sunroof and other windows. The interior offered comfortable seats, with heated and ventilated leather options available in the Limited trim. Storage was ample, though some lacked rubber liners, causing items to slide. The second-row seating was spacious, with good legroom and USB ports, while the optional third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space. The cargo area offered 46.3 cubic feet of space behind the second row, expandable to 89.7 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, based on the Prado, had two rows of seating with headroom measuring 36.1 inches in the front and 35.3 inches in the back. Legroom was 33.0 inches in the front and 26.7 inches in the rear. The center console provided easy access to off-road features, and the wireless charging pad was conveniently located. The cargo area, with a raised load floor, offered 37.5 cubic feet of space and included a 120-volt AC outlet and USB-C ports. The Premium Package added a center console cool box, enhancing convenience.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured traditional analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. The system was user-friendly, with real knobs and buttons, and offered connected services with trial subscriptions. Upgrades included a navigation system and a JBL premium sound system. The voice recognition system performed well, though it had limitations with certain commands.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser's Multi-Terrain Monitor system, standard on higher trims, utilized a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, enhancing off-road visibility. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with USB-C ports for both front and rear passengers. The base trim had an 8-inch display and a six-speaker sound system, while higher trims offered a 10-speaker system or an optional 14-speaker JBL system. The Premium Package added a head-up display and a digital rear-view mirror.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and more. However, it received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with lower ratings for front passenger protection and rollover resistance. The IIHS gave it a Marginal rating for driver protection in the small overlap frontal-impact test.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Toyota's track record and the Tundra's Top Safety Pick award provided some confidence. It featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, with adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and more. The Premium Package added lane-keep assist, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist.