2025 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2025 Toyota 4Runner

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner, in its sixth generation, maintained a design evolution rather than a complete overhaul. It retained the horseshoe-shaped grilles from the previous generation, but with a more robust and industrial exterior. The side body panels featured deep beveled creases that seamlessly blended with the flared wheel arches, giving the 4Runner a broad-shouldered stance suitable for an off-road SUV. Paying homage to its predecessors, the new 4Runner included design elements like the slanted rearmost window from the first generation. Inside, the cabin mirrored the Toyota Tacoma pickup truck, with a beveled styling motif that was both attractive and functional. The interior was designed to withstand rugged use, with hard plastics and light cushioning in key areas, offering a balance of comfort and durability.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser, offered in two trims, the 1958 and the more upscale Land Cruiser, showcased a blend of retro and modern design elements. The base 1958 model featured a nostalgic look with round headlights and basic equipment, while the Land Cruiser trim offered a more sophisticated appearance with additional color options and a refined interior. The Land Cruiser's utilitarian design maximized off-road capabilities and visibility, with features like a roof rack and dark gray cladding underscoring its rugged utility. Inside, the Land Cruiser provided a comfortable driving experience with Java-colored leather and dual 12.3-inch digital screens, enhancing its technological appeal. However, the rear window design and center console's cool box were noted as areas for improvement.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered two engine options, starting with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 317 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing improved acceleration and fuel economy compared to the previous generation. Rear-wheel drive was standard on some trims, with four-wheel drive available as an option. The more powerful i-Force Max Hybrid powertrain combined the four-cylinder engine with a 1.87-kWh battery pack and an electric motor, delivering 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. This hybrid variant offered enhanced power at lower speeds, making it ideal for off-roading. The 4Runner's handling was significantly improved, with reduced body roll and a more composed ride on pavement, while maintaining its off-road prowess with nine distinct trims offering varying levels of capability.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser came standard with Toyota's i-Force Max hybrid system, combining a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup produced 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, with a full-time four-wheel-drive system and electronic locking differentials. The Land Cruiser's towing capacity was 6,000 pounds, and it featured standard off-road aids like Downhill Assist Control and Crawl Control. The more expensive Land Cruiser trim added Multi-Terrain Select modes and a front stabilizer bar disconnect feature. Despite an official EPA rating of 23 mpg combined, real-world testing showed a lower 15.7 mpg. The Land Cruiser excelled as a daily driver and off-road adventurer, though it struggled on twisty roads due to its suspension tuning and tire setup.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner was five inches longer than its predecessor, with a 2.4-inch increase in wheelbase. While this typically results in more passenger space, the gains were minimal. The front seats offered ample room for taller passengers, but the middle row was less accommodating, with adequate legroom and headroom. Third-row seating was available on non-hybrid models but was cramped and lacked thigh support. The cockpit was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and grouped off-road controls for easy operation. The 4Runner offered various off-road features, including terrain programs and camera views, with a towing capacity ranging from 5,800 to 6,000 pounds. Cargo capacity was slightly reduced, with 44.8 cubic feet behind the second row, and 42.6 cubic feet in hybrid models due to the battery placement.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its upgraded trim, featured SofTex artificial leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Premium Package added real leather and a power sunroof. While the front seats were comfortable, the second-row seats lacked thigh support and had an uncomfortable backrest angle. The Land Cruiser's rear window design was less practical compared to the 4Runner's, and the center console's cool box was deemed unnecessary. The Land Cruiser offered 46.2 cubic feet of cargo space, with a high load floor requiring effort to load heavy items. Maximum cargo space with the rear seats folded was 82.1 cubic feet.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with a larger 14-inch screen available. Both screens were user-friendly, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. Off-road models included external camera views and automatic activation for trail navigation. A 14-speaker JBL audio system was available, along with a portable Bluetooth speaker. Remote monitoring and control were accessible through a smartphone app, with a digital key function replacing the key fob.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its upgraded trim, featured dual 12.3-inch displays with 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. Five connected service plans were available, with Drive Connect offering cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The Premium Package added a JBL audio system, wireless charger, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and digital key technology.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including features like frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and a traffic sign reader. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alerts was optional. Crash test results were not available, but the Tacoma pickup on which it was based received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Additional features included a road sign reader, automatic high beams, and Predictive Driving Assist. The Premium Package added front cross-traffic alert, lane-change assist, and Traffic Jam Assist. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side-impact testing and three stars in rollover resistance.