The SUV is the dominant body style in today’s car market. Just look at any busy street, and you will see that they vastly outnumber the sedans or compacts. However, there are two kinds of SUVs in this overcrowded segment. The first one is pseudo-off-roaders, glorified wagons with minimal all-terrain usability. The second are bona fide off-roaders with rugged chassis, capable suspension, and high body clearance. Among those chosen few is the Toyota 4Runner, one of the top choices in this exclusive segment for decades. After 14 years, the 5th gen 4Runner is getting replaced by an all-new 6th gen model with new tech, design, and improved capabilities. However, at the same time, Toyota presented the brand-new Land Cruiser, built on the same platform as the 2025 4Runner, and shares the same tech and components. This might look strange, pitting the two models from the same company against each other. But are those two iconic off-road SUVs identical, or has Toyota managed to cleverly engineer them to perform differently and appeal to different market segments? Let’s find out.
Chassis And Dimensions
The 4Runner and Land Cruiser use Toyota’s modular architecture dubbed GA-F. Despite featuring an old-school approach with body-on-frame construction, the GA-F is a modern platform also used to underpin the Tacoma and Tundra pickups and even a Sequoia SUV. This means that 4Runner and Land Cruiser will have the same wheelbase of 112.2 inches. In the case of the 4Runner, this is 2.4 inches longer than the outgoing 5th generation, which means that the new model will be somewhat more comfortable and have more interior room. Interestingly, the 2025 4Runner will be 1.1 inches longer than the 2025 Land Cruiser. On the other hand, the 2025 Land Cruiser is significantly smaller and lighter than the 2021 model and was the last Land Cruiser sold on the US market. So, although they both have the same name, the J250 is not a direct replacement for the discontinued J200 model.
Design
The design is one of the stronger points for both of Toyota’s new off-road SUVs. The 2025 4Runner continues with the design language presented in the previous gen, and the new model looks more aggressive, dynamic, tougher, and ready to cross deserts. The 2025 Land Cruiser is a masterpiece of retrofuturism, drawing inspiration from classic models from the ‘80s that are becoming collector’s cars. Toyota wanted to give each model its own visual integrity so that there would be no interchangeable body panels and the complete body construction would be unique. The 2025 Land Cruiser even has a special design feature. If you opt for a trim level nostalgically called “1958,” you will get different front fascia and round headlights instead of rectangular ones, adding to the retro charm. Also, if you look closely, you will notice that the roofline of the 2025 4Runner is noticeably lower than the roof of the 2025 Land Cruiser. The Land Cruiser is 5 inches higher than the 4Runner, adding to interior space and boxy looks.
Interior
Despite the similar dashboard layout with a digital instrument cluster and infotainment screen on the central console, the design is different, with Land Cruiser continuing with the retro, boxy theme. Interestingly, the 2025 4Runner has optional third-row seating only with the base engine. The third-row option is unavailable if you opt for the hybrid power train. The Land Cruiser is offered only with two-row seating. However, the materials are slightly better in the Land Cruiser. The 2025 4Runner has 47.2 cubic feet of trunk space, while the Land Cruiser has somewhat less. However, both models are very practical.
Engines And Drive Train
The last Land Cruiser sold here featured the mighty 5.7-liter V8, and the outgoing 4Runner had a 4.0-liter V6. However, the new generation of those models will only have 4-cylinder engines. The 4Runner’s base engine is a 2.4-liter, turbocharged, 4-cylinder unit with solid 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid version of this engine is an option, and it features single electric motors delivering 326 hp and a pretty substantial 465 lb-ft of torque. The 2025 Land Cruiser uses the same engine (called iForce Max) and no optional power plants. Both models use the 8-speed automatic transmission.
In terms of the drive train options, the 4Runner will be delivered in 2WD, 4WD, and full-time 4WD versions with automatic limited slip differentials. Interestingly, the Land Cruiser will come with a standard full-time 4WD with central and rear locking differentials, which means that the 2025 J250 is very capable off-road.
Performance
Even though none of these SUVs are built for performance driving, at least not on pavement, prospective customers will be glad to know that these SUVs can reach 60 mph in 6 to 7 seconds and top 115 mph. Of course, the exact acceleration figures will vary from models, trim, and engine choices, but those figures are pretty solid and will make the 2025 4Runner and Land Cruiser usable everyday family SUVs with decent fuel economy and road manners. The towing capacity for both Toyota off-road SUVs is set at 6000 lbs.
Trim Levels
Let’s start with the 2025 Land Cruiser and its three trim levels. The range starts with the retro-looking 1958 model, and continues with the standard Land Cruiser, with the First Edition being the range-topper and most expensive model. The 2025 4Runner, on the other hand, has nine models in the range, and the lineup starts with the SR5 and TRD Sport, followed by the TRD Sport Premium, TRD Off-Road, and TRD Off-Road Premium models. The luxury models are Limited, Premium, and TRD Pro. However, for the 6th generation, there is a new trim level called Trailhunter, a fully equipped overlanding model you can get straight from the showroom floor. The number of models, options, and configurations of the new 4Runner far exceeds the ones on the 2025 Land Cruiser.
Off-Road Capabilities
Of course, the off-road aspect is one of the selling points of both vehicles, with a slight emphasis on the 4Runner. After all, the previous generation spent 14 years on the market as one of the top choices for off-road enthusiasts and one of the few SUVs with live rear axles, sturdy chassis, and capable suspension. However, even though both models have the same platform, suspension architecture, engine, and drive train spec, their off-road capabilities are not the same. The 4Runner has 9.2 inches of ground clearance vs. 8 inches in Land Cruiser. Also, the 4Runner has a 32/24 approach/departure angle vs. 31/22 degrees in the Land Cruiser. So, it is evident that 4Runner has some advantages over its sibling.
Price
The base price for the 2025 Toyota 4Runner SR5 will be around $43,000 MSRP when it comes on sale later this year. This price is slightly up compared to the outgoing 5th generation model, which is to be expected. The top-of-the-line 2025 4Runner will pay back $54,000 MSRP for the full spec Trailhunter version. However, the 2025 Land Cruiser’s base MSRP is $56,000 for a cool-looking 1958 trim level, while the range-topping First Edition costs almost $77,000. To Toyota Land Cruiser fans, this might come as a surprise since the last Land Cruiser sold in 2021 had an MSRP of over $85,000. But, as we said, the J250 is not a replacement for the old J200 and is in a different market segment altogether. The problem some buyers might have is that you can get a fully loaded 4Runner with a hybrid drivetrain, 33-inch tires, and off-road features and tech for the price of a base Land Cruiser. The explanation for the price difference could be nicer materials, upscale features, more luxury add-ons available on Land Cruiser, and a higher level of base equipment.
Conclusion
The price difference only underlines the completely different market position and personalities of those two similar SUVs. The 2025 4Runner is marketed as a capable off-roader with plenty of space, other trim levels, drivetrain options, and customization potential. It is aimed at people who want affordable and dependable off-road or overland vehicles and who will customize them according to their needs. The 4Runner should deliver more driving excitement and fun to its owners. The 6th-generation 4Runner will compete against Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco for the top spot in this exciting market segment.
On the other hand, the 2025 Land Cruiser, with its retro styling, cool 1958 trim level, and upscale interior materials, is a premium product. With three trim levels and an advanced drive train setup as its only option, the Land Cruiser J250 excels with its powerful engine and full-time 4WD. This is not an all-out off-roader like the 4Runner, even though it is almost as capable. This is a luxury SUV with undeniable off-road capabilities for weekend camping trips. Its competitors include the Land Rover Defender or even the Ineos Grenadier.