Toyota Land Cruiser 4Runner Comparison
With the introduction of the new, downsized Land Cruiser, Toyota now offers a pair of off-road-worthy SUVs in the midsize segment. Along with the 4Runner, the brand delivers a powerful one-two punch in a niche segment. Add in the full-size Sequoia, and Toyota is well represented in the off-road SUV market.
Driven Autos routinely reviews Toyota and Lexus products, with the 4Runner covered several years ago for a different publication. Our review of the Land Cruiser runs in October 2024. We have, however, placed a spotlight on the new 2025 4Runner, which follows the similar Toyota Tacoma to the market.
Bottom: Toyota 4Runner
Engine and Transmission Choices
At present, the two SUVs are quite different. The 4Runner uses an older 4.0-liter V6 engine. The longitudinally place engine is ideal for its purpose, a proven workhorse that is dependable, although far from thrifty.
For the Land Cruiser, Toyota dispensed with the previous V8, deciding to utilize a turbocharged four-cylinder engine for its best-known SUV. On top of that, Toyota placed an electric motor between the engine and the transmission, creating V8-equivalent power. This same engine is used with the new Tacoma, which offers gas or hybrid choices. Yes, the Land Cruiser, like the Sequoia, is hybrid-only. The full-size Tundra, like the Tacoma, comes with a standard gas engine and available hybrid.
One can see that Toyota’s investment in hybrid technology is paying off handsomely. We’ll see if that translates to solid sales for the Land Cruiser.
On the transmission front, the 4Runner relies on an old-school choice. Specifically, a 5-speed automatic. For the Land Cruiser, Toyota chose an 8-speed automatic. The choice of a traditional automatic was a smart move as the usual E-CVT or electronic continuously variable transmission wouldn’t withstand punishing conditions. Toyota uses E-CVTs with many of its road-friendly hybrids.
Toyota SUVs Sized Up
Dimensionally speaking, the Land Cruiser 4Runner differences are small. The Land Cruiser sits higher and is bulkier but is only 2.4 inches longer between the wheels than the 4Runner. It is approximately 3.5 inches longer overall. Widthwise, the Land Cruiser 4Runner difference is 2.1 inches with the former leading.
Both models offer standard seating for five, although the 4Runner offers a token third-row seat option to carry seven. But that sucks up the 10 cubic feet of cargo capacity edge the 4Runner has over the Land Cruiser and then some.
Toyota equips the 4Runner with a larger fuel tank. While the 4Runner takes regular grade gasoline, the Land Cruiser requires premium. Consider that cost difference as the hybrid savings narrow considerably when paying for premium gasoline.
Lastly, both models are towing beasts. The Land Cruiser 4Runner difference is 1,000 pounds with the former delivering upwards of 6,000 pounds to the latter’s 5,000 pounds.
Land Cruiser 4Runner Equipment Differences
There are many equipment differences between the two with the Land Cruiser offering more modern technology and safety features than the aged 4Runner.
For instance, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser boasts the latest technology, including an advanced multimedia system, digital gauge cluster, over-the-air (OTA) updates, and modern connectivity options like wireless charging, features that the 4Runner, with its older infotainment system, lacks. On the safety front, the Land Cruiser benefits from the more advanced Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite, offering enhanced driver aids and off-road safety tools, while the 4Runner relies on the older Safety Sense P suite, which misses some of the newer features found in the Land Cruiser.
Toyota Land Cruiser 4Runner: Your Choice
The Toyota Land Cruiser 4Runner comparisons only affect the 2024 models. Come 2025 and the new 4Runner arrives. The duo will share powertrains, which makes us wonder exactly what the differences will be. Likely, the 4Runner will still offer standard rear-wheel drive with four-wheel drive available. The Land Cruiser offers standard four-wheel drive and nothing else. However, the designs for the two are far different, what ultimately may become the determining factor for consumers after price.
2024 Toyota Land Cruiser | 2024 Toyota 4Runner
Specifications
| Specification | 2024 Land Cruiser | 2024 4Runner |
|---|---|---|
| Segment | Mid-Size SUV | Mid-Size SUV |
| Engine | 2.4-liter, Inline 4 (Mild Hybrid) | 4.0-liter, V6 |
| Horsepower | 326 @ 6,000 rpm | 270 @ 5,600 rpm |
| Torque (foot-pounds) | 465 @ 1,700 rpm | 278 @ 4,400 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 5-speed ECT automatic |
| Seating | 5 | 5 (Optional 7 w/ third row) |
| Curb Weight (pounds) | 5,038 | 4,400 – 4,805 |
| Wheelbase (inches) | 112.2 | 109.8 |
| Length (inches) | 193.8 | 190.2 – 191.3 |
| Width (inches) | 77.9 | 75.8 |
| Height (inches) | 76.1 | 71.5 – 72.0 |
| Fuel Economy (MPG) | 22/25/23 (city/highway/combined) |
16/19/17 (city/highway/combined) |
| Max Towing Capacity (lbs.) | 6,000 | 5,000 |
| Ground Clearance (inches) | 8.0 | 9.0 – 9.6 |
| Approach/Departure Angles | 31° / 17° | 30° – 33° / 26° |
| Cargo Capacity (cubic feet) | 37.5 | 47.2 (without slide deck) |
| Fuel Capacity (gallons) | 17.9 | 23.0 |
| Drivetrain Options | Full-Time 4WD | Rear-Wheel 4×2 Part-Time 4×4 Full-Time 4×4 |
| Manufacturing Location | Tahara, Japan | Tahara, Japan |
See Also — Return of the Iconic Toyota Land Cruiser
Images courtesy of the manufacturer, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
