Unlocking Distinctions: Toyota 4Runner vs Land Cruiser

Summary

• The Land Cruiser and 4Runner are back with new powertrains for 2024 and 2025 model years, offering electric-assisted turbocharged engines for off-road adventures.
• The Land Cruiser is equipped with advanced off-road features like locking differentials, while the 4Runner gets a Stabilizer Bar Disconnect Mechanism.
• The 2025 4Runner matches the Land Cruiser in tech updates, offering larger infotainment screens and smartphone integration for a more modern experience.

Toyota has long been a dominant force in the world of rugged off-roaders, with its SUV lineup leading the way. Of all their SUVs, the two with the most prestige for being capable off-roaders are the Land Cruiser and the 4Runner, with both having a reputation for being able to conquer just about any terrain put in front of them.

However, the Land Cruiser was discontinued for a while in the U.S. and the 4Runner has spent years running on outdated technology. They’re both back though, with the Land Cruiser having made its debut for the 2024 model year and the 4Runner set to tackle 2025. If you love overlanding, and you’re a Toyota fan, then it’s been a great year so far.

Behind their capabilities, there is a nuanced web of differences that distinguishes the Land Cruiser from the 4Runner. We embark on a journey to uncover everything that sets these two SUVs apart, from their unique design languages to their off-road equipment. Join us and discover how these new rugged Toyotas fare against each other.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Toyota, and other authoritative sources, including HotCars and CarBuzz.

The Base 4Runner Powertrain Lacks The Hybrid Power That The Land Cruiser Features

Something that a ton of fans who were eager about the comeback of the Land Cruiser and the unveiling of the 4Runner were curious about was what powertrains Toyota would stick in their hearts. We can finally say with certainty that we know exactly what will be powering both of these epic off-road SUVs.

2024 Land Cruiser Powertrains

(Source: Toyota)

The days when you would’ve had a V-8 engine powering your Land Cruiser are done and dusted. Instead, Toyota has opted for a much more modern powertrain, an electric-assisted, turbocharged four-cylinder. This is similar to the powertrain found in the Toyota Tacoma. While it may not make the grumble of a V-8, it makes a ton of power and torque, plenty to have it tackle any obstacle.

All 2024 Land Cruisers are four-wheel drive and all come with a ten-speed automatic transmission. The four-wheel drive system is particularly advanced and features a ton of things you’ll find handy when trekking off-road.

2025 4Runner Powertrains

(Source: Toyota)

Finally, the 4Runner is receiving an update to its tragically outdated powertrain. Toyota has noted that they will offer two separate powertrains on the 4Runner, the i-Force, and the i-Force MAX. The i-Force MAX is identical to that offered in the Land Cruiser, but the non-MAX is purely gas-powered, something that certain people will value quite highly.

Toyota says that they will offer the 4Runner with two-wheel drive, part-time four-wheel drive, or full-time all-wheel drive. It will also come standard with an eight-speed automatic, just as the Land Cruiser does.

Compared To The Land Cruiser, The 4Runner Is The More Dedicated Off-Roader

While both the Toyota 4Runner and the Land Cruiser have a reputation for being excellent off-roaders, the 4Runner has always been considered the more rugged option. With the newest models now out there for everyone to see, we delve into whether these two SUVs still have the chops to tackle the outdoors.

2024 Land Cruiser Off-Road Equipment

The Land Cruiser has come a long way, and its included list of off-road equipment has only grown. Center- and rear-locking differentials were added to the Land Cruiser, which can help split the power to the rear wheels to improve traction. A front stabilizer bar disconnect mechanism improves suspension flex, and all you need to do is push a button. Multi-Terrain Select has also been updated to work both in 4WD High and 4WD Low.

The Land Cruiser also includes an updated CRAWL function, downhill assist control, vehicle stability control, and an automatic limited-slip differential.

2025 4Runner Off-Road Equipment

Where the Land Cruiser has almost always been the fancied-up off-road SUV, the 4Runner has been Toyota’s rugged and capable workhorse. The Japanese automakers have given it even stronger chops to tackle even harsher obstacles. New on the 4Runner is a Stabilizer Bar Disconnect Mechanism which increases suspension flex. A Multi-Terrain Monitor helps drivers scan the trail in front of them for potential hazards. They also feature the same updated CRAWl and Multi-Terrain Select features on the Land Cruiser.

Two-wheel drive 4Runners will feature an automatic limited-slip differential, and those with four-wheel drive will house an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case with high/low range. Four-wheel drive models will also feature Active Traction Control, as well as an automatic limited-slip differential. The 4Runner will also feature ARB’s Old Man Emu (OME) 2.5-inch forged shocks with rear external piggyback remote reservoirs, a uniquely co-designed ARB Roof Rack, and 33-inch Toyo Open Country all-terrain tires.

The Land Cruiser Only Features Two Rows Of Seats While Some 4Runners Offer Three

Both the new Land Cruiser and the 4Runner have been redesigned from the ground up. The 4Runner has a new, rugged yet modern look, bearing a family resemblance to the Tacoma. Meanwhile, the Land Cruiser has been shrunk compared to what it used to be and has moved from the full-size SUV segment and become a mid-size SUV.

The Updated 2024 Land Cruiser

The Sequoia has been left to fight off the full-size SUV market, while the Land Cruiser has been shrunk down so that it can do battle with other mid-sizers like the Jeep Wrangler and the Ford Bronco. It has become even boxier than it used to be and looks a lot more capable on the trails.

The new Land Cruiser is strictly a five-seater, having only two rows of seating. These rows have become a lot nicer, though. Even the lowest-end LC comes with heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a six-speaker sound system. The Land Cruiser is meant to show off that going off-road doesn’t mean you have to be uncomfortable.

The Updated 2025 4Runner

The 4Runner’s transformation is less dramatic than the Land Cruiser’s, but not by much. While it hasn’t changed size all that much, and it still carries over a similar design ideology, there’s no mistaking this generation for the previous one. It was designed alongside the newest Tacoma, and its familial resemblance shines through.

The 4Runner will come as a five-seater standard. However, you will have the option of equipping it with a third row of seats. These second-row seats will also be tumble seats, which aim to increase the 4Runner’s already large cargo space. For the first time, the 4Runner also comes in a Platinum trim that offers interior luxuries and comfort features that you wouldn’t expect on this rugged go-anywhere SUV.

Toyota’s 4Runner Has Come A Long Way And Matches The Land Cruiser’s Tech

The Land Cruiser has always managed to keep up with the modern landscape in terms of technology. It may have been getting dated somewhere towards the end of the last generation’s run, but it came as no surprise when the new Land Cruiser came with a bunch of standard tech. The 4Runner, on the other hand, has built a reputation as being one of the most outdated cars on the market and the 2025 version looks to turn this on its head.

2024 Land Cruiser Key Features

The infotainment screen at the center of the 2024 Land Cruiser showcases Toyota’s excellent understanding of what people want. On the bare b-nes 1958 trim, you still get an eight-inch display, whereas a much bigger 12.3-inch touchscreen is available on higher trims. A digital display cluster also gives drivers all the information they need.

An optional 14-speaker JBL sound system is available on the Land Cruiser. For those who might need power when out and about, the Land Cruiser comes standard with a 2,400-watt AC inverter in the cargo area.

2025 4Runner Key Features

The 2024 4Runner was considered to be one of the most outdated SUVs that you could buy in terms of technology. The 2025 model year makes a ton of changes, starting with an eight-inch infotainment screen and a seven-inch gauge cluster as standard. On higher trim levels, you gain access to a 14-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, giving the 4Runner a bigger infotainment screen than the Land Cruiser.

Unlike before, all 4Runners are equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as USB-C ports and a system that allows you to lock, unlock, and start your car with your smartphone. The 4Runner also houses the same inverter system found in the Land Cruiser.