2021 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its final year of production, offered a nostalgic nod to its storied past with the Heritage Edition trim. This version celebrated the SUV's 65th anniversary with distinctive features like bronze BBS wheels and a Yakima Megawarrior roof basket, best showcased in Midnight Black. However, the standard model, which arrived for review, was less visually striking, sporting Magnetic Gray paint and Terra leather upholstery. Its exterior design, reminiscent of a first-generation Toyota Highlander, was characterized by oversized headlights and a chrome-heavy aesthetic. Inside, the Land Cruiser combined high-quality materials with a mix of Toyota and Lexus design elements, including a traditional hand-operated parking brake and a CD player, evoking a sense of time travel to the mid-2000s.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner maintained its rugged, adventure-ready persona, staying true to its roots with a design closely related to the Toyota Tacoma pickup. Unlike many modern SUVs that have shifted to car-based platforms, the 4Runner retained its truck-like construction, appealing to those who venture off-road. Its boxy proportions and high ride height emphasized its capability, while the interior, though dated, offered practical features. The 4Runner came in various trims, each catering to different preferences, from the off-road-focused TRD Pro to the more road-oriented Limited. Standard features included an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims added amenities like a JBL premium audio system and advanced off-road technologies.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine, shared with the Toyota Tundra. This engine delivered 401 pound-feet of torque, with 90% available at just 2,200 rpm, providing unexpected thrust in first gear. Despite its power, the engine's roar was subdued, contributing to a refined driving experience. The Land Cruiser's full-time four-wheel-drive system, Torsen limited-slip differential, and Multi-Terrain Select traction assist ensured legendary off-road capability. It also featured Crawl Control and Off-Road Turn Assist for challenging terrains. On pavement, the Land Cruiser offered a smooth, Lexus-like ride, though its nearly 3-ton weight required more steering effort when parking. It could tow up to 8,100 pounds, making it a formidable choice for those needing serious towing capacity.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner, equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, offered a more traditional SUV driving experience. While the engine felt underwhelming in most driving situations, it was reliable and provided decent acceleration. The 4Runner's five-speed automatic transmission sent power to the rear wheels or available 4WD with low range. On-road, the 4Runner's ride was harsh, with noticeable body roll, but off-road, it excelled, absorbing rough terrain with ease. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models featured Crawl Control and a locking differential, enhancing their off-road prowess. The 4Runner could tow up to 5,000 pounds, which was modest compared to some competitors but sufficient for many outdoor adventures.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior, though dated, exuded luxury with plush leather upholstery and heated, ventilated front seats. The three-passenger second-row bench offered ample space and comfort, while the third-row seat, though accommodating adults, lacked leg support for long trips. The Land Cruiser provided 16.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 82.8 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. Its split clamshell-style liftgate and tailgate facilitated easy access to the cargo area, making it practical for outdoor activities.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the two-row version, slightly more than the three-row model's 88.8 cubic feet. The optional third-row seat increased seating capacity to seven but reduced cargo space to 9 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-operated rear window, enhancing convenience. While the cabin wasn't the most spacious, it provided adequate storage for gear, appealing to those who prioritize functionality over modern design.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's technology was a throwback to simpler times, with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that lacked modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system relied on tap commands and offered limited customization. The Land Cruiser included a 14-speaker JBL Synthesis audio system, but it fell short of high-end competitors. The rear-seat entertainment system, with 11.6-inch displays, was outdated, supporting DVDs and game systems via HDMI connections.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. It included Bluetooth connectivity, Satellite Radio, and multiple USB ports. While the system wasn't the most advanced, it offered essential tech features and tactile controls, appealing to those who appreciate simplicity. Higher trims added navigation and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system, enhancing the overall experience.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. It also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, it lacked more advanced systems like stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and automated lane-keeping assistance, which were common in its price range.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner benefited from the Toyota Safety Sense suite, offering forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. Additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree parking camera system were available. The 4Runner earned four out of five stars in frontal and side-impact testing from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with three stars for rollover testing.