2024 Toyota 4Runner vs 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner was a nostalgic nod to the past, with its design largely unchanged since its 2010 redesign. While it had undergone minor updates, the midsize SUV retained its boxy shape, which was fitting for an all-terrain vehicle. Its flared fenders and wide stance gave it a robust appearance, essential for off-road adventures. The TRD Pro model further emphasized its ruggedness with underbody skid plates and all-terrain tires, making it seem ready for any challenge. However, the interior showed its age with outdated technology and styling, featuring an analog instrument panel and a small eight-inch infotainment touchscreen. Despite the hard plastic surfaces, the 4Runner offered cushioned panels for comfort, though the materials resembled vinyl more than leather.

In contrast, the 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid was a luxury SUV with a hefty price tag of $90,000. The RX 500h F Sport Black Line model featured a unique Incognito paint job and orange brake calipers, but its overall design was unremarkable. The RX lineup included three models: the RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+, each offering different power and efficiency levels. The RX 350h was the most efficient, while the RX 500h delivered the most power. All models came with standard all-wheel drive in Canada, and the RX 500h boasted a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension and advanced AWD system. The interior was contemporary, with quality materials and ambient lighting, though some controls were ergonomically challenging. The RX Hybrid offered ample interior storage and a hands-free power liftgate, providing 838 litres of cargo space.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-litre V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. While these figures were comparable to competitors like the Bronco and Wrangler, the 4Runner's five-speed automatic transmission limited its performance. The TRD Pro model featured standard four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case, making it capable off-road. However, on pavement, the 4Runner felt sluggish, with noticeable rear-end squat during acceleration and a noisy engine. The soft suspension, while beneficial for off-roading, resulted in body roll and floatiness on highways. Despite these drawbacks, the 4Runner offered a comfortable ride over larger road imperfections.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a range of powertrains, with the RX 350h being the least powerful but most efficient, producing 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque. The RX 450h+ PHEV delivered 304 hp and a 0-100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds, while the RX 500h featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine with 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The RX 500h's sport-tuned suspension and advanced AWD system provided improved acceleration and handling, though it was less fuel-efficient. The RX 500h's drivetrain was powerful and responsive, but the adaptive damping suspension didn't fully control body motions, and the SUV's dynamic limits were difficult to discern. The RX 500h excelled in straight-line acceleration but lacked overall dynamic capability.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's interior was straightforward, with large climate-control dials and driveline levers that were easy to use. It offered excellent outward visibility and ample space for front passengers, though taller drivers might find the steering wheel's reach limited. The second row provided generous legroom, but headroom was restricted due to the elevated bench. The 4Runner could accommodate up to 1,337 litres of cargo behind the rear seats, expanding to 2,540 litres with the seats stowed. However, the lack of remote seat releases and a powered liftgate were drawbacks. The sliding glass rear window and hitch receiver added convenience and utility.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space. The RX 500h's front seats were snug due to enhanced bolstering, and the automatic climate system's fan was loud. The rear seats were comfortable, with a panoramic sunroof and optional power-reclining features. The RX Hybrid offered 838 litres of cargo space, with hooks for grocery bags and a small storage area under the load floor. Folding down the second row increased cargo volume to 1,308 litres, though the cargo cover could be obstructive. The hands-free power liftgate added convenience, but the rear centre armrest storage compartment lacked a lining.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's infotainment system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the small eight-inch touchscreen was challenging to use while driving. The TRD Pro model featured a 15-speaker JBL audio system, though road noise often obscured the sound quality. Additional terrain controls were located in the headliner console, with pictograms instead of descriptions, requiring drivers to consult the owner's manual for full functionality. The Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select systems enhanced off-road capabilities.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid was equipped with advanced technology, including digital key functionality, a camera-based digital rearview mirror, and a hands-free power liftgate. The RX 500h featured a 14-inch touchscreen display with a modern Lexus Interface infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and cloud-based navigation. The system included a conversational digital voice assistant and generous connected services subscriptions. However, the steering wheel controls were distracting and difficult to use while driving. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided excellent sound quality, but the steering wheel controls were frustrating.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with four out of five stars from NHTSA for overall and frontal crash protection, and five stars for side impacts. However, it scored three stars in rollover evaluations. IIHS ratings were similarly mixed, with "Good" scores for moderate frontal overlap and side protection tests, but "Marginal" and "Poor" results in the small overlap frontal test. The 4Runner included standard driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning, though some alerts were oversensitive.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Safety Connect, offering up to ten years of free service, including automatic collision notification and emergency assistance. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 provided advanced driver assistance systems, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The RX Hybrid also featured Proactive Driving Assist, which monitored forward progress and used braking or steering input to maintain safe distances. The available surround-view camera was a valuable addition, though some LSS+ 3.0 features, like Traffic Jam Assist, had quirks. The RX received a five-star safety rating from NHTSA, but IIHS rated it poorly in the moderate overlap frontal-impact test.