2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2025 Toyota 4Runner

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner, in its sixth generation, maintained a design evolution rather than a complete overhaul. It retained the horseshoe-shaped grilles from the previous generation, now with a more robust and industrial look. The side body panels featured deep beveled creases that seamlessly blended with the flared wheel arches, giving the 4Runner a broad-shouldered stance suitable for an off-road SUV. Paying homage to its predecessors, the 4Runner included design elements like the slanted rearmost window, while the sliding rear window facilitated easier cargo access. Inside, the 4Runner mirrored the Tacoma pickup truck, with a beveled styling motif throughout the cabin. It was both purposeful and relatively comfortable, with hard plastics for durability and light cushioning for comfort. The materials were of higher quality than those in a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, though not as refined as a Land Rover Defender.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h F Sport Black Line, was a $90,000 SUV that featured an exclusive Incognito paint job and orange brake calipers. Despite these unique touches, the RX's design was largely unremarkable, with a massive front grille and a dramatic swell in the rear haunches. The RX lineup included three models: the RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+. The RX 350h offered 246 horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency, while the RX 500h delivered 366 hp with a sportier performance. The RX 450h+ was a plug-in hybrid with an estimated 60 km electric-only range. All models came with standard AWD in Canada, and the RX 500h featured a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension and performance brakes. The RX's interior boasted quality materials and ambient lighting, though the ergonomics of the controls varied from baffling to brilliant. The RX's technology included a modern infotainment system, though some controls were distracting to use while driving.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered two engine choices. The entry-level trims came with a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 317 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup promised improved acceleration and fuel economy compared to the previous generation's V6. In Canada, part-time 4WD was standard, with full-time 4WD available on Limited and Platinum packages. The Hybrid i-Force Max powertrain, based on the same four-cylinder engine, combined with a 1.87-kWh battery pack and an electric motor, delivered 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. This hybrid variant was more about power than fuel efficiency, offering stronger usable power at lower speeds, advantageous for off-roading. The 4Runner's handling was more composed on pavement, with reduced nosedive and body roll compared to the previous generation. It maintained its off-road prowess, with eight distinct packages offering varying levels of off-road capabilities. The TRD Pro and Trailhunter models were the most capable, with approach angles ranging from 18 to 33 degrees and ground clearance between 20.5 and 25.6 cm.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid lineup included the RX 350h, RX 450h+, and RX 500h. The RX 350h, with 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, was the most efficient model, though its CVT was less than ideal. The RX 450h+ PHEV offered 304 hp and a 0-100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds, with a larger battery pack and more powerful electric motor. The RX 500h, with a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine, produced 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. It featured a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension, 21-inch wheels, and Lexus's Direct4 AWD system. The RX 500h's drivetrain was powerful and quick, though not very fuel-efficient, averaging 13.5 L/100 km in testing. The RX 500h was quiet on the highway but firm on city streets, with the adaptive damping suspension producing unnatural sensations. While capable on twisty roads, the RX 500h lacked communication between the road and driver, making it more about sporty appearance and straight-line acceleration than dynamic capability.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner was nearly 13 cm longer than its predecessor, with a 6 cm longer wheelbase. Despite this, passenger space gains were minimal. The front seats offered ample room for taller passengers, but the middle row was less accommodating, with adequate legroom and headroom. A third row was available on non-hybrid models, though it was cramped and lacked thigh support. The cockpit was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and grouped off-road controls for easy operation. Storage included slatted door pockets, a dashboard tray, and a centre armrest bin. Cargo capacity was 1,371 litres behind the second row, reduced to 1,206 litres in the Hybrid due to the raised floor. A sturdy roof rack could support a static load of 360 kg.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and cargo space. The RX 500h's front seats were snug due to enhanced bolstering, and the bottom cushions were uncomfortable after extended driving. The panoramic sunroof extended over the rear seat, which featured power-reclining, heated, and ventilated seats. The RX provided ample room for adults in the back seat. Interior storage was practical, though the rear centre armrest compartment lacked lining. 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 obstruct loading full-size suitcases.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with a 14-inch option available. Both were user-friendly, with logical menus and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, along with a charging pad. Hybrid variants had a digital instrument panel, and most gas models offered it in extra-cost packages. Off-road models had external camera views for precise tire placement, with automatic activation when slowing down. A 14-speaker JBL audio system was available, along with a portable Bluetooth speaker. Remote monitoring and control were possible through a smartphone app, and a digital key function allowed phone-based key fob replacement.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid was equipped with high-tech features, including digital key functionality, a camera-based digital rearview mirror, and a hands-free power liftgate. The RX 500h had a 7-inch F Sport digital cluster in Canada. The steering wheel controls were distracting and potentially dangerous to use while driving. The Lexus Interface infotainment system was advanced, with a volume knob and large dials for climate control. The RX 500h featured a 14-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a cloud-based navigation system. The Mark Levinson audio system sounded great, though steering wheel controls for volume and radio stations were frustrating to use.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the Tacoma pickup on which it was based was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. All 4Runner models came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a traffic sign reader, and automatic high beams. Proactive Driving Assist was also included, though it could be intrusive. In Canada, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert was standard.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Safety Connect, offering automatic collision notification, an SOS emergency assistance button, and roadside assistance for up to ten years. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, and adaptive cruise control. A blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert was standard. Proactive Driving Assist was mostly agreeable in the RX. The RX earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS rated it Poor in the moderate overlap frontal-impact test.