2025 Toyota Land Cruiser 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, albeit with a more robust and industrial flair that characterized much of its exterior. 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 that was both attractive and functional. The cabin was designed to endure punishment, with hard plastics and light cushioning in key areas, offering a balance of comfort and durability.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its second model year, was available in two trims: the base 1958 and the more upscale Cruiser. The 1958 trim offered a retro look with round headlights and basic equipment, while the Cruiser trim presented a modern, upscale appearance with more colour options and a refined interior. The Cruiser trim also included critical off-roading hardware and software, making it a more versatile choice. The Land Cruiser's design emphasized utility, with a traditional two-box SUV shape that maximized off-road clearances and visibility. Inside, the Cruiser trim featured a more luxurious interior with Java-coloured leather and dual 12.3-inch digital screens, enhancing its technological appeal. Despite its utilitarian focus, the Land Cruiser offered a comfortable driving experience, though it struggled with handling on twisty roads due to its suspension tuning.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered two engine options. The entry-level trims came with a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 317 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup promised improved acceleration and fuel economy compared to the previous generation's five-speed unit. In Canada, part-time 4WD was standard, with full-time 4WD available in the Limited and Platinum packages. Toyota introduced a more potent Hybrid i-Force Max powertrain, combining the four-cylinder engine with a 1.87-kWh battery pack and an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. This hybrid variant offered stronger power at lower speeds, advantageous for off-roading. The 4Runner's handling improved significantly, with reduced nosedive and body roll, making it more composed on pavement. Off-road capabilities remained impressive, with eight distinct packages offering varying levels of off-road prowess.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser featured Toyota's i-Force Max hybrid system, pairing a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission and an electric motor. This setup produced 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, transferred through a full-time 4WD system with electronic locking differentials. The Land Cruiser boasted a maximum towing capacity of 2,720 kilograms. Standard features included Downhill Assist Control and Crawl Control, with the Cruiser trim adding Multi-Terrain Select modes and a front stabilizer bar disconnect feature. Despite an official fuel economy rating of 10.1 L/100 km, real-world testing showed a less efficient 15.0 L/100 km. The Land Cruiser excelled as a daily driver and off-road adventurer, though it struggled with handling on twisty roads due to its suspension tuning. Off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like the front stabilizer bar disconnect and Multi-Terrain Monitor camera views.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner measured nearly 13 centimetres longer than its predecessor, with a 6-centimetre increase between the axles. While this typically results in more passenger space, the 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 logically placed controls and oversized knobs for easy adjustment. Off-road controls were grouped together for intuitive operation. Storage options included door pockets, a dashboard tray, and a centre armrest bin, with cargo capacity measuring 1,371 litres behind the second row. The hybrid variant's batteries reduced this capacity to 1,206 litres. A sturdy roof rack supported a static load of 360 kilograms.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser's Cruiser trim swapped cloth upholstery for SofTex artificial leather, with ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Premium Package added real leather and a power sunroof. While the front seats were comfortable, the second-row seats lacked thigh support and had an uncomfortable backrest angle. The rear window design was less practical than the 4Runner's, and the centre console's cool box reduced storage space. The Land Cruiser offered 1,062 litres of cargo space, with a high load floor requiring effort to load heavy items. Maximum cargo space with the back seat folded was 2,324 litres.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with an optional 14-inch touchscreen. Both systems were user-friendly, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an available charging pad. Hybrid variants included a digital instrument panel, and off-road models offered external camera views for precise tire placement. A JBL premium audio system with a portable Bluetooth speaker was available, along with remote monitoring and control via a smartphone app.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser's Cruiser trim upgraded to dual 12.3-inch displays, with the Toyota Audio Multimedia system offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and access to Apple Music and Amazon Music. Four connected service plans were available, including Drive Connect with cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The Premium Package added a JBL premium sound system, wireless charger, head-up display, and digital key technology.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner's crash test results were not yet available, but the Tacoma pickup on which it was based received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. All 4Runner models came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including features like frontal collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert was standard in Canada.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, with features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The system also offered adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist. Additional safety features included a road sign reader, automatic high beams, and Proactive Driving Assist. The Premium Package added front cross-traffic alert and Traffic Jam Assist. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.