Buyer's Dilemma: Toyota Land Cruiser Vs Toyota 4Runner

Toyota currently has one of the most impressive SUV lineups of any brand, and it will only expand with models like the Land Cruiser FJ on its way. While the brand seemingly has an SUV for every need, this could result in oversaturation, leading to internal competition. Prospective buyers are already cross-shopping Toyota SUVs with models from the same brand. One example comes from the Toyota Land Cruiser 250 North America group on Facebook where a prospective buyer is cross-shopping between the J250 Land Cruiser and the sixth-generation 4Runner.

Here’s what he says:

“Land Cruiser vs. 4Runner — I’m looking for real feedback from people who know their specs.

For the Land Cruiser:

• 2.4L turbo-hybrid (i-Force Max)

• Around 326 hp / 465 lb-ft torque

• Full-time 4WD + center locker

• Better MPG and newer tech

For the 4Runner (6th gen):

• 2.4L turbo (i-Force) & 2.4L hybrid (i-Force Max) depending on trim

• Up to 326 hp on the hybrid

• More off-road heritage, still body-on-frame, tougher look

I want to know:

• Which one actually drives better day-to-day?

• Which suspension feels smoother?

• Which hybrid system is more reliable?

• Is the TRD Off-Road really worth it over the Land Cruiser?

• Long-term maintenance — which one wins?

Give me your real-world experience, pros/cons, and what you’d choose if you were buying today.”

One thing the thread starter got wrong is the off-road heritage. The Land Cruiser is an older name, and its roots can be traced to the 1951 Toyota BJ military transport. Meanwhile, the first-generation 4Runner debuted in 1983. But aside from that, in their current iteration, these Toyota SUVs partially overlap each other.

Related story: 2024 Toyota 4Runner Is Your Last Chance To Get A Truly Old-school Japanese Off-roader

On the outside, these are two similar SUVs, but with a few key differences

Both the J250 Land Cruiser and sixth-generation Toyota 4Runner feature a body-on-frame platform, making them ideal for off-road driving and towing. Both can tow up to 6,000 pounds and feature the 2.4-liter i-Force Max powertrain (standard on the Land Cruiser, but optional on the 4Runner). 

With a starting price of $57,200, the Land Cruiser is in a different price range compared to the 4Runner, which starts at $41,570 (for the non-hybrid variant. You can get a range-topping 4Runner for around $60,000, which will have more options than the base Land Cruiser 1958 trim, but things don’t always come down to just simple math. 

Off-road capability is where the J250 Land Cruiser truly comes into its own. Even when down on power, the Toyota J250 Land Cruiser managed to beat some of its toughest SUV rivals in a gruelling off-road comparison. The two SUVs are closely matched in terms of approach, breakover, and departure angles - up to 32, 25, and 22 degrees for the J250 vs 33, 24, and 24 degrees for the 4Runner. Optionally, both models come with Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select Control. 

Still, the Land Cruiser also gets a stabilizer disconnect mechanism (SDM) and locking rear and central differentials with low gears, which are optional on the 4Runner, as is the full-time four-wheel drive (lower trims have part-time AWD). The more sophisticated KDSS system is offered on the Lexus GX550, which rides on the same J250 platform as the Land Cruiser. 

What owners are saying about the two SUVs

Arslan Valimohamed says, “LC is better day-to-day. More headroom and a better-looking interior.

- The LC suspension feels more plush compared to the 4Runner I drove.

- Hybrid system is the exact same (duh)

- No, the LC can be optioned with the same off-road tech as the TRD off-road trim 4R

- Same drivetrain, assuming you’re getting the hybrid 4R. Maintenance is going to be similar in cost.

I was between the Land Cruiser and a Trailhunter 4R. I went Land Cruiser because I liked the exterior and interior styling more; it came with a sunroof, and is less common than a 4Runner.” 

Earl Buss says: “I test drove both, the 4Runner first. Once I stepped into the LC it was game over for me. The interior was much more comfortable and roomy. Then I drove it. A much smoother ride. I took the LC home and have zero regrets. We love it. Nothing against 4 runners!! Drive what makes YOU happy.”

Another group member says: “Generally, the LC is the next step up on features. The high trim 4Runner exceeds the LC 1958 model for features.

IMO, The Land Cruiser looks better, has more comfortable seats, and I really like the AWD carefree driving. I bought it in 2024, before the 4Runner was available.

That said, if you like the 4Runner looks and the seat configuration, rear hatch power window, etc. It’s a great vehicle too. The higher trims have the AWD, so you can get that in a 4Runner too.

Last thing - If you want simple and reliable, the 4Runner is available in a non-hybrid version. LC is not. (But the Lexus GX is non-hybrid)”

Another member who was cross-shopping the two SUVs says: “In addition to everything mentioned above. The 4Runner interior feels very cheap compared to the Land Cruiser. The 4Runner has plastic everywhere; even when you open the door, it feels light and empty. Go check them both in person, and you will feel the quality difference”.

The trend carries on as other owners share their insight. The Land Cruiser’s interior is more functional than anything else, and despite some complaints with the quality, it still comes out on top in this comparison. 

The Land Cruiser name carries more weight and the fact that people are willing to dish out, on average, around $15,000 more when the more affordable 4Runner is available, means that either Toyota made an extremely good SUV or that the 4Runner isn’t good enough to compete. Which of these two body-on-frame Toyota SUVS would you pick? Let me know what you think in the comment section below.

Related stories: 

I Like The Toyota 4Runner, But Here's Why The Honda Passport Could Be The Better SUV

I Sold My American-built hybrid SUV For A Toyota Land Cruiser, And It Is Already A Much Better Experience

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Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota and Nissan are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

Image source: 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2025 Toyota 4Runner