The 2025 Toyota 4Runner has finally arrived to replace its decade-and-a-half-old predecessor. Based on the TNGA-F platform, the new SUV now shares its underpinnings with the recently updated Tundra, Tacoma, and Land Cruiser models. With two iconic off-road SUVs now sharing the same bones, we wanted to see just how different the new 4Runner and Land Cruiser models actually are on paper.
Dimensions
At a quick glance, there are a lot of major similarities between the Land Cruiser and 4Runner. While a shared platform is responsible for some of that closeness, Toyota told R&T the TNGA-F platform can be immensely flexible as far as length, width, height, and wheelbase are concerned. That said, both SUVs employ the same 112.2-inch wheelbase, while their overall lengths are within an inch of each other (193.8 inches for Land Cruiser vs. 194.9 inches for 4Runner). The Land Cruiser is a much taller machine than the 4Runner however, measuring in at 76.1 inches tall. The 4Runner is nearly half a foot shorter at 70.8 inches. The two SUVs are nearly identical in width however, with the Land Cruiser coming in at 77.9 inches to the 4Runner’s 77.8 inches.
Powertrain
Both the Land Cruiser and 4Runner models utilize different variants of Toyota’s turbocharged 2.4-liter i-Force four-cylinder engine. Lower-trimmed 4Runner models receive the engine in non-hybrid form, providing 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. Models like the TRD Pro, Trailhunter, and Limited are bolstered by the i-Force Max engine, which brings a gearbox-mounted 48-hp electric motor and a 1.87-kWh battery pack. That powertrain provides 326 hp and 465 lb-ft and is also the sole engine option for Land Cruiser customers. An eight-speed automatic transmission backs the engine in both SUVs.
A full-time 4WD system with locking center and rear differentials puts that power to the ground in all Land Cruiser models. The 4Runner can be had with two-wheel drive, which features an automatic limited-slip differential. Four-wheel drive models feature a two-speed transfer case and that same automatic differential, while off-road-focused models receive electronically locking rear units. The range-topping 4Runner Limited and Platinum models offer the all-time 4WD system from the Land Cruiser with a locking center differential. Both SUVs get a suite of Toyota off-roading software, including Active Traction Control, Multi-Terrain Select, and an updated CRAWL Control system.
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Suspension
The Land Cruiser and the 4Runner share the same double-wishbone independent front suspension paired with a multi-link rear with coil springs. Toyota hasn’t shared performance specs on the 4Runner at this time, but the setup has proven capable in other TNGA-F products. For reference, the Land Cruiser provides buyers with a minimum of 8 inches of running ground clearance, as well as approach, breakover, and departure angles of 31 degrees, 25 degrees, and 21 degrees, respectively. Both trucks employ a stabilizer bar disconnect system, which allows for more articulation off-road. Maximum towing capacity for both trucks is also set at 6000 lbs.
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What to Buy
Toyota has yet to share any pricing information about the 4Runner at this time, which makes any real comparison between the two trucks difficult. That said, we do know that the base model Land Cruiser 1958 starts at $57,345, with the range-topping First Edition starting closer to $76,345. The mid-level Land Cruiser model is priced at $63,345, and will likely prove to be the volume seller. We don’t expect the 4Runner to be quite as pricey as the Land Cruiser, which only makes the newcomer look more enticing. Toyota says it isn’t all that concerned about cannibalizing its own sales, however.
“Land Cruiser is strictly focused on being a premiere off-road SUV, while 4Runner is going to be offered in many different grades that appeal to a much larger group of customers,” said Cody Wilhide, Truck and SUV, Vehicle Marketing and Communications manager, Toyota Motor North America. “Yes, there are off-road focused grades – TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, Trailhunter – but there are also on-road grades, including Limited and the all-new Platinum grade. Additionally, Land Cruiser is much smaller production than 4Runner, so they’ll coexist well.”
Wilhide further noted that 4Runner customers are loyal, and have historically had different use cases than the Land Cruiser customer base. That said, if the price difference between the two models isn’t that high, we won’t be shocked to see some 4Runner buyers decide to try a Land Cruiser. Based on our experiences with other TNGA-F products, that’s not going to be a bad thing. For now, we’ll just have to wait for final pricing information and other specs.
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Lucas Bell
Born and raised in Metro Detroit, associate editor Lucas Bell has spent his entire life surrounded by the automotive industry. He may daily drive an aging Mustang, but his Porsche 944 and NB Miata both take up most of his free time.
