The automotive world is buzzing with details about the 2025 Toyota 4Runner and the reimagined 2025 Land Cruiser. For off-road enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike, understanding the nuances between these two iconic SUVs is crucial. We’re diving deep into a head-to-head comparison, specifically looking at the 2025 Land Cruiser “Land Cruiser” model against the 2025 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium i-FORCE MAX, with a keen focus on off-road prowess and, importantly, Land Cruiser 2025 Ground Clearance versus the 4Runner.
While Toyota offers various trims for both SUVs, this comparison zeros in on models that provide the best blend of off-road capability and daily driving comfort. We’re pitting the 2025 Land Cruiser “Land Cruiser” grade against the 2025 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium i-FORCE MAX – both configured without additional options for a direct, apples-to-apples comparison.
Having experienced the 2024 Land Cruiser “Land Cruiser” model (identical to the 2025 version) both on and off the pavement, and having thoroughly examined the new sixth-generation 2025 4Runner, including the Trailhunter and TRD Pro trims, we’re equipped to highlight the key differences and similarities that matter most to you.
2025 Land Cruiser vs. 2025 4Runner TRD Off-Road
Key Differentiators: A Detailed Look
This comparison specifically targets the 2025 Land Cruiser “Land Cruiser” trim and the 2025 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium i-FORCE MAX, both in their base configurations. These models share surprising similarities, but critical differences emerge when you delve into the details.
Land Cruiser Advantages
- Stature and Dimensions: Taller by 2.1 inches yet slightly shorter overall by 1.1 inches, the Land Cruiser presents a more commanding presence.
- Advanced Off-Road Tech: Features a front sway bar disconnect for enhanced articulation on uneven terrain.
- Superior Approach Angle: Boasts a significantly better approach angle, 12 degrees greater than the 4Runner, crucial for tackling steep inclines.
- Spacious Front Cabin: Offers more generous front passenger head, shoulder, and legroom for a more comfortable ride.
- Enhanced Comfort Features: Includes 3-zone climate control for personalized comfort and color-selectable Rigid Industries fog lights for improved visibility in varied conditions.
- Steering and Drivetrain: Provides quicker, more responsive steering and full-time 4WD for confident traction in all conditions, compared to the 4Runner’s part-time 4WD system.
4Runner Advantages
- Weight and Payload: Significantly lighter by 495 pounds, yet offers 110 pounds more payload capacity for gear and equipment.
- Ground Clearance: Slightly edges out the Land Cruiser with 0.8 inches more ground clearance for the 2025 model, a key factor for navigating obstacles.
- Cargo and Fuel Capacity: Provides 8.1 cubic feet more cargo capacity and a slightly larger 1.1-gallon fuel tank for extended range.
- Premium Audio and Tech: Features a JBL Premium audio system with a portable Bluetooth speaker and a wireless charging pad for modern convenience.
- Comfort and Infotainment: Offers a better front passenger seat, more rear passenger legroom, a larger 14-inch infotainment screen, and a power rear tailgate window for added utility.
- Suspension and Value: Equipped with Bilstein shocks for off-road performance and comes in at a more affordable price point, $4,680 less than the Land Cruiser.
Pricing and Availability
While the 2025 Land Cruiser models have already begun arriving at dealerships, the 2025 4Runner is anticipated to reach North American dealers in “early 2025.”
The 2025 Land Cruiser “Land Cruiser” model has a starting MSRP of $63,900, while the 2025 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium i-FORCE MAX starts at $59,220. Both prices include a $1,495 delivery, processing, and handling fee, and both vehicles are manufactured in Japan.
Looking at the broader pricing spectrum, the 2025 4Runner 4WD models begin at $44,265 (2WD at $42,220), and the 2025 Land Cruiser starts at $57,900. The 4Runner lineup tops out at $68,395 for the Trailhunter and TRD Pro models, whereas the Land Cruiser peaks with the ‘Land Cruiser’ model at $63,900.
The 4Runner has experienced notable price increases compared to its previous generation, with the 2025 TRD Pro seeing an $11,730 increase over the 2024 model. The 2025 Land Cruiser 250 represents a significant shift from the previous generation Land Cruiser in the U.S. market, offering a more accessible price point for the iconic badge.
Powertrain and Performance
All 2025 Land Cruiser 250 models share the same mild-hybrid i-FORCE MAX powertrain found in the top-tier 2025 4Runner models. Both SUVs deliver identical power figures: 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque.
They both utilize an eight-speed automatic transmission with identical gearing and a four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case. However, the Land Cruiser features full-time 4WD, while the 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium i-FORCE MAX has part-time 4WD.
Fuel economy is also closely matched, with both achieving an EPA combined rating of 23 mpg. The 4Runner gets slightly better city mileage (23 mpg) compared to the Land Cruiser, while the Land Cruiser edges out the 4Runner on the highway (25 mpg).
A key difference lies in fuel requirements. The Land Cruiser necessitates premium fuel, while the 4Runner operates on regular gasoline, potentially impacting running costs.
The 4Runner also boasts a slightly larger fuel tank at 19 gallons, compared to the Land Cruiser’s 17.9 gallons, translating to an estimated average range of 437 miles for the 4Runner and 412 miles for the Land Cruiser.
Size, Weight, and Dimensions
Both SUVs share a 112.2-inch wheelbase and a width of 77.9 inches. The 4Runner is slightly longer at 194.9 inches, while the Land Cruiser stands taller at 76.1 inches, being 2.5 inches higher.
The Land Cruiser weighs in at 5,445 pounds, 595 pounds heavier than the 4Runner’s 4,850 pounds. The Land Cruiser also has a higher gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 6,725 pounds versus the 4Runner’s 6,240 pounds. Interestingly, this results in a higher payload capacity for the 4Runner, at 1,390 pounds compared to the Land Cruiser’s 1,280 pounds.
While passenger space is comparable, the Land Cruiser offers more headroom, front shoulder room, and front legroom. The 4Runner compensates with 1.9 inches of additional rear passenger legroom.
Off-Road Prowess and Ground Clearance
Both body-on-frame SUVs feature the same track width and suspension design: independent double-wishbone front with coil-overs and a five-link coil-spring solid axle rear. The 4Runner TRD Off-Road utilizes Bilstein shocks, while the Land Cruiser employs unbranded Tokico twin-tube shocks.
Both are equipped with 18-inch wheels and 32.61-inch all-terrain tires and a selectable rear e-locker. The Land Cruiser further enhances its off-road capability with a front sway bar disconnect.
Standard LED fog lights are included on both, but the Land Cruiser upgrades to Rigid Industries color-selectable fog lights. Skid plates for the engine and transfer case are standard on both models. The 4Runner includes a “composite front skid plate, with underbody transfer case and fuel tank protection,” while the Land Cruiser features a “front skid plate with engine, transmission, and transfer case protection.” Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select with CRAWL Control is standard on both vehicles.
Crucially for off-road performance, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner boasts a ground clearance of 9.1 inches, slightly surpassing the 2025 Land Cruiser’s ground clearance of 8.3 inches.
Towing Capacity, Dimensions, and Additional Specs
Both mid-size SUVs offer a 6,000-pound towing capacity.
Despite sharing a wheelbase and tire size, the 4Runner has a slightly tighter turning radius (19.7 feet vs. 20.0 feet). However, the Land Cruiser features more responsive steering with fewer turns lock-to-lock and a variable gear ratio system.
As mentioned, the 2025 4Runner offers a ground clearance of 9.1 inches, compared to the Land Cruiser’s 8.3 inches.
The 4Runner TRD Off-Road provides approach/departure/breakover angles of 19/24/24 degrees, while the Land Cruiser offers 31/22/25 degrees. The Land Cruiser excels in approach angle, critical for serious off-roading.
Surprisingly, the 4Runner provides more cargo room: 90.2 cubic feet behind the first row and 48.4 cubic feet behind the second row, exceeding the Land Cruiser by 8.1 and 2.2 cubic feet, respectively.
Technology and Features
Both vehicles feature 12.3-inch digital gauge clusters and central infotainment touchscreens with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, this 4Runner trim boasts a larger 14-inch infotainment screen compared to the Land Cruiser’s 12.3-inch screen.
The 4Runner includes an upgraded 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system with a portable Bluetooth speaker. The Land Cruiser comes standard with a 10-speaker audio system, upgradable to the same JBL system (minus the portable speaker) with the Premium Package.
Both SUVs are equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 and Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM).
In terms of charging, both offer a 12V center console outlet and cargo area 120V AC power outlets. The 4Runner has two 400W outlets, while the Land Cruiser has one 2,400W outlet. The Land Cruiser offers six USB outlets, while the 4Runner provides five USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad (optional on the Land Cruiser).
Comfort and Convenience
The 4Runner offers single-zone climate control, while the Land Cruiser provides a more premium three-zone system.
Both feature hands-free power liftgates. The 4Runner includes a power rear tailgate window, while the Land Cruiser has a manual lift-up glass window.
Both offer SofTex-trimmed heated and ventilated driver seats with power adjustability. However, the 4Runner extends this to the front passenger seat, while the Land Cruiser has a manual-adjustable front passenger seat in this trim.
Standard features on both include roof rails, running boards, ample cup/bottle holders, and a power-adjustable, heated steering wheel.
Third-Row Seating Options
While both the Land Cruiser and 4Runner are primarily five-seaters, the 4Runner offers a seven-seat option on i-FORCE SR5 and LIMITED models. The 2025 Land Cruiser 250 does not offer a third-row option.
For those seeking a highly capable off-road SUV with a third row, the Lexus GX 550 Overtrail presents a compelling alternative.
Features Not Available
Currently, the U.S. market 2025 Land Cruiser “Land Cruiser” model lacks top-spec off-road versions directly from the factory.
In contrast, the 2025 4Runner will be available at launch with highly equipped off-road trims like the TRD Pro and Trailhunter.
The base Land Cruiser 1958 model, while not inexpensive, starts at $57,900 and includes four-wheel drive.
The base 2025 4Runner SR5 will be available in a two-wheel-drive configuration with fewer features, starting at a lower price point of $42,220, making it potentially attractive as a fleet vehicle, unlike the Land Cruiser.
2025 Land Cruiser vs. 4Runner: The Verdict
In conclusion, the 4Runner emerges as a compelling choice, particularly considering its value proposition, being nearly $5,000 less expensive than the Land Cruiser in these comparable trims.
While the Land Cruiser offers desirable features like a front sway bar disconnect, superior approach angle, and premium fog lights, these can be addressed in the aftermarket for the 4Runner if desired. The Land Cruiser’s advantages in cabin space, climate control, and steering feel are noteworthy, however.
The 4Runner truly excels with its greater ground clearance, longer range, superior cargo capacity, enhanced front passenger seat, more rear legroom, larger infotainment screen, and practical features like the power rear window and portable speaker. For many, the 2025 4Runner ground clearance advantage will be a deciding factor for off-road adventures.
Styling preferences are subjective, but the 4Runner’s design, especially its interior, is arguably more appealing to many.
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