The final pricing, fuel economy, and details about the 2025 4Runner have just been released. That means it’s time to dive into the details of a version of each that is most similar to each other — and directly compare the 2025 Land Cruiser 250 to the 2025 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium i-FORCE MAX.
While many trim levels of each Toyota SUV are pretty similar, for this comparison, we’ll directly compare versions of each that are the most similar and offer the best value for someone looking for an off-road-capable, everyday comfortable SUV. Let’s compare the 2025 Land Cruiser “Land Cruiser” model with the 2025 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium i-FORCE MAX model.
I’ve spent time on and off-road driving the 2024 Land Cruiser “Land Cruiser,” which is identical to the 2025 model year vehicle. While I haven’t driven any version of the 2025 4Runner yet (but will in January), I have crawled around the Trailhunter and TRD Pro versions of the new sixth-generation 4Runner, inside and out.
2025 Land Cruiser vs. 2025 4Runner TRD Off-Road
How They Differ: Highlights
Again, this comparison is specifically between the 2025 Land Cruiser “Land Cruiser” model and the 2025 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium i-FORCE MAX model, each with no options.
These specific models are remarkably the same, in many ways. But, here’s a quick overview of how they differ.
Land Cruiser
- 2.1 inches taller and 1.1 inches shorter
- Front sway bar disconnect
- Much better approach angle, by 12 degrees
- More front passenger head, shoulder, and legroom
- 3-zone climate control
- Color-selectable Rigid Industries fog lights
- Quicker and more responsive steering
- Full-time 4WD / 4Runner has part-time 4WD
4Runner
- 495 pounds lighter
- 110 pounds more payload capacity
- 0.8 inches more ground clearance
- 8.1 cubic feet more cargo capacity
- 1.1 gallon larger fuel tank
- JBL Premium audio with portable Bluetooth speaker
- Wireless charging pad
- Better front passenger seat
- More rear passenger legroom
- 14-inch infotainment screen
- Power rear tailgate window
- Bilstein shocks
- $4,680 less expensive
Availability & Pricing
While the 2025 Land Cruisers have already been on dealer lots for a few months, the 2025 4Runner won’t hit North American dealers until “early 2025.”
The 2025 Land Cruiser “Land Cruiser” model starts at $63,900. The 2025 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium i-FORCE MAX starts at $59,220. Both of those prices include a $1,495 delivery, processing, and handling fee (DPH), with both vehicles being built in Japan.
Taking a wider view of the pricing on these two new Toyota off-road SUVs, a 4WD 2025 4Runner starts at $44,265 — 2WD at $42,220 — and the 2025 Land Cruiser starts at $57,900. Model starting price tops out at $68,395 for 4Runner Trailhunter and TRD Pro models, while Land Cruiser tops out with the ‘Land Cruiser’ model at $63,900.
The 4Runner has seen massive price increases over the previous generation. For example, there is an $11,730 increase between a 2024 and 2025 4Runner TRD Pro. The 2025 Land Cruiser 250 isn’t really relatable to the last generation Cruiser offered here in the U.S., as they are very different vehicles, but the price point of the badge in North America has come way down.
Powertrain
All versions of the Land Cruiser 250 have the same mild-hybrid i-FORCE MAX powertrain as the top-spec 2025 4Runner models. Both SUVs have the same power numbers, 326 horsepower, and 465 pound-feet of torque.
Both vehicles have an eight-speed automatic transmission with the exact same gearing. And, both have a four-wheel drive system with a two-speed transfer case. The Land Cruiser has full-time 4WD while 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium i-FORCE MAX has part-time 4WD.
And, both vehicles share the same EPA combined fuel economy rating of 23 mpg. 4Runner gets 1 mpg better city (23 mpg) than Land Cruiser, but the Cruiser gets 1 mpg better highway (25 mpg).
A big difference is the fuel required. The Land Cruiser requires premium fuel while the 4Runner only requires regular.
The 4Runner gets a 19-gallon fuel tank, 1.1 gallons larger than Land Cruiser. That equates to an average range of about 437 miles for 4Runner and 412 for Land Cruiser.
Size & Weight
Both vehicles have a 112.2-inch wheelbase and are 77.9 inches wide. The 4Runner is 1.1 inches longer (at 194.9 inches), while the Land Cruiser is 2.5 inches higher (at 76.1 inches).
The Land Cruiser weighs 5,445 pounds, 595 more than the 4Runner’s 4,850. It also has a higher gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), 6,725 pounds compared to the 4Runner’s 6,240. However, that pencils out to the 4Runner coming out on top in terms of payload capacity by 110 pounds, at 1,390 compared to 1,280.
While the passenger room inside is super similar, the Land Cruiser offers over 1.5 inches more headroom for all passengers, 0.7 inches more front shoulder room, and 1.2 inches more front legroom. The 4Runner, however, offers 1.9 inches more rear passenger legroom.
Off-Road Capability
Both body-on-frame SUVs have the same track width and the same suspension setup, independent double-wishbone with coil-overs up front and a five-link coil-spring solid axle at the back. The 4Runner TRD Off-Road runs a Bilstein shock, while the Land Cruiser runs an unbranded shock.
Hardware-wise, both vehicles have 18-inch wheels wrapped in 32.61-inch all-terrain tires. Both come with a selectable rear e-locker. The Land Cruiser gets a front sway bar disconnect.
LED fog lights are standard on both vehicles, but the Land Cruiser gets Rigid Industries color-selectable models.
Both come with skid plates for the engine and transfer case. Specifically, the 4Runner has a “composite front skid plate, with underbody transfer case and fuel tank protection.” The Land Cruiser specifically has a “front skid plate with engine, transmission and transfer case protection.” Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select with CRAWL Control comes on both vehicles.
Towing, Dimensions, and More Numbers
Both mid-size SUVs have a 6,000-pound tow capacity.
Interestingly, even though they share the same wheelbase and tire size, the 4Runner has a slightly tighter turning radius (19.7 feet compared to 20.0 feet). Even more interesting, the Land Cruiser has much more responsive steering, with only 2.5 turns lock to lock on the steering wheel, compared to 4Runner’s 3.25 turns, and a “vehicle speed-sensing, variable gear ratio” system.
Notably, the 4Runner offers 9.1 inches of ground clearance, which is 0.8 inches more than Land Cruiser.
The 4Runner TRD Off-Road offers 19/24/24 degree approach/departure/breakover angles, while Land Cruiser offers 31/22/25, respectively. The Land Cruiser wins this contest across the board, and by a large margin in regard to the important approach angle.
Surprisingly, the 4Runner has more cargo room, 90.2 cubic feet behind the first row and 48.4 behind the second row. That’s 8.1 cubic feet and 2.2, respectively, more than Land Cruiser.
Tech
Both vehicles have 12.3-inch digital gauge clusters and central infotainment touchscreens with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the Land Cruiser gets a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, this version of the 4Runner gets a much larger 14-inch screen.
This 4Runner has the upgraded 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system, including a JBL FLEX portable Bluetooth speaker. This Land Cruiser has the base 10-speaker audio system, but can be upgraded (with the Premium Package) to get the same JBL system minus the portable speaker.
Both get Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 and Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM) with selectable front, side, or rear views.
When it comes to charging, each has its strengths. Both have a 12V center console auxiliary outlet. Both have cargo area 120V AC power outlets, with 4Runner having two at 400W and Land Cruiser’s one is 2,400W. Land Cruiser gets six USB outlets whereas 4Runner gets five USB-C ports. This 4Runner also gets a wireless charging pad, which is an optional upgrade on the Land Cruiser.
Comfort & Convenience
The 4Runner only offers a single-zone climate control system, where Land Cruiser has a more premium three-zone system.
Both have a hands-free power liftgate. The 4Runner has the always-useful power rear tailgate window, while the Land Cruiser gets a manual lift-up glass window.
They also both get SofTex-trimmed heated and ventilated eight-way power-adjustable driver seats with lumbar support. The 4Runner has this same seat for the front passenger, whereas Land Cruiser only gets a six-way manual-adjustable front passenger seat.
Both SUVs come with roof rails, running boards, 12 cup/bottle holders, and a power adjustable, heated steering wheel.
Third-Row Seating
While the Land Cruiser and 4Runner are five-seaters in most trims, the 4Runner can be optioned with seven seats on i-FORCE SR5 and LIMITED models. No 2025 Land Cruiser 250 offers a third-row.
Of course, if you want a nice off-road capable SUV that is nearly the same as these two Yotas, and better in nearly all the ways, step up what you’re willing to pay just a bit and buy a Lexus GX 550 Overtrail, which has a third row standard.
What’s Not Available
Sadly, the latest “Land Cruiser” on the U.S. market does not yet come in any top-spec off-road versions from the factory.
The 2025 4Runner will, however, be available from introduction with highly optioned and expensive versions, like the TRD Pro and Trailhunter models.
Inversely, the base Land Cruiser, the 1958 model, is not inexpensive — starts at $57,900 — and includes four-wheel drive.
The base 2025 4Runner SR5 will come in two-wheel drive and have very few features, and it starts at a relatively low price because of that — $42,220. This is mainly because 4Runner will be a fleet vehicle, and it’s unlikely the Land Cruiser will be used as such very much.
2025 Land Cruiser vs. 4Runner: Wrapup
To wrap this all up, the 4Runner is a clear winner to me. This is especially true when you consider value for money, as it’s nearly $5K less.
Yes, I wish you could option the front sway bar disconnect, have a better approach angle, and have the fancy fog lights of the Land Cruiser, but all of those things are easily fixed in the aftermarket if you so wish. The improved head, shoulder, and leg room, three-zone climate control, and better steering on offer with Land Cruiser are considerations, however.
The 4Runner truly shines when you consider it offers better ground clearance, more range, more cargo size and weight capacity, a better front passenger seat, more rear passenger legroom, a much bigger infotainment screen, and cool bonuses like the power rear window and built-in portable speaker.
While styling is subjective, I think the 4Runner wins here as well, if for no other reason than it doesn’t have the wart-like tow hitch receiver cover and weird front bumper winglet things. I’m also much more of a fan of the interior styling of the 4Runner, especially the dash and center console.
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