Toyota’s revamped lineup of 4×4 vehicles has stirred confusion, but it inadvertently positions the newly released 2025 4Runner as the practical successor to the Land Cruiser. Navigating Toyota’s current SUV offerings reveals a complex picture, yet for many, the 4Runner emerges as the most sensible choice.
The present Toyota SUV family, including the 4Runner, Land Cruiser, and GX, occupies similar price brackets, making the selection process less about budget and more about specific needs. Factors like family-friendly configurations, pet accommodations, and particular features now dictate the decision. While the Lexus GX boasts a superior engine, enhanced luxury, greater interior space, and arguably more appealing aesthetics, the Land Cruiser offers a slightly more refined interior experience than the 4Runner, primarily through more comfortable seating and increased headroom. Equipped with comparable tires, the Land Cruiser arguably provides a better driving experience and visual appeal at a potentially lower price point when similarly configured. However, the absence of a third-row option in the Land Cruiser, contrasted with the 4Runner offering three rows on lower trims, creates an interesting dynamic, especially considering the premium price tags attached to the 4Runner TRD Pro and Trailhunter models.
Historically, the 4Runner was perceived as a rugged, budget-friendly pickup derivative with a camper shell, while the Land Cruiser was esteemed as a more serious, off-road-ready SUV. However, the 2025 4Runner now incorporates comparable interior technology, a shared hybrid powertrain, and arguably enhanced off-road capabilities in its TRD Pro and Trailhunter trims. The once significant price disparity has also diminished over time, with certain 4Runner configurations now commanding higher prices.
One might consider upgrading a Land Cruiser or GX with aftermarket shocks to enhance off-road performance. While this remains a viable option, the initial cost of a Land Cruiser, once easily justified, is now less clear-cut. The current mixed signals in Toyota’s SUV strategy have created a perplexing hierarchy, effectively elevating the 2025 4Runner to the de facto status of the new Land Cruiser for a significant portion of the market.
