Toyota 4Runner vs. Land Cruiser vs. Tacoma: Which One Comes Out on Top?

[@edmundscars]

The 2025 4Runner Trailhunter is all-new, but does that make it better than the similarly priced Land Cruiser? Let us know which you’d pick for an everyday SUV in the comments below!

[@DearSX]

30 years ago I was making $9 an hour (which was above average), 1996 a 4Runner SR5 AWD was going for about $30k. They have been expensive for a long time.

[@husshardan3511]

The problem with this comparison in the way they drive is the 4Runner Trailhunter has that suspension because it is meant to go off road, while the LC is far more road oriented. A better comparison would have been to test one of the premium 4Runner models against the LC.

[@seanwatson7503]

The LC is every bit as capable off road as the Trailhunter.

[@husshardan3511]

@@seanwatson7503 doesn’t the Trailhunter have more ground clearance and bigger tires?

[@seanwatson7503]

The tires are the same size 33’s. Yes it has more ground clearance but the approach angle and break over angle are better in the LC. You have to buy the TRD Pro or the Trailhunter to get all the off road goodies that come standard on the LC. Locking differentials, sway bar disconnect etc.

[@fmachinegns]

Agreed, should of tested a platinum trim, which also has full time 4wd and non off-road tires and suspension. Bad comparison.

[@fongsa1yuk]

The Land Cruiser is more OFF ROAD superior than the Trailhunter. LC has full time 4WD, a front sway bar disconnect and has superior approach angle.

[@showmemorefunthings9208]

Seems like the 4Runner Limited and/or Platinum is more similar to the Land Cruiser. My understanding is that it has the adaptive suspension and many are saying it rides and handles better than the other 4Runner trims.

[@josephSF]

My 2025 LC LC is my first Toyota. It’s not replacing my Rubicon but it’s much more comfortable as a DD with enough capability to get out on the trails. This is a big win for Toyota!

[@MichaelSmith-kr9qw]

I don't know if you follow TrailRecon on KZbin, but if you do not watch him I recommend watching his channel and his Toyota LC Overlander Build got some nice mods to it.

[@noname0858]

How many 4runner trims did you compare? The last thing I want to hear is that you only tested the Trailhunter and then proceeded to (over)generalize that to all other trims.

[@docwyte]

When you're going to spend ~$70k dollars, the choice is obvious, a Lexus GX550. Longer warranty, better service experience, V6 twin turbo motor, more cargo capacity, much nicer interior, etc, etc

[@williamgrover7137]

Got it, buy a GX550, which is what I did.

[@cakesteak]

You win.

[@rickper]

Depends if you like the look, I like the Land Cruiser better just an opinion though

[@RCFTE]

NOBODY CARES WHAT YOU DID.

[@metalbarron]

If your car tester gets motion sickness on a test drive…..you’ve got the wrong guy!

[@armandocardona6975]

bad opinion lol. A bad suspension is a bad suspension. There is no reason for a 70k SUV to ride like crap.

[@Nick-qx1vf]

I've driven around about 1,000 cars in my career and a grand total of two have made me sick on the road. Not a me problem, but think whatever you like

[@330Xis]

Or...it's an experienced testament to just how bad the ride is on that vehicle.

[@armandocardona6975]

@@Nick-qx1vf it’s pretty easy to have suspension setup to make someone purposely sick. Case in point, normal mode in the A90 supra made my Fiancé nauseas.

[@noctilucent7396]

LC250 LC ALL DAY.

[@tccycling]

You can’t be serious in saying the 4Runner was making you sick. Credibility: none. Try dialing down the drama.

[@marcusvasquez3363]

Credibility of this is none 💯

[@roadtriprohan]

I rather spend a little extra and get the GX550, None of these 3 are worth 60K, Let alone 70k

[@MichaelApodaca]

Agreed. Especially if the extra $10K gets you the twin-turbo V6 instead of this hybrid 4-banger. Well worth it!

[@tm68669]

I've seen GX550's listed for as low as $63k. Not sure what you get in a base GX but I'm sure it's well equipped.

[@rickper]

To get all the same Land Cruiser stuff you have to get the overtrail plus

[@uriahz]

@@tm68669 You really want the Overtrail if you want a GX that goes off road

[@RCFTE]

It really does not matter because you can not afford any of these three, let alone the GX.

[@Lamidnightsss]

I have a feeling this Gen is going to last 12-14 years and massive upgrades around 2030.

[@AlexLepoutre]

Also strange how he finds the Land Cruiser quieter than the 4Runner when the 4Runner has both acoustic glass + noise canceling while the LC only has acoustic glass from what I recall. Other reviewers have lamented how much more wind and road noise the LC lets in compared to a 4th gen Taco with noise canceling. 🤔

[@marcusvasquez3363]

Yep! I saw a couple of videos too and they said that the nose dive in the 4runner was gone. Idk man.

[@cbeserra]

This seems biased from the start

[@AlexLepoutre]

Complaints about the steering in the 4Runner not feeling tight enough could’ve been alleviated by putting it in Sport mode, which.. tightens the steering.

[@pennysmurf]

Something about this review that doesn't sit well with me.

[@BMWGSRiders]

its the "vibe" thats off. Im bummed Edmunds put out a video with a person reporting incorrectly. They even said "the one I would want to be seen in" how cringy

[@RandomGuy-qm3mg]

Interesting review! Think I'll just hang on to my 1999 Land Cruiser for a while longer. 😆

[@SwiftDrift88]

Can’t go wrong with a 100 series. Love mine!

[@user-bdpdfom]

I want that roll down window but with the LC interior

[@copperkeyracing6167]

What about weight, power, and mpg? That's the most important to me.

[@user-tb5ns7hc5i]

I saw this Landcruiser at Toyota. Very unimpressed with how thin & flimsy the entire thing feels compared to previous gens. It’s cheaply constructed but high priced. Nope.

[@tommyistommy]

90% of the 4Runners shortcomings are in the god awful tires they use. Wouldn't run those on a wheelbarrow. It's just ridicuous that they made a GX, Prado and 4Runner the same vehicle with strange packaging choices. You're also just outright lying about the rear seat, the Tacoma is far smaller in the backseat. You can't feel the difference? What happened to Edmunds? They used to measure and actually test things; what a novel concept. The materials may be relatively nicer on LC but that is not anything to brag about. It is an unacceptable level of cheapness. The powertrain in all these is awful. They don't make 326hp. 20hp down on GX yet 2 seconds slower to 60? Either the GX makes 450hp or the 326 is a pipedream. Why anyone wants the hybrid is beyond me. It's not faster, not more fuel efficent and the cargo area is bogus. All that while not being any more fuel efficent than a full size V8 truck. How is that even possible? Same story with interior room. The whole TGNA-F platform is insanely compromised with tight interior space, heavy weight resulting in poor performance and fuel economy yet still not very capable off road. Tons of low hanging points, strange weak shock mounts and a frame that changes thickness 3 times; it's going to rot out in the warranty period. TL;DR - These are going to be the downfall of Toyota.

[@quocanhphanho8969]

Your comment is so correct, that I don’t think many people had noticed. I tried sitting in the backseat of a LX600. Which is the biggest size. But it felt cramped somehow??

[@tommyistommy]

@quocanhphanho8969 something about the hip point is just wrong on all of the trucks on this platform. It's like sitting too close to the ground while the cushions are short and leg room is lacking. It's a shame, I really wanted to like them.

[@furies25]

You're comments about the ride quality for the 4runner are for the trailhunter trim. You should be more specific about that. The Platinum and Limited trims offer the same exact full-time 4x4 avs system as the Land Cruiser. Test those trims and see if your opinion changes

[@Nick-qx1vf]

3:05

[@Lee-zk8vu]

Nice review with a clear preference in the end.

[@AlexLepoutre]

Lastly everyone else has said that the 4Runner back seats are more roomy than the 4th gen Taco. What is going on with this dude lol

[@marcusvasquez3363]

I know! He’s a fraud. I can’t believe I’ve wasted my time watching this video

[@supersoup5509]

Very good review.

[@bruceleeroy8302]

I am sorry but all these vehicles are way over-priced. These will be hitting $80k for the top trims

[@deus216]

Yawn. It's like all you guys didn't notice how bad inflation has been and still think you should get more cylinders for your money. That ain't the world we live in anymore. Vehicles are expensive now. Just like everything else.

[@bruceleeroy8302]

@ cool, go pay $80k then 🤣

[@deus216]

​@@bruceleeroy8302Will do, mine is actually coming in at 65k usd. What manufacturer is offering something that is similarly spec'd and has the same capability and isn't hitting those price marks?

[@hondero4217]

Life is overpriced 🤷‍♂️

[@mikhailgurtovoy6950]

​@deus216 the problem with these isn't necessarily inflation. It's literally the value of the car relative to competitors. A BMW X5 for example has always been significantly more expensive. Now you're basically at the same price and are trading off some off-road characteristics over a crap ton of speed/power, cabin quality, handling, materials and the list goes on.

[@yourenzyme]

Tacoma doesnt have air vents for back seat passengers, so i'd say thats a pretty big improvement for passenger comfort in the 4Runner

[@Mrplaywell]

That previous "dog" 4.0 V6 will be on the roads decades after these turbos and batteries have died.

[@DearSX]

I just carry a spare turbo in my tool box.

[@Battle_Garage]

I want a drag race land cruiser vs non hybrid 4runner because the lc felt way slower then a non hybrid taco when i drove them

[@lrrosales9039]

How about the difference in gas tank size?

[@mct8888]

Grand Highlander is the play here for 90% of people.

[@z06camaro]

Yup, I'm a car enthusiasts and yet I'll be getting a grand highlander for the wife.

[@grisa12345]

Sienna if we are being really honest. Woodland trim if you’re “adventuring.”

[@DearSX]

@@grisa12345 100%

[@sansinutube]

Can you test the 4R Limited/Platinum against the LC. The Limited is supposed to have much better road manners, and quieter as well.

[@RCFTE]

Excellent review, and you are correct after spending time in all 3, I agree Landcruiser.

[@iigloop]

Only one has frame mounted bump stops & won’t throw a strut through the top hat on the shock mount due to an integrated weak unibody style bump stop. Land Cruiser Prado 250 all the way. Only worthy succesor to replace my GX470. Love the manual transmission option in the 4x4 double cab 5ft bed Tacoma SR, TRD Offroad, & TRD Sport though.

[@jasongrant356]

The sequoia is the one to get. No much more when you consider the space, interior, and the exterior.

[@Freynightwalker]

Good over, useful for us since we are cross shopping the LCLC, 4r hybrid limited and Taco limited hybrid. These trims should be more similar to the LC than the trailhunter trims.

[@uriahz]

If you've got a lexus dealership nearby also check out the GX550 Overtrail

[@jancksLC]

Great video!

[@esvinperez3580]

This felt like an Ad.... But against itself 🤔

[@damiancollinsworth6292]

How can the 4Runner and Prado even be compared without doing any off-road driving?

[@timetraveler7990]

Wow I'm shocked to hear the comfort level from a Land Cruiser to Tacoma was described as 'Day and night" bc I've read many reviews saying how the land cruiser is not that comfortable. So that means the Tacoma must be extremely horrible 😅

[@rickper]

Everyone says the Land Cruiser rides really well

[@urbanstrencan]

For me being from Europe I would go for Land Cruiser on the looks, but here we get it with just a 200bhp diesel engine, would love to see Toyota offering a Land Cruiser with a hybrid powerplant and more power ;) Or they should just bring Tacoma to replace the Hilux we have ;) Great video keep it up.

[@ItsAlive111]

15:37 When I’m gonna spend $70k I’m not buying a Toyota 😂

[@jessebooth2371]

Same hhaha

[@catoctinor]

Good thing I wasn’t taking a drink for every time this guy took both hands off the wheel while driving…

[@patricklachance3187]

I mean, a base 4Runner vs a base LC would be different. the 4R looks and acts great for 30k less. For me, it's 4R all day, since I'm not spending 70K on a vehicle.

[@66scooterdaytona]

Totally opposite from what others are saying the Land Cruiser. Doug DeMuro called it the FJ Cruiser part 2. TRD Jon got rid of his.

[@joshknutson16]

The Lexus GX has my vote

[@ChristineKenyon]

My Gen 5 4Runner is tight as a drum, no “creeks” or rattles, nice interior materials, hood struts, more useful interior space, costs FAR less, no repairs, Oh, and did I mention that it just turned over 250K. I’m the winner here.

[@sammyjammy6647]

Gen 6 should be the same since it is built in Japan as well

[@ChristineKenyon]

@ Well obviously that cannot be true, since I listed objective facts on materials and cost that are not the same.

[@horacehall6013]

I'm keeping my 5th Gen! The land cruiser (1958) would be the option to get if you are wanting to upgrade or just want something newer. However, I'm keeping my runner.

[@mcwendel8066]

Gotta love the waaay nicer plastics 😂. I’m not a huge fan of either tbh but you should’ve compared the limited or platinum 4Runner. I bet they’re a little closer to the Land Cruiser with their full-time all-wheel-drive and better on road manners. Just fork up the extra money and get the GX 550 overtrail +

[@Todaysempire]

Bro got motion sickness driving a 2025 Toyota around the city 😂😂😂😂

[@Randolf_Wisenberg]

Orange DRL looks cool

[@Dogsport1]

While I get that the majority of these vehicles spend damn near 100% of their existence on the road, it seems odd to only road test a vehicle built for off-road and complain about its handling and compliance. Regardless, I’d be willing to bet the new 4Runner outsells the LC no matter how bad they feel on the road.

[@tropheuspeste]

why do you guys compare an off-road trim to the LC? Try the Limited and compare that to the LC. the trims do not run the same on the 4 runner.

[@ItsAlive111]

10:15 is that flashlight charging while sitting in the car?

[@qbania]

For H2H daily driving I'd like to see that Land Cruiser up against the 2025 4R Platinum. Not saying 4R is better, just saying maybe you're more comparing apples to apples with that spec.

[@alfredopolanco3168]

4runner for me.

[@ScoobyFermentation]

I would take that Defender lurking behind you at 6:45

[@uriahz]

prob should've thrown the Lexus GX550 Overtrail into the mix since it's only a few grand more and is basically the land cruiser but even more refined both on and off road, with a slightly worse approach angle. Def not as good as a platform for mods but if you're leaving it stock, prob best to get the lexus over the landcruiser

[@RN-fx3zl]

4Runner or landcruiser are the only options for me. Japanese built is a major selling point for me I don’t want an American or Mexican built Toyota that makes no sense.

[@user-tb5ns7hc5i]

Massively overpriced. I’m in the market but I’m out until I can get these used far cheaper and reasonably priced. These are pushing $97k out the door with taxes in CDN.

[@jackfino7136]

Best one to get is the …… Sequoia 👍

[@gothops154]

11:15 the light is a $200 option and not specific to the Trailhunter

[@KINGWD0110]

LC is the real deal 😎..

[@MichelOM1995]

Tundra all day

[@plaisbois951]

3:19 Homey acting like he's criticizing a bespoke Bugatti Chirron 🤦‍♂️

[@rickper]

Man you hurt a lot of 4Runner fans feelings by looking at the comments!

[@monocogenit1]

Testing three versions of the exact same truck to see which one sucks the least. Lol

[@cornbread70s4]

I like this guy! Thanks for the review!

[@KiingPoop]

The 4 runner is not new it just has some new lights lol they should of have it a whole new body and style and of course they threw a 5 cylinder engine I hate that give me a V6 or V8 only

[@TheMikeshannon]

There's way too much generalization here lol. You should really specify differences in driving, features etc between different trims. A TRD offroad premium is thousands less than a landcruiser 1958 trim and has way more features. Suspension varies greatly across trims and will have a huge say in ride quality, and on top of that the LC requires premium fuel and gets worse mileage than the 4R which makes it exponentially more expensive to own.

[@husshardan3511]

4Runner and LC have payload of 850lbs. So with four adults you can easily max out before even bringing along gear! By comparison, the Grenadier is 1800lbs.

[@noctilucent7396]

Yeah but the Grenadlier is ugly as fuck lol, Might as well buy a used army truck if you're going that route of thinking

[@husshardan3511]

@@noctilucent7396 Grenadier is awesome looking. There’s a reason they basically copied the original LandRover Defender style - everyone loves it. But I get it, you like a Toyota that cannot do a Costco run if you have three of your friends with you in the car.

[@noctilucent7396]

@ Muh muh 4x4 muh stfu. lol, I'm a prepper not a damn HUR HUR IMA GO PLAY IN DA MUD. I owned a 4x4 for a tool not a toy. Yeah, I'll drive to costco and keep prepping.

[@sammyjammy6647]

That doesn’t sound right my 2023 Camry V6 has a 925lb payload

[@KealeyOnCars]

Nick is so hot. Please put him in more videos

[@MrCovert23]

Toyota is heading for dark times. Expensive new vehicles , small unreliable engines

[@hondero4217]

Damn didn't know you worked in toyota. What other secrets are you willing to share? 😅

[@deus216]

Where has this engine been shown to be unreliable?

[@sotheasun]

How is it unreliable?

[@tropheuspeste]

You compared an offense road vehicle and talked how it drives on The highway . Bro why didn't you compare the limited to the LC

[@ChrisParayno]

I rather they bring back the fj cruiser

[@Alwaysthinkbeforeyouspeak]

So if are not going to do any off-road our just gravel you can get away with a grand highlander hybrid - better in every sense space/mpg/comfort than 4runner

[@curiosityredpill7030]

Are tx

[@holeinjuan1644]

Stopped the video at “the v6 was honestly kind of a dog.” Do better. 🤦

[@shadmanwahied4443]

4runner is a truck by nature not the traditional SUV you are thinking of.

[@KeairaKusanagi]

So... where is the Tacoma part of this 3 car review?

[@BrandenVandenToorn]

Man Toyota dropped the ball on these next gen designs 😫. Not to mention the prices they are asking.

[@Sithlord224]

Appreciate the attempt to paint these cars in a positive light. But fact is they are overpriced for the equiptment, getting les for more, interiors are cheap for the price,the powertrains don't make up enough power for the weight gain, more things to go wrong with the hybrid system, and they won't last nearly as long. Bigger less stressed engines last longer regardless of power output. Ill keep my 5th gen and take the gas penalty.

[@OscarSchneegans]

No GS 550?

[@jeffp5418]

Oh my god, it looks like someone ate spaghetti and thew up to make those engines.

[@WRXMAN-ms2mm]

A true snorkel is for traversing through deep water so your engine doesn’t drown. I seriously doubt the temperature of the air at the front radiator and near the top of the a pillar is drastically different. Obviously the Triailhunter being a hybrid with high voltage DC lines running from the battery back under the rear seats along the frame rails into the engine bay this truck based SUV is not meant to withstand sustained deep water traverses where water can enter the interior. Hell the interior isn’t designed for that type of abuse. Nor would I want to even try a deep water traverse. Electric powered boats I have no concerns. Also the snorkel is nowhere near water tight. Other channels have revealed this fact. It’s apparently no more effective at keeping out airborne dirt from dry trails than the conventional filter on the Tacoma TRD Pro and by extension all Tacoma ICE trucks and new generation 4Runners. Same filter case and ducting. All the snorkel essentially adds is acoustics, an outdoor look and a different longer route for the intake air to reach the filter. But if you like this model style who am I to dismiss it. Enjoy the intake noise and the look.

[@gothops154]

If you every want to understand how overpriced a 4Runner is, just compare it to the Tacoma. And then compare that to a Colorado/Ranger (esp at Raptor level)

[@erickadame130]

Yall forgot the Lexus GX

[@xavierdupuis8]

No not the same engine

[@acsnake]

U meant a better engine right? 😅 ​@xavierdupuis8

[@1bam1productions]

I don't like any of them. The trail-hunter looks nice and that's as far as it goes.

[@Lee-zk8vu]

LC built of a single billet of steel? Cliche you are looking for?

[@RCFTE]

I have to laugh at all the negative comments coming from little people who have no clue because they do not own any of these vehicles and have no experience with any of them. So I have to ask all the little trolls, what’s it like to be angry , bitter, and dead broke and mad because you can not afford any of these vehicles.

[@stanadams3886]

I don’t like the style of presentation. Way too fast at times.

[@MidniteClubII]

I've had 3 4Runners. 1 3rd & 2 4th gens. I will not go 6cyl and now 4Cyl?. Bottom Line is the 4Runner just keeps going downhill rapidly. The Toyota 4Runner has lost its purpose in life.

[@Kjhgr01]

The most ridiculous part of these over landers is that they only have 17-18-19 gal fuel tanks. Ridiculous. Their not so improved fuel economy does not cover for the shrinking of the volume of the fuel tank. The fact that Toyota also dropped the independent / amber rear turn signals is also disappointing.

[@prflyr]

You absolutely hit the nail on the head! I love my new LC, but I would NOT go overlanding with it. A much larger tank capacity is a must!

[@jonc2914]

What exactly Is "off road" about that? My toyota simply can't do what my jeep does... and any lifted suv these days can all do what the next guy does.

[@lucassitanggang5154]

Toyota Fortuner?

[@jfreeze2685]

The guy gets dizzy driving on regular streets? Wow...

[@raw_fittedz]

10 Toyota models with the same engine, not a fan of that

[@bmohandas]

Why not the sequoia !

[@eighty6films]

I’d pick a 2nd generation sequoia or a LC 200 Both of which will probably last longer than all 3 overpriced hybrid 4-bangers

[@VineV-Dutch]

With 6ft7, couldn't fit in the old Tacoma. Now I can. Finally. Took Toyota long enough!!!😡 Still can't fit in most models however. 🤬😡

[@jrzez]

They're all overpriced by at least 25-35% for what you get. Plus, reliability is questioned currently.