The 2025 Toyota 4Runner is poised to continue this legacy. In a somewhat surprising twist, the 2025 4Runner is quickly emerging as the true heir to the Land Cruiser legacy, taking up the mantle of Toyota’s premier off-road SUV.
The confusion surrounding the introduction of the new 4Runner, Land Cruiser, and the Tacoma lineup has left many enthusiasts questioning Toyota’s strategy, especially when it comes to pricing and the overall vehicle structure.
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Toyota’s Evolving 4×4 Lineup
In recent years, Toyota has completely revamped its lineup of 4×4 vehicles, seemingly shifting the focus of its more traditional off-road SUVs. While models like the Land Cruiser and 4Runner were once the flagship of Toyota’s off-road portfolio, the company has made some significant changes in both design and pricing, leading to a complex situation for both the consumer and Toyota enthusiasts.
The release of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner is part of this evolution. Previously, the Land Cruiser had been synonymous with Toyota’s off-road prowess, a vehicle revered for its ruggedness and dependability. However, the new 2025 Land Cruiser, built on the smaller, more affordable Prado platform, raised eyebrows among off-road aficionados. It was smaller and less expensive than the previous generation, leaving many wondering about its true off-road capabilities compared to other Toyota models, such as the 4Runner and Tacoma.
With this change, Toyota has effectively left a vacuum in its lineup, one that the 4Runner is now stepping into. The 2025 Toyota 4Runner has taken on an important role in Toyota’s 4×4 strategy, pushing the model to a new level of sophistication without sacrificing its rugged off-road heritage. However, this transition hasn’t been smooth, and some issues—primarily surrounding pricing—have added to the confusion.
The Land Cruiser’s Evolution and the 2025 4Runner
Historically, the Toyota Land Cruiser was one of the most iconic vehicles in the world of off-roading. The Land Cruiser was well-regarded for its durability, excellent off-road capabilities, and comfortable ride, making it a favorite for long expeditions and exploration. However, the most recent Land Cruiser iteration, which debuted in 2024, is a departure from this traditional blueprint. Instead of being built on the globally recognized 300-series Land Cruiser platform, the new Land Cruiser is based on the smaller 250-series Prado platform, which is also shared with the Lexus GX.
This decision was part of Toyota’s strategy to make the Land Cruiser more accessible to a broader audience. Despite the fact that this made the new Land Cruiser more affordable, it also made it significantly smaller and less feature-packed compared to the previous generation. While the new Land Cruiser might still be able to handle some serious off-roading, the focus has shifted towards a more budget-friendly vehicle—one that is not as specialized or as luxurious as its predecessor.
Enter the 2025 Toyota 4Runner, which, despite its own challenges, is being hailed by some as the true successor to the Land Cruiser. Toyota’s decision to place the 4Runner in the spotlight is due to a number of factors, including its larger, more capable design, rugged features, and higher-end trim packages.
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The Engine and Performance of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner
One of the standout features of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner is its engine options. The new 4Runner offers two engine choices: a turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four engine and a hybrid powertrain, both of which bring their own advantages and performance characteristics.
The base engine, the turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder, produces solid power and performance, making it more than capable of handling the rough and rugged terrain that off-road enthusiasts are accustomed to. The hybrid variant of the 4Runner, known as the “i-Force Max Hybrid,” adds an extra layer of efficiency, providing improved fuel economy and enhanced torque, which is crucial for off-road driving.
The hybrid system in the 4Runner is notable because it allows the SUV to offer improved towing capabilities while keeping the vehicle’s overall weight in check. The hybrid powertrain isn’t only about fuel efficiency—it also contributes to off-road performance, as the extra torque from the electric motor allows the 4Runner to navigate difficult terrain with ease.
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On the road, the 4Runner offers a comfortable ride, thanks to its advanced suspension system, which is upgraded on higher trims such as the TRD Pro and Trailhunter. These trims feature Bilstein monotube shocks, as well as beefy sway bars that help reduce body roll, ensuring stability during high-speed maneuvers or challenging off-road conditions.
However, despite these improvements, the 4Runner still lags behind the Tacoma in terms of some off-road features, especially when it comes to its lack of a sway bar disconnect system. This system, which allows for greater wheel articulation, is available only on higher-end trims such as the TRD Pro and Trailhunter.
Pricing and the Pricing Dilemma
Herein lies one of the most perplexing aspects of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner: its pricing. While Toyota has always been known for producing vehicles that provide excellent value, the 2025 4Runner has left some people scratching their heads when it comes to its price tag. Depending on the trim, prices for the 4Runner can range from around $40,000 to $70,000, which puts it into the same price category as the Lexus GX 550—a luxury SUV.
For context, the 2024 Lexus GX 550 started at $63,935, while the 4Runner TRD Pro and Trailhunter, which are priced around $66,900, are only marginally less expensive. These pricing discrepancies have caused some to wonder whether Toyota is attempting to position the 4Runner as a “premium” off-road vehicle, effectively replacing the Land Cruiser in terms of capability and pricing.
This pricing conundrum highlights a shift in Toyota’s strategy. While the 4Runner may be positioned as a more rugged, off-road-focused alternative, its price tag is pushing it closer to the luxury SUV segment, blurring the lines between a traditional off-road vehicle and a luxury SUV.
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