It's actually incredibly simple. Toyota Offroad SUV = 4runner. Core price range = $45K-$55K. Premium Toyota Offroad SUV = Land Cruiser. Core price range = $55K-$65K. Luxury Toyota Offroad SUV = Lexus GX. Core price range = $65K-$75K. Big Toyota Offroad SUV = Sequoia. Core price range = $75K-$85K Yeah. There's overlap. That gives people an option between two offerings maybe even 3, so they can just go with whichever "vibe" they like the most.

It's smart of them. Here we are debating two Toyota products, not other companies.

Despite the similarities, the 4Runner is sportier and aimed at younger buyers; the LandCruiser is more heritage-oriented and aimed at older buyers. The new LandCruiser isn't marketed as cheaper, it's marketed as "back to basics," which is more important to older buyers who dream of classic LandCruisers and Defenders.

In Costa Rica we get the 300 series, the 4Runner, the 70 series, the Fortuner (Hilux based SUV), and the Prado. And there is no drama, you buy whatever you like.

Toyotas doing something smart here and creating competition within their own brand(s). Instead of cross shopping 4runner with other makes’ models, you can just decide which Toyota you like more 😂

This is a clinic in Tommy telling his dad he's crazy, without telling his dad he's crazy. 😂

Piano black fender flares is the dumbest thing I have seen in a long time, gets scratched to hell without even touching it.

Toyota knows what they’re doing, they’re going to sell a ton of both. I like them both.

As an ex-4runner owner, out of the two I would get the Land Cruiser. It looks more mature and elegant. The new 4Runner is basically a Tacoma with a rear. It looks more "toyish" and will probably be bought by people that want the "look" while driving to their local Safeway. Permanent AWD in the LC is also key.

I think I like the LC more, but it'll depend on pricing. LC has standard full time 4wd, standard hybrid and pretty conventional (tall & boxy) styling so I like all that it offers.

One thing they did not touch on is both models are being made in Japan. They’re both going to be great vehicles, on or off road. I think the real question is how far in debt do people want to go? Midsize sporty debt or tall boxy debt?

I think the biggest difference is going to be the customer base. The Land cruiser types are more established older guys while the 4Runner is geared towards younger male and female maybe even small families.

The 4Runner looks more rugged and off road maybe for a younger buyer and the Land Cruiser looks more civilized that an older customer may want. Even though both are excellent off roaders, the Land Cruiser looks a bit more like a family hauler that you can take off road if you want to take the whole family camping. You're over thinking this, Tommy. Toyota is appealing to two different customers with two different vehicles that are similarly priced.

Something not really mentioned here is the LC 250 still has to be modified to get to where the 4R Trailhunter (and the TRD Pro to some extent) already is and it comes with a full MFR warranty program. That alone has value and will be a distinguishing difference between the two models. Essentially the 4R will be more off-road/overland ready right out of the box. If you want fulltime 4WD, then the LC might be the one you start out with but you still have to modify it a fair bit to get to the 4R TH/TRD Pro so your cost spread is still there and could be significant (aftermarket accessories for the LC 250 will be more costly purely on volume opportunity alone). They both can coexist but the buyers will be more scenario specific which will drive them to one model or the other. If I were looking at an overland vehicle today, based on the release of the two models, it's an easy decision. I'd be looking at the 4R TH. There might be small overlap with the LC250 but that's before any modifications. I could essentially take the 4R TH out right away on a trip with very little to be done.

Tommys face at 15:14 explains this entire conversation. If i walk into a Toyo dealership and see these two vehicles next to each other, there is no way i will mistake the Landcruiser for a "car like" vehicle. Also, just because it has full-time awd or full-time 4wd doesnt mean its a car, by that logic Rams with 4WD auto are cars now.

I had the FJ. The Landcruiser is just an updated FJ; works great off-road and is ideal for roadtrips.

I thought for sure they'd do more to differentiate the 4Runner from the Land Cruiser, but it's on exactly the same 111.2 inch wheelbase TNGA-F frame. Unless there's a substantial curb weight / payload difference, a lot of suspension and armor pieces will probably bolt right on both. I think the winners of this big refresh will be lower spec levels of 4Runner -- TRD Off Road spec, enough to get all the drivetrain goodies -- and the GX. Because by the time you load up to a higher spec / price 4Runner or Land Cruiser, you might as well buy the GX.

Re: 7 seats. My understanding is that the battery pack for the hybrid occupies the space for the 3rd row. The LC being all hybrid removes the space for that extra row of seats

I've had three 4Runners and am on my second Land Cruiser ('17) and Tommy is right. I thought I would get a new LC, once the dust had settled, but I could very easily go back to a 4Runner. The overall 4Runner packages just look more focused and polished, at this early stage. It looks like both will be very similar in their functions and utility. I'll be very interested in the specs, range, cargo, space, etc.

Another Toyota focused channel said that the interior materials are better in the Land Cruiser by a noticeable margin than the 4Runner. Better plastics, fit and finish, etc. I would go with the LC!

I feel the 4Runner appeals to the customers who need something as tough as a tacoma, but seats family comfortably whereas the land cruiser appeals to those who are in love with retro/heritage SUV's. So if people love the look of Jeeps, Land Rovers, G Wagons etc., Toyota has an SUV that can compete with none of the reliability downsides.

LC design is more appealing to me and it appears more refined. But without the 3rd row option, it is no go for me. Lexus GS 550 does have the option and is more luxurious but I want the iconic LC. So basically I want the LC with the GX550 luxurious feel and 3rd row option.

In my country they used to sell the 4Runner, Fortuner and Prado at the same time. They all share the same engine and transmission and they’re all where about the same size. They all sold very well surprisingly enough.

I'm from Africa..and we have a Landcruiser Prado and a 4runner equivalent( the Fortuner, based on the Hilux)..the biggest difference is refinement..u take the Landcruiser when u want to cross a desert for days..u take the 4runner off-roading or rock climbing

Payload might me a BIG difference. In one of TFLs videos the 4Runner (preproduction) had just shy of 900lbs while the Land Cruiser is closer to 1,200lbs. That is HUGE. It would be so easy to overload the 4Runner. Example 6,000lbs trailer with a 15% tongue weight would be 900lbs Any person or thing you had to the 4Runner means you are overloaded 😅

I always thought the Land Cruiser was more capable. It was the 4x4 beast where the 4Runner was the little brother that was more into the mall.

spot on with the dealer markup and prices, guys. Love you all. great content all the time.

One difference I don't think they mentioned is that they have different interiors, specifically the dashboard. I do not like the 4R dash, I think the LC/GX dash is nicer, with the screen integrated more cleanly. Cost aside, that fact alone would push me towards the LC.

I was salivating over the Land Cruiser until the 4Runner came out 😍

4runner for me!

Great debate. Agree the whole thing is confusing. But buyers will figure it out I guess. I miss the days of simply adding options to a single badge vehicle. The trim level thing is out of control. lol

Nice. Maybe in a few years. Meanwhile, I picked up an off-lease, old-school V8 Nissan Armada. Much more towing capacity than these two, more cargo capacity, and more luxury. And it was really excellent with some AT tires on our recent trip towing the trailer out to Moab and the southwest. We have no lift and didn't do any of the extreme rock crawling, but for the lower level off-road trails, it was more than enough.

The only confusion will be in the US market. LC Prado, like mentioned, has been sold worldwide and people know what it is. Toyota deciding to market the Prado as the Land Cruiser in the US will steer the previous LC buyers away, they are getting short changed. In the US the LC was a luxury big SUV with offroad cred. In the ROW LC was the ultimate offroad/overlanding vehicle. By the way I side more with Tommy than with Dad, and I am closer to dad's age.

landcruiser - for moms to pick up their kids from school. 4runner - for divorced dads that try to pick up kids at school.

Theres no issue with Toyotas line up. For years in Australia there has been the following off road SUV line up (Full chassis and transfer case) Land cruiser 300 series Landcruiser Prado `150 series 5dr + 3dr Landcruiser 76 series 5dr Landcruiser 78 series troop carrier Fortuner Has always worked ok in a much smaller market.

When the Gen3 first came out on the new LC 95 series chassis, same engines running gear etc I always wanted the 4Runner as of the two it had the sexy body rather than the overweight one although the LC made more sense with a 3rd row.

I am a Land Cruiser guy, and given a J250 vs a 4Runner TRDOR, I'll take which ever of the two is less expensive out the door. That will likely be a 4Runner, though the GX550 Overland+ is only $1600 more than the J250 First Edition and has 100 more HP. We'll see how they fare once they hit the market and saturate for a few years....

Dude on the right is trapped inside the head of a car geek, isn’t thinking the least bit about market dynamics and filling customer needs. I get that they’re role playing. Toyota has (probably correctly) figured that the market for 4Runners and for Land Cruisers don’t overlap enough to offset the enormous economic advantage of building two vehicles on one platform.

Great discussion, I agree that there is overlap but they are very different looking vehicles. We drive a Lexus GX which is the same base as the previous Prado. We bought it because of better towing then the 4 runner. Now the Land Cruiser may not have that advantage but I am very interested in how it drives. I think itw I l bdcdiffrrent than the runner. Looking forward to tomorrow's video.

Great video. There are two more vehicles that maybe also be on this comparison. The Land Cruiser 300 and also the Land Cruiser 300 sport. I hope you can make a video with this 300 series, the 250 series and the new 4Runner.

I agree with Tommy. Roman’s points are weak.

The previous LC200 was very confusing to many Toyota customers because of the Sequoia. Both were big V8. The LX570 sold a lot more than did the LC200. This new LC250 is going to confuse customers as well because of the 4Runner. Then, if you start thinking of buying an LC250, the new GX550 seems like a lot more vehicle for not much more money. Will we see the GX550 far outselling the LC250?

What are the interior dimensions? What’s the shoulder and hip room along with leg and head room on a Land Cruiser vs a New 4Runner? Maybe that’s the big difference? Interior volume? They share the same wheelbase but the variation in shape of the greenhouse might affect the interior volume, cargo capacity and payload…?

For years 4runner (5g) and LC prado (known as 150 series) have coexisted in many countries. Other than looks, both have been very similar. Both have been perceived as very capable off road vehicles. However, the LC prado has been more family oriented than the 4runner. This maybe related to less aggressive looks or extra space for the third row.

They definitely do not look alike.

I've been disappointed so far in these vehicles as they appear to be all the same with just different styling now. Before they used to be more unique and different. The new 4Runner is literally a Tacoma with a back attached. Being on the same platform makes them feel and appear to be all the same vehicle now. With all the engineering resources saved by doing that, you would think it would cost less and that would be passed onto customer, but instead everything has jumped thousands per trim.

LOVED this video and the different perspectives are right in point !! Will be interesting to see. Wrangler 4XE & Model Y owner, with certainty either the new 4Runner or the LandCruiser will be the next car at home in a few years.

I see it as chevy Trax vs Trailblazer, both fill the same hole, same powertrain, though the Trax no longer offers AWD, but have their own style and price point. It mostly styling and the heritaged name you want to buy. I think the Land Cruiser is going to be the G wagon for Toyota suvs, the 4runner buyer aspires for, except it's within reach. Personally, I think I like the look of the 4Runner in the lower trims more, but I would choose the LC over the TRD Pro.

Tommy is spot on, sorry Roman. Regardless, Toyota has three trucks competing in the same space, not differentiating enough in such a narrow price range.

I hope you understand the thing Tommy is actually arguing is that they should not have bothered selling the Land Cruiser here. A convertible Jeep clone was never in the universe of possibility, that's just pie in the sky stuff.

I do agree with the person who says it’s a toyo master stroke Want aggressive and rugged off-roading. Look at this Toyota Want classic and solid. Look at that Toyota The competition can go kick rocks!!!

Nothing beats a Torsen center differential. Owning and working on Audi 20+ years ago taught me how bulletproof and traction finding those systems are.

One thing nobody is talking about is the dimensions of the two are actually different. The the Land Cruiser is taller and the 4Runner is longer. The 5in difference in height is actually substantial enough where the Land Cruiser won't fit in my garage because it's too tall but the 4runner will.

I feel that’s it’s not odd that the Land Cruiser is not the more off road worthy one. It’s never really been the more off road one since the 90’s. Since then the 4Runner has been the more off road focused one. Land Cruiser had always been the overland king and not the rock crawler. Also the Land Cruiser looks inside and out more sleek and understated as it was before the 300 series. It’s the one you take on road trips and to the beach and it’s probably better on road with the full time 4x4. I think they may have knocked it out of the park with this one.

Thanks for the great video. I think I plan to wait for the 4 runner to come out - as it might be a more versatile choice.

I think the problem with the confusion early in this episode is that people keep thinking of this Land Cruiser replacing the 200 series. You said it yourself, it's the Prado, it's not the full blown Land Cruiser, so it won't be the massive 7-seater $100k+ premium off road SUV; the Prado was never that.

I think the dad here was spot on with his perspective. I understood where he was getting at.

One big difference is that the land cruiser will still be a low volume vehicle because they are both made in the same factory but the land cruiser is a global vehicle where as the 4runner is only sold in north America.

Styling aside & relatively new to off roading, but with locking diffs wouldn’t you prefer the full time awd drivetrain vs part time?

How does the seating position differ? The thing I hated about the old tacoma was how uncomfortable the seating potions was.

LC upright windshield will be a rock chip magnet, ala the FJ

this is because in Texas most 4runners I see are TRD Pro and they use them offroad. rarely aee sr5. Also see a lot of the Lexus Gx460 rigs setup for offroading eith patches and all

I 100% understand what your dad was saying about 1 feels alot like cary & other feels like a trucky. You should make a tee which says feels more like trucky & feels more like cary with 4 runner & landcruiser images

Funny thing is that toyota has done the same thing in other markets with the prado and the fortuner, and guess what? They still selll and they both are very desired. Just hope that toyota does well with the 4runner and prado here in america.

I was on a list, but was expecting a manual like the Bronco. Very shocked Toyota did not offer a manual since it developed it for the new Tacoma, same exact engine/drivetrain. Prefer old-school, and was willing to take EPS steering and a turbo 4pot, but at least there would be a manual. To not offer it --- Makes no sense!!

I don't remember who said it, but someone in a video said that Toyota designed the 4Runner trailhunter and TRD Pro to be already built for a purpose, but they designed the new landcruiser to be buildable by the owner for their own purpose. I am looking for a GX 460 replacement. It will be a daily driver and a good overlander. This means I need good mpgs, good offroad ability, and good payload. The new land cruiser is better at these than the new 4runner trailhunter/TRD Pro, and the new GX. The hybrid system gives it better mpgs, and will power things at camp. The center locking diff with a rear locking diff is great if I later think I need or want a triple lockable vehicle. Also, If I break a front CV axle off road, I can remove the front drive shaft and lock the center diff and keep driving on or off road. I would also prefer to have a disconnectable front swaybar vs the new E-KDSS on the new GX. It is much easier and cheaper to put a lift on it. Imagine the cost of triple locking a 4 runner. Imagine the cost of lifting a new GX then adding a front locker. I'm getting a new land cruiser and adding a mild lift with slightly larger tires. Someday I may add a front locker.

I think I would like to see the comparison of interior dimensions and capacities before I would make a choice. Head room, leg room, shoulder room, cargo capacity, fuel capacity, etc.

Simple. You like a classic look? Land Cruiser. You like ugly cars, and/or cosplaying as a Gundam character? 4Runner.

I think Toyota is pulling a Venza/RAV4 twin model again. Eventually one will drop off but in the meantime either one you pick Toyota wins.

I think having very different tires and shocks will make a huge difference in the ride. My 5th gen might be getting an aftermarket trail hunter upgrade for it’s 5th birthday 🎉. 1200 payload with a 3rd row. btw

when the msrp of the TRD off road 4runner comes out i think it will be very interesting since most of the boxes check out on the TRD Tacoma.

Land Cruiser all day, more square and beautiful

The Land Cruiser is the gentleman’s 4-Runner.

Depends on price. I don't need a cool box as I have portable fridge I carry around. I would like a HUD but the 4runner looks bigger. Same size engine wheelbase but the 4 runner has a roll down rear window

Missed Opportunity. Toyota destroyed the land cruiser brand by making the 250 (it's no longer the 300) mechanically identical to the Tacoma and now failed to differentiate the 4runner in the slightest unless you account that it has less ground clearance than the 4R.

i think Roman is right about the badging or trimming of TRD of the LC250 because the LC300 has a GR/GR Sport trim.

I'm a fan of the Land Cruiser look! I daily drive a 1st Gen Montero, so I'm partial to that style. I'm a little bummed we don't have the option to have the third row at the expense of the hybrid. I don't need a third row most of the time, but I would like the option. That last point does make the 4Runner tempting.

It's interesting to hear Landcruiser in regards to a Prado. It certainly is a Landcruiser Prado but down here in Australia, nobody calls it a Landcruiser, just simply Prado. Landcruiser is never used in talking about a Prado always refers to a 2oo or 300 series or older series as in 80 or 100.

Aftermarket for all of these is gonna be nuts which is going to make all of these closer than ever. IMO it's going to come down to design preference. Not directly related, I'm curious to see the numbers on the 4runner swaybar disconnect compared to the Lexus GX550's eKDSS.

This comment is for the presenters of this video. I have watched the TFL channels since about 2016, I live in NYC and have purchased and sold a 2017 gen 2 GMC Canyon purchased a 2023 gen 3 GMC Canyon based partly on information from TFL content--thank you! I generally like the content and watch a lot of the videos that come out from all of the TFL channels presently. What I witnessed in this video was a bit disturbing. The younger presenter simply didn't want to listen to what the other presenter had to say at all, instead quite aggressively going on to his next point while being dismissive to the point that the other presenter was making. I realize the presenters are related and that's part of the appeal of them appearing together, but in the context of what I am used to from TFL, this was a very unprofessional presentation--I hope you guys would at least review this and have a quick think about this. TFL goes to great lengths to claim that "we're automotive journalists bringing you useful information and not youtubers". To a great degree, in my opinion, TFL has succeeded in doing this to their credit--TFL is a very influential brand at this point. And, to be fair, opinions and disagreements and, sure some ranting are all part of the content alongside really good, factual information. I would just hasten to add that listening is probably the greatest asset any journalist possesses and hope you would take this criticism in stride. You are very privileged to do what you do, made possible by your viewers and with that comes responsibility. I hope this is taken in the right light and can contribute to TFL continuing to produce great content for some time. Thanks!! Douglas

Here we got Fortuner ( Hilux based suv ) ans Lamd cruiser prado at the same time It both sold very well

I do like both, but i really dig the LC. It just seems less flashy to me. The 4runner design is so busy. The LC is more clean, imo. I wonder if the TRD pro wheels & tires will fit on the LC because it the tires seem kind of weak. Really my only ding on it. Would i prefer a v6? Of course, but it still makes more HP & torque than my gs350. Also gets better gas mileage and I'd imagine the LC won't require premium.

I think it was a massive miss on the part of Toyota to not offer full-time 4WD on more trims of the 4Runner, or at least have it as an option. My 1994 Cherokee had it, and I loved it! Tommy, I think your concerns of the two encroaching on each other's territory is justified in theory, but I don't think it'll be a problem when it comes time to sell these side by side. I think there will be the LC buyers that are enamored with the Land Cruiser name, and will buy strictly on that. Plus, these two have a different feel. I can see the 4Runner more geared toward the adventure crowd, whereas the LC will be a bit more "distinguished". Choice is a great thing. Even little nuances make a big difference to buyers. For me, I saw the new Tacoma in person recently and it was way smaller than I had envisioned. I like the boxiness of the new LC. For that reason alone, it may steer me toward an LC. Great video guys. I'll be watching the driving impressions of the LC!!

To answer Tommy and Roman’s question: For me the 4Runner competes with the Wrangler and Bronco. The Land Cruiser competes with the Grand Cherokee (Trailhawk) and the Land Rover Defender. If I was shopping for a hardcore off-roader, I’d be looking at the 4Runner. If I wanted an SUV with good on-road manners with luxury and excellent off-road capabilities, I’d be looking for the Land Cruiser. The 1958 is an outlier and I expect it was produced to sorta appease the NA market for not getting the 70 Series. It’s kinda the opposite of the Trailhunter. One is bare bones and the other is fully kitted out. I think this is further supported by the pricing decision of Toyota and the standard amenities of the two models. For me, if I could get a Land Cruiser at MSRP, that would be the vehicle for me. I think it looks better. But that’s subjective.

In Japan, these models were in parallel in the 90s and early 2000s, and both found buyers. It's like opening two stores on the same street, no matter which one is more popular, people will still buy from you. In my opinion, Toyota sees buyers of these models a little different, at least for the 4Runner it will be younger.

If you budget is limited, like going for SR5 or TRD offroad, then 4runner. But if you are already considering TRD Pro or TRailhunter, I am telling you those will be listed close to if not the same as to a LC1958 edition. So at that point... IDK. I love the 4runner, but I also love the 1958 edition, that classic spartan look. I'd probably go for the LC 1958.

The answer is Wrangler and Bronco. Toyota should have went outside the box with the 4runner and made the top/doors removable. That or bring back the FJ Cruiser.

Which one will fit 2 Leonbergers in the trunk area?

What would be really useful to know - and it’s surprising nobody is calling it out- is how the most off-road capable new LC compares to the most off/road capable new 4R (TH or TRD Pro). Ground clearance, departure, break-over & approach angles. Any info @tfl???

There’s a reason why in most markets where there is the 4runner, the LC 250/Prado is not offered (only in Lexus GX form) and vice versa. Now that we don’t get LC300, we have almost two identical vehicles. If I am an off roader or frequent camper, I would choose the 4Runner. If I am an occasional camper, I would go LC. Which is why I think the 4runner limited it’s kinda of pointless. They should have kept the new 4runner strictly off roader.

Which one has the more comfortable seats and rear seat comfort, including leg and headroom? We're a family of 6 foot plus.

You can tell by Roman's posture that this was a discussion before they started filming and was not resolved... As for the LC being like a car? Uh. The best they will be able to do is have softer suspension. Sad thing is, the 4Runner 'looks' like a crossover even though it isn't. It will be interesting to see sales numbers on the new 4R over the next few years. 5th gen was killing it in sales. Also, I take my 4Runner off road multiple times a week. It was a choice to buy the 4Runner because it is a compact 4x4, not because of price.

Lets not forget how few of the old land cruisers they sold the old way of doing it. They are adjusting to market forces and giving us more choice within a lower priced range. Yes still expensive but lower overall

I wish this Land Cruiser were a touch more luxurious.

I think that they are selling the platform in whatever flavor fits you and your budget, even if they may overlap somewhat. More market share in the end.

I’m so happy I purchased a 23 GX460❤the V8. I love 💕 the redesign of the 4Runner, but would not purchase because of the 4cylinder turbo engine.

@ Toyota I live in Hawaii where every other car is a Tacoma or 4 runner . If you need someone to showcase the new lineup here I’d be happy to drive around the island All the time for free and market your product 😅. Shout out to TFL for all the Great content .

I was on the Land Cruiser First edition "hold list" at Koon's Toyota Tysons in Northern Virginia. Just this week I was called from one of their financial guys letting me know that the $75,000 Land Cruiser that I had "reserved" was going to be sold for about $40,000 over MSRP. I promptly asked for my deposit back. Happy to wait for th new 4Runner and to give my business to another Toyota dealership. Go rob someone else Koon's Toyota!!!

I figured the 4Runner would go smaller and more basic. Manual everything, maybe even a removable roof and solid front axle to battle the Wrangler. As it stands, there's no real reason to buy the LandCruiser unless you need the headroom. It should've gone 4Runner - Land Cruiser - Sequoia from small and basic to big and luxurious.

The Land Cruiser should come standard with the tires from the 4runner Trd Pro/trail hunter since they do it for the Lexus GX 550 over trail. Also this is kind of something that drives me crazy that if you want the premium package on the midgrade Land Cruiser trim or if you want the launch edition, you have to get the cool box, I wish it was an option to get because it takes up center console space.