Is The New Land Cruiser Worth The $15K Upgrade Over The 5th Gen 4Runner? 

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I think the 4Runner looks better, and the dogs like it better.👍

All I know is I chose a 2023 TRD Off-Road Premium last week and I have zero regrets. People keep talking about the power lol, but this isn’t F1 or Dakar folks! Just drive like a sane person and the 4Runner is fine. I pass whatever vehicles I want to with ease. It has seriously been a nonissue for me. Furthermore, people have been happily driving these things all over the planet and up the steepest mountains successfully for years. It’s such a great vehicle. I do believe the kinks will eventually get worked out on the new stuff over time and maybe I will reconsider then, but I will be enjoying miles of stress free off-roading until that time comes and may never make the switch until I am forced to. 😂

LC takes premium gas, 4runner takes good old regular!

Not a fan of the premium fuel requirement for the LC but I’ve heard nothing but positive comments about the power and zip of the 4cylinder. I also like new tech so I would go with the LC for the extra 15k. I would expect it to have a good trade value 4/5 years down the road if it came to that so what the heck.

Jon I'm always impressed with how clean your door jams are. Something my pops made me do growing up on all our rigs, a good judge of how well someone cares for a vehicle. Love to see it!!

My fj aint broke yet, 330k miles and running strong, no need to update, I dont have computer nannies to annoy me and most important, toyota cannot sell my driving history to insurance companies since my FJ is not spying on me

Have a 2015 4Runner TRD Pro with 145K miles at the moment. I will probably wait around 4-5 years to see how these new SUVS perform over time before jumping into a new one.

Nicely done and exactly what I was looking for!

Excellent review!! Thanks for the measurements!

Thanks. I enjoyed watching the video. I have decided to get a 24’ 4Runner TRD ORP. Plan to build it up (slowly according to my wife 😂)

Short answer: Nope..... Long Answer: NOOOOOPE

For the money. GX 550.

Man, if I ever had to trade my 17 limited it would definitely be the new GX.

Love Love Love our Land Cruiser... it is so quick for size and luxury.. with all the off road capabilities

Love your videos ! I'm looking at getting a 5th 4runner and love your front bumper with led upgrade. Just wondering where you got it from, and the name of it? Thanks so much! Keep up the awesome vids! 👏

The deal-breaker for me with the 6th gen is that you can't lay the seats flat in the back! I guess even the 5th gen needs a minor mod to make it work. I'm wondering what will be needed with the 6th gen to sleep two people comfortably in the back.

Great review, your 4 runner looks brand new. What brand polish do you use for detailing?

Test drove it two weeks ago and maan, what a car. Definitely worth the money!!!

Having seen one of these new cruisers in person, it definitely looks better than in video or photo. But it doesn’t feel like a Land Cruiser. It feels like Toyota hopes we forgot what a Land Cruiser is, because they want higher profit margins. It actually feels kinda cheap. Maybe the future will be different, but I believe the 200 series will be remembered more fondly than this 250 series.

Great comparison video! I saw a 1st edition LC for the first time and it looks way better in person. I like driving my 5th Gen 4Runner tank though. Maybe a decade from now I may consider a used LC. For now, I’m sticking with the tank.

We thought we were going to get the new 4Runner but bought the First Editon Land Cruiser in the same heritage blue color that you bought and we are truly amazed at the power and zip it has! Never had so many positive comments on a vehicle as we have on this one. Couldn't be more happy with our decision. 👍

I've never understood the criticism of the power on the 5th gen. Mine is very spunky and the 5 speed is fine too. Yeah it's not a sports car (for crying out loud) but the power delivery is more than adequate imo. By the way, fuel mileage on mine regularly exceeds 22mpg on the hwy, which isn't great but not awful either. I think some of the generic complaints all around have become a bit cliche and are rather silly. I love the 5th gen and intend on keeping it for as long as I can.

Can you help clear up the weight capacity of what you can put on top of the hybrid battery on the trunk? Does the disclaimer state a low weight which might be difficult to build out with drawers or sleep platform on the back? Not sure if that was TFL or Alexonautos who stated something about trying to get clarity on how much weight can be placed over the hybrid battery on the trunk.

Just found your channel, and love the detailed reviews of both vehicles. Having said that, I hope your dogs are tethered. Otherwise, they will be going through that back opening even in the 15 mile an hour rear ender at a red light.

Hey Jon, you are right. The specs on the LC 250 are wrong, particularly in Headroom and legroom. If u want the exact specs, use the GX 550, although with the sunroof, the GX even got the headroom figures wrong, so headroom is around 39 inches, not 35 or 43 inches

Thanks for the video. I have a 2019 Toyota 4Runner Premium and was considering a Land Cruiser. I watched a recent review "The Car Care Nut" did on the Land Cruiser and definately don't want one now. He pointed out it needs premium fuel and the rear cargo area can only hold 120 pounds since the battery is below. The vents near the rear doors also need to be kept clear. When I go camping, my 4Runner is packed to the roof so a weight limitation would not work for me. Had to add that to this video. I'll keep my tank! Enjoy your Land Cruiser.

Love my new LC. Underground looks awesome in person. Definitely smoother ride than ‘21 4R TRD. Was concerned about the 4 cylinder hybrid, but love it in person. Appreciate the videos and feedback.

I will be buried in my 5th gen.

I have a 2023 4Runner Limited AWD and with the 3rd row. The best part is the whole cargo area goes flat all the way to the front seats because the 2nd row bottom cushions do not tumble, backrests just fold. I'm 6'1" and I can sleep in the back, straight. The 2nd row also slide back so when it's a 5-pass the 2nd row has tons of legroom! When I travel, I lift the 3rd row backrests but leaves the bottom cushions hidden, that provides great cargo space and it doesn't move. I'm averaging 19.2 mpg over 32K at the pump, that's the very sad part.

Gosh, that Calvary Blue 4Runner looks so good! Thanks for the awesome comparison. The rear length comparison is interesting. I would’ve expected the Land Cruiser to have more space given the longer wheelbase. I feel like the cowl and drivers position is a few inches further back on TNGA platforms. The packaging doesn’t seem to take advantage of the longer wheelbase. Same with the Tacoma.

This is so reassuring and helpful! If I had to lose my 4Runner, I’d never get a new ride 😂 No doubt it will last forever. We really wanted to love the 6th gen, but it looks like a potential rattle fest with all the different materials in the interior. Land Cruiser with the premium package was the only new vehicle that felt remotely right the moment we sat in it. Can. Not. Wait.

You should compare 4runner to the 1978 model since that's what most of us are considering. Your first edition is GX550 range which is the obvious choice at that price range.

Fantastic video. I've been waiting for a detailed side-by-side comparison of these 2 vehicles and you nailed it. I'm waiting for the 6th Gen 4Runner to come out before shopping. To those whining about MPGs and regular vs premium gas, neither car is for you. There are plenty of Highlanders on the lot at DaySpa Toyota for you to choose from.

Good comparison dude. As soon as you opened your hood of the LC my jaw dropped lol. Looks like a rats nest under there! Another thing that sucks too is there is barely any room under there to work on it, I enjoyed earlier toyota models that had space under there around to engine to work on. Other than that, I would love to get my wife the 4runner you got, or the newer one that is coming out if internet rates weren't so bad. Good video bro.

👍Excellent comparison!! Thank you!

I'm team Land Cruiser. I was really excited for the 4Runner, but I was just underwhelmed by the 6th gen. Biggest thing for me besides styling is I just prefer the look of the Land Cruiser interior.

Thanks for the comparison. Going to keep my ‘23 TRD Pro 4Runner 😎

I am looking to make this 'upgrade'. thanks for the side-by-side comparison sir...

My 5th Gen TRD Off Road Premium is a beauty. Does everything I want and expect. The rock solid naturally aspirated V6 has plenty of power and has been Kaizen-ed to death. I also think it looks better than the new Land Cruiser. Having said that, I cannot understand why auto-headlights and power tailgate aren't part of my trim level.....But, other than that, I am super happy with my 5th Gen. Thanks for the great video. I really enjoy your insights.

I'm keeping my 4runner, 5th gen, 2024 TRD Pro. The land cruiser engine bay is a mess.

I was changing an O2 sensor in a parking lot when my gas hood strut decided to fail and came crashing down on my head. Prop rods are fine for me.

Get rid of the 5th gen. Who would do that?

Everything is too expensive to jump to.

I am not sure if true, but a few people from the Land Cruiser Forums were saying that once Toyota finishes producing the 1st editions they will make a new "Platinum" trim which will include a panoramic roof. It wont be like the GX550 which turns opaque but instead it will open up. Heated rear seats and 3rd row will be an option. So that means there will be an option for a none hybrid LC. I hope.

Your rims on the Land cruiser are alot better!

Gotta be insane to even think leaving the long tried, tested and reliable 4Runner for that new LC.

Could you confirm the FRONT legroom of the Landcruiser is only 33" as the Toyota website says?!! I'm 6'4" and test drove the Landcruiser and it did seem less than the 4Runner and much less than my VW Golf!!!

I had a 2023 40th anniversary 4runner and now have the new 1958 Land Cruiser and it all comes down to what you value. I value power and the Land Cruiser puts the 4 runner to shame in that department. Also no nose dive when braking. It’s just so much more enjoyable to drive. But If you value long term reliability above all else and you keep your vehicles a really long time then the 4runner would prob be the best bet. Overall even tho I loved it I don’t miss the 4runner in the least.

I hope you enjoy your new ride. I have a 4Runner just like yours, and I wouldn't trade it for a new Land Cruiser or 6th Gen 4Runner. I'll keep what I have. I like it better than the new ones.

Nice job. Thanks John.

Nice thing about no struts on Jeep JK hood is that it can be leaned all the way back against the windshield by design to allow more engine bay access - does the new LC do this?

Does the LC have the same engine failures as the other turbo 4cyc ?

One other thing, if you see this. Can you review the upgraded audio you have in the 1st edition? I believe it's the same as the Land Cruiser edition premium package too. How consistent is the Apple Car Play connection? Overall good/bad/meh?

I got rid of my 5th gen at peak market. Having a hard time thinking do I pick up the last of the 5th, a new 6th, or possibly the LC. My big thing with the 5th gen is at altitude is it is a true dog. After test driving the new Tacoma non hybrid it feels much more peppy and the TRD suspension and tires were decent from the factory. I figure the 6th gen will be similar components. Just feels like all the new vehicles are more cheaply built. Especially the Tundra interior. We shall see... Thanks for the video!

Thanks for video man love my 4runner and actually thought about adding land cruiser untill I seen the real prices bit still keeping the 5th Gen 4runner appreciate the info in this video

The 4Runner looks way better

3 weeks in, I'm loving my 24 Tundra. Spell check keeps making it Tubdra. Maybe it should be Tubdra.

Maybe in 2-3 yrs. Sure. But not rn. New engine and we don’t know how reliable it is.

I love your LC than 4rnr. Super neat and nice. Mixed of vintage and modern.

LC Cargo area weight capacity is around 120 lbs. Which means you could have issues if you exceed that weight with drawers, a fridge or other gear. Wish you would have addressed that.

For me, I have always wanted a 5th Gen Forerunner but at my height, the driving position is a no go. I am going to check out the new LC as I would like to get back to Toyota for my off road whichever.

i cant say that i like the LC over the 5th gen 4Runner. My 5th gen has been pretty awesome to me but i am definitely liking the new tacoma more these days. loving your content coverage jon!

If they gave us in the states the diesel like the other parts of the world it would be a toss up for me. As it is though I would take the 4Runner all Day everyday.

I'll be trading up to the LC, Just waiting until the right one comes in. The reason for me is my age I would like to be more comfortable during my daily commute.

The cargo area on the land cruiser is puzzling....a RAV4 has more room! I do not understand why they went hybrid only while the GX can get a 3rd row, more cargo room, more roof options etc. The 1958 would be really something if it came without a hybrid system and cost 8k less. I guess that's where the 6th gen will land....idk it feels like the Land Cruiser is trying to occupy a middle ground between GX and 4runner that doesn't exist

I have both and I think the LC is a better choice . Huge diff in my opinion to comfort, performance and looks awesome. Trd pro is for long term and one of my fav suvs and I think this will be as well.

No, I lost confidence in Toyota. Keep your V6 4Runner. I guess we have not learned that Toyota is not what it once was. Tundras have plenty of issues, Tacomas have plenty of issues, and the Grand Highlander has a stop sale. What else needs to happen for us to learn our lesson?

Definitely LC takes it, tech and practicability and design is pretty darn nice. The engine welp, that’s where we are headed and LC has a much better power output.

Thats a downgrade. Land Cruiser now with pervasive tech and batteries. Good luck getting that to last without putting $ in

went and checked out a Land Cruiser today, and honestly it felt smaller. Especially in the driver seat. I'm a big guy, 6ft tall, 300lbs, and my head was sticking out of the sunroof on the land cruiser. kind of odd. very cool vehicle, but i'm gonna stick with my 5th Gen 4runner.

But the real question is will it be worth the x amount more than a 6th gen?

If it had a roll down rear window I would definitely be considering it, but as it is, I prefer my 5th gen 4Runner.

In terms of looks, the 4runner stomps all over the Land Cruiser in my opinion.

Current 4R - 5th Gen TRD Off Road. LC on order to arrive 7/6. Can’t wait!

Engine compartment on the LC looks like they sold it to you before they finished putting it together.

I’m waiting for the new forerunner to come out to compare the two and then make my decision then I like to look at the new forerunner though it’s hot

I'm considering exactly this upgrade (and the GX is on the table too) so this video really is perfect! You covered everything I care about too, especially the back seat room and storage room in the back. Great work as always. Thanks Jon!

I imagine lots of price overlap between the 6th gen and the Land Cruiser

If you want more power in the 5th gen you can supercharge it for 5k and it will still be reliable than that crappy 4cylinder

I don't think the LC is a really justifiable upgrade, yes it gets more mpg but its also very much expensive than the 4R. The interior space its pretty much about the same. Yes, you get more hp/torque but with a pedal commander you will be more than happy with the 4R as well, yes you get disconnectable swaybar but that may not be a deal breaker for many so I guess my point its just too similar to the 4R and new gen 4runner, the value proposition is not that high. Thank you for the content as always!

Cue ranting comments from people who don’t have one!!

What lift and tire size on the 4runner?

Every new model Toyota has out right now basically has something wrong with it or a recall on it. The 5th Gen is the last great 4 runner we will see.

Wait to you actually drive the Land Cruiser thing is a beast

I have a 24 tundra, was thinking about getting a 4Runner. Ty for video.

More cargo room is a smaller vehicle? Not a fan of the premium fuel in the LC250. Hopefully the LC is as reliable as the 4R. I would consider the LC but never the 6th gen 4R. Not a great looking vehicle.

Nope on the 6th gen. 4runner for me. I was expecting more, not a photocopy of the Tacoma. Mayyyyyybe the Landcruiser or GX. Thanks for the content John!

The new LC looks nice, but I would rather get a Ford Bronco. Just got a '24 4Runner, so I don't plan on getting a new off roader for another 10 - 15 years.

Look at the left side on the rear of the land cruiser there is a sticker. You cannot put more then 120 pounds on the top of the battery in the back. 120 Pound limit is BS, a costco run or a dog with a few items could easily exceed that. Huge Design Flaw.

Full time 4x4 in a state thar never sees snow just seems wrong. Needs a real transfer case, and then wouldn't need a center diff lock.

My neighbor had his mom move in with him, Seattle, and their Rav has that same license plate. Baton? Endless summer or something. Very funny to see the same plate. Sorry. Interesting vid. 👍🤪🏳️‍🌈

Anyway you can test both Offroading them both I’m debating on a Land Cruiser or 4 Runner but if the new 4 Runner is significantly cheaper I’m getting the 4 Runner 😅

why would you call it an upgrade??? next year the lc will be the same as 4runner limited except for cosmetic stuff. Only a fool buys a new model vehicle so I look elsewhere for advice.

Definitely 4Runner for now. Give it a few years and check back on Toyota/Lexus new lineup.

60-70k for a 4 cylinder is a joke! That new engine looks like spaghetti. This new transmission for Toyota is an epic fail. So glad I got a 5th gen 4runner while I could 👍🏻. Great video! 🎉

I think people buying a Land Cruiser to replace a 4Runner NEED TO CHILL and wait for the 4runner. You are getting essentially the exact same chassis and power-train but with maybe more cargo space and that all important rear window that you can roll up and down. I saw a test mule at the top of loveland pass over the weekend and I cannot wait until they come out!

Main issue with the 4Runner is the outdated transmission. 5 speed is not good enough in 2024, and neither is 18mpg. Can’t have it all ☹️

One owner thought his LC was way better in so many ways

Overall, is the Land Cruiser bigger (interior) than the 4Runner??