Test drove a 2025 Platinum - better to get an LC?

[Dario]

Looking for a new SUV. Likely a 4Runner. It's not clear where the line is between 4Runner and LC. We previously had 5th gen 4Runner.

Styling outside seems fine. Inside seems a little silly with the big, knurled knobs and other styling. It seems to be trying too hard. I can overlook the cosmetics. The back seat is not good, nor is the back seat entry. It feels like you're getting into a small 4-door sedan.

We were concerned the 4 banger. It drove fine with adequate acceleration. we were surprised at how well it did. We may want the hybrid for the extra torque, but the non-hybrid was more than adequate.
Handling was fine and felt similar to our previous 4Runner. Overall it was very good. It does sound like it's always working hard. Maybe not great long term?

I think our offroading days are mostly behind us which is why we're leaning toward full time 4WD and not any off-road upgrades.

Given the back seat and rear door issues, we also have to consider a Land Cruiser. The 4Runner Platinum with the hybrid engine sticker is ~$64K. The Land Cruiser without the leather or upgraded sound system is ~$63K. I can find a compelling reason to get the 4Runner rather than the LC. The LC also comes with 18" wheels rather than 20" on the 4Runner. I'd prefer 17s but can live with 18s.

Update: We bought a '26 ORP. We prefered some of the features of the Limited/Platinum, but the wheels would have to replaced and we would add skid plates. Seemed like the best choice for us. Finding an LC without leather and other features to keep the cost down is not going to happen - they are not building them.

 

[rdruss]

20" wheels on the 4Runner tells you something about the thought process of the engineering, but I'm not sure what.

 

[88Center]

LC is basically same vehicle as 4Runner with different styling.

I'm leaning towards LC or GX 550, after seeing several new 4Runners in person. The interior is awful on the new 4Runner, imho when compared to the price point. So plastic-ee and trashy design elements. Feels cheapo. Great if you're going to use it as a serious off-road machine but how many are willing to buy $70k vehicle primarily for offroad? Not many.

As I've gotten older, I want nicer seats and quieter interior.

Most of my offroading days are also behind me. All about overland now, so I could get a GX or LC and have a more comfortable ride.

 

[02SE]

LC is basically same vehicle as 4Runner with different styling.

I'm leaning towards LC or GX 550, after seeing several new 4Runners in person. The interior is awful on the new 4Runner, imho when compared to the price point. So plastic-ee and trashy design elements. Feels cheapo. Great if you're going to use it as a serious off-road machine but how many are willing to buy $70k vehicle primarily for offroad? Not many.

As I've gotten older, I want nicer seats and quieter interior.

Most of my offroading days are also behind me. All about overland now, so I could get a GX or LC and have a more comfortable ride.

I'd avoid the GX since it has the V35A-FTS TTV6 that is STILL having bearing issues.

As a former Toyota Master Tech, I am very disheartened at the path Toyota seems intent on pursuing. That being ever cheapening designs, and engineering to some absolute minimum standard, that fails in real world use.

 

[rwh963]

LC is basically same vehicle as 4Runner with different styling.

I'm leaning towards LC or GX 550, after seeing several new 4Runners in person. The interior is awful on the new 4Runner, imho when compared to the price point. So plastic-ee and trashy design elements. Feels cheapo. Great if you're going to use it as a serious off-road machine but how many are willing to buy $70k vehicle primarily for offroad? Not many.

As I've gotten older, I want nicer seats and quieter interior.

Most of my offroading days are also behind me. All about overland now, so I could get a GX or LC and have a more comfortable ride.

that's why i like the 4th gen. i think it is the best designed and styled 4runner for daily driving.

 

[MN_Pat]

. The back seat is not good, nor is the back seat entry. It feels like you're getting into a small 4-door sedan.

Aren't they the same stupid tumble down seats designed for a third row that doesn't really come on these in North America? I haven't sat in both but they look the same. Until these are re-designed this is a full deal breaker for me for Toyota mid-size suv.

 

[Dario]

20" wheels on the 4Runner tells you something about the thought process of the engineering, but I'm not sure what.

Mall parking lot driving.

 

[Dario]

I'd avoid the GX since it has the V35A-FTS TTV6 that is STILL having bearing issues.

As a former Toyota Master Tech, I am very disheartened at the path Toyota seems intent on pursuing. That being ever cheapening designs, and engineering to some absolute minimum standard, that fails in real world use.

Thanks for the feedback. This does not sound good.

I test drove a Honda Passport Trailsport. V6 non-turbo engine (285 HP and 262 lb-ft torque). About the same as the 4Runner for acceleration by the ending does not seem to be straining all the the time. The interior is ok, but better than the 4Runner. Compared to the LR Platinum, the Honda is at least $10K less expensive.

No way it competes with a 4Runner for off-road capability. It appears to be good enough for some dirt roads. I saw a video review from Edmund's and it was ok. They were very impressed with it, but I think that's because their expectations were so low.