Land Cruiser vs. 4Runner - Best Daily Driver and for overall value?

[Legal Eagles]

I find myself reluctantly in the market for a new to me SUV as a daily driver in Maine.
I pride myself on taking care of my vehicles and keep them generally 15 to 20 years.
I am a Luddite when it comes to fancy turbos and active fuel management and gasoline direct injection, I prefer a big naturally aspirated engine working nice and easy rather than a smaller one working harder.
I have no problem paying for quality, but still appreciate value. I have narrowed the choices to a 2017-2019 Land Cruiser V8 and a 6 cylinder 4Runner from approximately the same age range. Both obviously made in Japan.
I will not be off-roading on purpose, but Maine winters can get pretty hairy, and I need something sure footed.
So I guess my question is, for those who have owned both, what are the pros and cons of Land Cruiser vs 4Runner? Is the Land Cruiser really that much bigger? Is it more capable in inclement weather? Which behaves better on the highway where most of my miles will be? Is the Land Cruiser honestly overkill for anyone not planning to go off-road?
The Land Cruiser is obviously more expensive and gets worse gas mileage, but if it is superior in other ways and will last longer that is a tradeoff I would be willing to make.
I am looking for long term ownership experiences things I cannot learn from a test drive... the je ne sais quois and quirks of ownership if you will for vehicles I may have for a decade or longer.
I really am not looking at the Sequoia as I want a vehicle made in Japan, but if you have experience there, go ahead and throw it in as well.
I appreciate your help on this...

 

[mdoan300]

Land Cruiser will be AWD with lockable center diff and Hi & Lo ranges. 4Runner comes in 2WD, 4WD, and AWD with lockable center diff and Hi & Lo ranges (Limited trim).

That year range Land Cruiser is a 200-series Land Cruiser and the 4Runner is based on the Land Cruiser Prado (120 or 150-series, based on year). The 200-series is considered a heavy duty wagon, while the Prado is considered a light duty wagon. (Note: the 70-series is the real heavy duty Land Cruiser, but not available in the US)

Having said that, look under a 200-series and a 4Runner and you will see beefier bits in the 200-series.

 

[02SE]

The Landcruiser is full-time 4wd. Whereas the 5th gen 4Runner is available in 2wd or 4wd. The Limited model of 4Runner which is 4wd, has full-time 4wd. Other versions of the 5th gen 4Runner which have 4wd, are part-time 4wd. So if you bought one of those versions, you would need to shift in and out of 4wd as conditions dictate.

The 200 series Landcruiser is more expensive, more luxuriously appointed than the 4Runner, has more power, and will get worse MPG. Both are comparable in reliability. Interior space is similar. Drive both to decide.

I've driven the 200 series Landcruiser quite a bit. They are a nice ride. I owned a '95 FZJ80 Landcruiser back in the 90's. I prefer the 5th gen 4Runner TRD ORP I own currently, over the old FZJ80.

 

[CKN]

The 6 cylinder in the 4Runner is barely adequate. The seats in the 4Runner are horrendous if you spend any time in it at all. They are like sitting on concrete.
Don't know much about the Landcrusier-but it wouldn't take much for it to be a better vehicle than the 4Runner.
The 4Runner was a great vehicle...20 years ago.....

 

[02SE]

Keep in mind that comfort is subjective. We find our 5th gen 4Runner to be comfortable, as have other BITOG members who own or have owned them. It's not a sportscar, but it's more powerful than previous generation V6 and 4cylinder 4Runners. The V8 in the 4th gen had more torque off-idle, but less HP at higher RPM. I would have owned one, if it had more headroom.

 

[Just Dropped In]

I bought a 2wd 4Runner ('19) primarily for the old school engine and drivetrain. Did not want 4wd, as I'm an onroader, lol. I like the steering and weight saving the 2wd gives. There's virtually no snow ever in my area, and I'm not getting on the road if there is a hint of ice. Now, if I lived in Maine, or some other snowy state, I would probably have 4wd. Just my wife and I, we find the 4Runner the perfect size. Plenty of power for us, but the heaviest thing we carry is $200 bucks or so of groceries (just a few bags these days, lol)! Not a rattle or squeak in 5 years (we only have 19k on it). No problem with seats, seating. Of course, nothing sits as good as the high back buckets in my 92 Chevy truck. I do cuss a bit when it comes time to change the oil, though.

 

[tvaughn]

If you can afford the 200 and its gas bill, it certainly is a nicer ride. The 4Runner is ancient, but that's a good thing if reliability is a top priority. I have a 2018 GX460, which may be something to consider. It is a middle ground between the two. It tends to be the best bang for the buck on the used market. It shares the chassis with the 4Runner but has a V8 and full-time 4WD and is pretty close to fuel economy as the 4Runner.

 

[Sequoiasoon]

I can't say for those years on Sequoia if that is a thought. I had an '03 and if not for cancerous rust we would still have it. Miss it all the time for size, ride, driveline. All except the MPG's. We had it 16 years and I think 187k.

That said whatever you get seriously consider Fluid Film, Wool Wax or similar. Make sure they get all the frame sections and seams. I wish I had done it when I bought it. We'd probably still have it.

Check out Toyota Nation, Tundra Solutions, the 4Runner forums also for many things on them from common issues, complaints/praise etc.

 

[RAVL]

I have had both and currently have a 16 4Runner SR5 premium. You won’t go wrong with either. The Landcruiser is certain more luxurious but I like the clean simplicity of the 4Runner. Also didn’t want any detachable roll bars, etc. You can rent 4Runners from the major rental companies and Toyota - the ones from the dealers tend not to be as ragged on as the rental ones. I rented one for a week road trip and after that bought one. Also won’t go wrong with a LC if the price differential is not an issue. Also try the GX - it is the same as the 4Runner underneath but with the 4.6 v8 (timing belt - some people care) and the full time AWD like the 4Runner limited.

As far as the v6 being inadequate, that’s just nonsense. I have had ours loaded to the gills with kids bikes and dogs and it handles it on the interstate just fine. It has a long throttle and 270 or so hp, and a very flat torque curve. It is perfectly well suited to a vehicle like the 4runner and is durable as heck. So are the 5.7 in the LC and the 4.7 in the GX - again won’t go wrong with any of these motors.

One weakness on all these trucks is rust. I think Toyota falls short of the better European cars on rust prevention. So if driving in the salt belt, while I am not a fan of undercoating, permanent or ones that get reapplied, I would make a point of regularly having the underside cleaned during the winter months. Everything else is pretty bulletproof on all three of them.

Good luck!

 

[CharBaby]

Don't overlook the LEXUS versions of these Toyota SUVs. You may like them better for not much more money.

 

[02SE]

I have had both and currently have a 16 4Runner SR5 premium. You won’t go wrong with either. The Landcruiser is certain more luxurious but I like the clean simplicity of the 4Runner. Also didn’t want any detachable roll bars, etc. You can rent 4Runners from the major rental companies and Toyota - the ones from the dealers tend not to be as ragged on as the rental ones. I rented one for a week road trip and after that bought one. Also won’t go wrong with a LC if the price differential is not an issue. Also try the GX - it is the same as the 4Runner underneath but with the 4.6 v8 (timing belt - some people care) and the full time AWD like the 4Runner limited.

As far as the v6 being inadequate, that’s just nonsense. I have had ours loaded to the gills with kids bikes and dogs and it handles it on the interstate just fine. It has a long throttle and 270 or so hp, and a very flat torque curve. It is perfectly well suited to a vehicle like the 4runner and is durable as heck. So are the 5.7 in the LC and the 4.7 in the GX - again won’t go wrong with any of these motors.

One weakness on all these trucks is rust. I think Toyota falls short of the better European cars on rust prevention. So if driving in the salt belt, while I am not a fan of undercoating, permanent or ones that get reapplied, I would make a point of regularly having the underside cleaned during the winter months. Everything else is pretty bulletproof on all three of them.

Good luck!

One thing to note, is the different Lexus GX models. The older GX470 has the V8 with a timing belt. The newer GX460 has a V8 with a timing chain.

If the OP is wondering, the Dual VVT-i 1 GRFE in the 5th gen 4Runner uses a timing chain.

But yes if operated in a highly corrosive environment, taking measures to keep the rust at bay is appropriate. The same as it is with any other make and model of vehicle. Living where they love to use as much Salt and Salt brine as possible all winter long, I've seen every make and model of vehicle rotted away due to being neglected and not cleaned frequently throughout the winter Salt bath onslaught.

 

[Arch Stanton]

One thing to note, is the different Lexus GX models. The older GX470 has the V8 with a timing belt. The newer GX460 has a V8 with a timing chain.

If the OP is wondering, the Dual VVT-i 1 GRFE in the 5th gen 4Runner uses a timing chain.

But yes if operated in a highly corrosive environment, taking measures to keep the rust at bay is appropriate. The same as it is with any other make and model of vehicle. Living where they love to use as much Salt and Salt brine as possible all winter long, I've seen every make and model of vehicle rotted away due to being neglected and not cleaned frequently throughout the winter Salt bath onslaught.

I know most everyone on here likes to rag on Toyota about rust. I've never had an issue with rust on any of the many Toyota cars, SUV's and trucks I've owned and I live in a state where salt is dumped on the roads anytime someone says the word snow. And I keep my vehicles for 15 years and 200,000 miles before moving on. So what's the big secret to avoiding rust. I wash my cars on a regular basis.

 

[02SE]

I know most everyone on here likes to rag on Toyota about rust. I've never had an issue with rust on any of the many Toyota cars, SUV's and trucks I've owned and I live in a state where salt is dumped on the roads anytime someone says the word snow. And I keep my vehicles for 15 years and 200,000 miles before moving on. So what's the big secret to avoiding rust. I wash my cars on a regular basis.

Yep.

Here's my 3rd gen 4Runner I owned for 22+ years from new. NO rust, despite being driven on Salt encrusted roads all winter long every year, with trips to the Bonneville Salt Flats for Speedweek every year.

My secret to it being rust free? I washed the Salt off when it was coated in it.

The new owner parked it in the Handicapped spot...

 

[mdoan300]

As far as the v6 being inadequate, that’s just nonsense. I have had ours loaded to the gills with kids bikes and dogs and it handles it on the interstate just fine. It has a long throttle and 270 or so hp, and a very flat torque curve. It is perfectly well suited to a vehicle like the 4runner and is durable as heck. So are the 5.7 in the LC and the 4.7 in the GX - again won’t go wrong with any of these motors.

I go on a 2-week camping (and off roading) trip yearly, and I disagree. Loaded with gear, it has no passing power, especially at higher altitudes, and I have to keep it in 3rd or 4th gear. And my 4Runner is one of the lighter ones in my tribe - I don’t have steel bumpers, full steel skids, roof rack, RTT, etc; just an aluminum front skid plate, rock sliders, and a Yakima basket.

Making a Costco run? Sure, not a big deal.

 

[RAVL]

t

I go on a 2-week camping (and off roading) trip yearly, and I disagree. Loaded with gear, it has no passing power, especially at higher altitudes, and I have to keep it in 3rd or 4th gear. And my 4Runner is one of the lighter ones in my tribe - I don’t have steel bumpers, full steel skids, roof rack, RTT, etc; just an aluminum front skid plate, rock sliders, and a Yakima basket.

Making a Costco run? Sure, not a big deal.

Then why do you still have it? What wheels are you running?

Find a lot of folks add equipment to trucks, not just 4Runners, without realizing the impact of adding unsprung weight, rolling resistance, aerodynamic drag, etc.

I remember when large GM family sedans had 140hp growing up. That was underpowered! Or my wife’s first car, a VW with the 1.8 such that made a little over 100hp with a three speed auto - get comfortable on the way to 70.

No disrespect intended. I have just had a far different experience, and I say it as a former amateur racing so I have some familiarity with good performance from a car.

Take care.

 

[02SE]

I go on a 2-week camping (and off roading) trip yearly, and I disagree. Loaded with gear, it has no passing power, especially at higher altitudes, and I have to keep it in 3rd or 4th gear. And my 4Runner is one of the lighter ones in my tribe - I don’t have steel bumpers, full steel skids, roof rack, RTT, etc; just an aluminum front skid plate, rock sliders, and a Yakima basket.

Making a Costco run? Sure, not a big deal.

IIRC from a prior post about your 5th gen, you also have a lift, and more aggressive tires. Lifts really hurt the aerodynamics (such as they are) and roof baskets do too. More aggressive tires, even in the stock size, can knock off 2-3 MPG by themselves. Larger tires will drop the MPG more. All of that can really effect MPG, especially at speeds above 80 MPH.

I know on my (also Nautical Blue) TRD ORP, speeds above 55 mph really start to knock down MPG. At 50-55 MPH it can get 24 MPG on a day with temps just comfortable enough where I don't have to run the A/C. At 80 MPH I'm in the 18 MPG range. That's with stock ride height, no roof basket, and stock sized mild-tread Yokohama G015 A/T tires, but they are load range E.

I had a Datsun 720 King Cab 4x4. It had a whooping 86 hp when it was new. I got it with 140K on it. I'm sure it had lost some of the power it had originally. Now that was slow. My '93 Toyota SR5, 4wd, Extra Cab, 5-speed with the 3VZE, was a rocket in comparison. But it is considered slow today. Certainly in comparison to a 5th gen 4Runner it is.

Speed and power is relative.

 

[RAVL]

Yep.

Here's my 3rd gen 4Runner I owned for 22+ years from new. NO rust, despite being driven on Salt encrusted roads all winter long every year, with trips to the Bonneville Salt Flats for Speedweek every year.

My secret to it being rust free? I washed the Salt off when it was coated in it.

The new owner parked it in the Handicapped spot...

View attachment 237644

Beautiful truck.

Mine is solid underneath after 8 years, but I don’t like that some of the welds on the frame have superficial rust - more than on other trucks I have owned. It is superficial, and I am told it is nothing to worry about, but I clean it very throughly in the winter when the salt trucks are out. This is a minor issue in what otherwise has been a terrific, stress free ownership experience. I think the 5th gen’s are classics already. Yours looks good. Mine is an SR5 premium with a TRD skid plate I added, the premium running boards, and an exhaust finisher. Classic Silver. Love the truck but my soon to be 16 year old has his eyes on it!

 

[350Rocket]

I have had both and currently have a 16 4Runner SR5 premium. You won’t go wrong with either. The Landcruiser is certain more luxurious but I like the clean simplicity of the 4Runner. Also didn’t want any detachable roll bars, etc. You can rent 4Runners from the major rental companies and Toyota - the ones from the dealers tend not to be as ragged on as the rental ones. I rented one for a week road trip and after that bought one. Also won’t go wrong with a LC if the price differential is not an issue. Also try the GX - it is the same as the 4Runner underneath but with the 4.6 v8 (timing belt - some people care) and the full time AWD like the 4Runner limited.

As far as the v6 being inadequate, that’s just nonsense. I have had ours loaded to the gills with kids bikes and dogs and it handles it on the interstate just fine. It has a long throttle and 270 or so hp, and a very flat torque curve. It is perfectly well suited to a vehicle like the 4runner and is durable as heck. So are the 5.7 in the LC and the 4.7 in the GX - again won’t go wrong with any of these motors.

One weakness on all these trucks is rust. I think Toyota falls short of the better European cars on rust prevention. So if driving in the salt belt, while I am not a fan of undercoating, permanent or ones that get reapplied, I would make a point of regularly having the underside cleaned during the winter months. Everything else is pretty bulletproof on all three of them.

Good luck!

Where I live if you don't undercoat, the vehicle will likely be scrap in 10 years. The oil is annoying when you're working on it but it's better than seized bolts, rust in your eyes and just having to replace it in 10 years.
Don't understand why European vehicles have good rust prevention when the mechanicals typically write the vehicle off in 10 years anyway.

 

[350Rocket]

IIRC from a prior post about your 5th gen, you also have a lift, and more aggressive tires. Lifts really hurt the aerodynamics (such as they are) and roof baskets do too. More aggressive tires, even in the stock size, can knock off 2-3 MPG by themselves. Larger tires will drop the MPG more. All of that can really effect MPG, especially at speeds above 80 MPH.

I know on my (also Nautical Blue) TRD ORP, speeds above 55 mph really start to knock down MPG. At 50-55 MPH it can get 24 MPG on a day with temps just comfortable enough where I don't have to run the A/C. At 80 MPH I'm in the 18 MPG range. That's with stock ride height, no roof basket, and stock sized mild-tread Yokohama G015 A/T tires, but they are load range E.

View attachment 237658

I had a Datsun 720 King Cab 4x4. It had a whooping 86 hp when it was new. I got it with 140K on it. I'm sure it had lost some of the power it had originally. Now that was slow. My '93 Toyota SR5, 4wd, Extra Cab, 5-speed with the 3VZE, was a rocket in comparison. But it is considered slow today. Certainly in comparison to a 5th gen 4Runner it is.

Speed and power is relative.

I added about a 2" lift (torsion kit and extra set of rear leafs) plus upgraded 32" stock tires to 33" duratracs on my 05 Silverado with the smaller 4.8 LS V8 and it definitely lost about 2mpg. Power loss also but less noticeable, it just holds the gears out longer. Though I imagine if I was to reverse all the upgrades I would feel a power increase.
I also removed the bumper valence that catches on everything off road and that can really affect aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.

 

[burbguy82]

The Landcruiser is much more beefy than any like size SUV. It is way over done, much more substantial. I have owned Suburbans my whole life, and the LC is may more over built, and in looking sometimes a bit too much soo. They do have some things that are very expensive to repair. Three things, Cam tower leak, valley leak, and starter. All three of these things are big jobs, and very expensive, if you don't do them yourself.

The 4 Runner, by comparison is less substantial and cheaper to repair, with less amenities and "feel of quality" than the LC.

Obviously the LC has more capability, but low MPG, real low, with a small tank.

The LC is really in a class of its own, IMO.