4Runner vs LC250
- Thread starter jbe2289
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We have the 25 Land Cruiser Premium and the 25 4Runner Sport Premium non-hybrid. I drive the LC and my wife drives the 4R, for us the overall styling and his/hers use works nicely.
Anyone shopping should look at bothā¦
The 4Runner is nicer in many regards, styling, interior, and options but Iād label it better as more of a daily driver or roadtrip ride where as the LC Iād say shines for the off-road styling and features.
I wouldnāt necessarily knock either other than options/selection from the factory. Hereās some things I can think of offhand:
ā¢We hate the large screen on the 4R. LC screen is just right.
ā¢You can get a Premium packaged 4R without the moonroof (a big plus for us).
ā¢4R has passenger lumbar support but the LC does not <- weird right?
ā¢LC lacks usable storage for the driver. They could have easily at least put some storage for sunglasses overhead /:
ā¢LC has rear comfort controls. The Sport does not but Iām not sure about the other high end trims???
ā¢The rear bumper parts and hitch diaper on the LC are an abomination - hoping for someone to step up aftermarket!
ā¢The LC is roomier, I can see this as an issue for taller/larger people in the 4R (not us) but again not as nicely styled as the 4R.
ā¢4R non-hybrid is almost layflat in the back. You need some kind of riser for the LC but once you level it you have about another foot to stretch out.
ā¢Gotta love that power rear window on the 4R
Edit: After a few months of use weāve noticed a quieter ride and better sound system in the 4R.
Anyone shopping should look at bothā¦
The 4Runner is nicer in many regards, styling, interior, and options but Iād label it better as more of a daily driver or roadtrip ride where as the LC Iād say shines for the off-road styling and features.
I wouldnāt necessarily knock either other than options/selection from the factory. Hereās some things I can think of offhand:
ā¢We hate the large screen on the 4R. LC screen is just right.
ā¢You can get a Premium packaged 4R without the moonroof (a big plus for us).
ā¢4R has passenger lumbar support but the LC does not <- weird right?
ā¢LC lacks usable storage for the driver. They could have easily at least put some storage for sunglasses overhead /:
ā¢LC has rear comfort controls. The Sport does not but Iām not sure about the other high end trims???
ā¢The rear bumper parts and hitch diaper on the LC are an abomination - hoping for someone to step up aftermarket!
ā¢The LC is roomier, I can see this as an issue for taller/larger people in the 4R (not us) but again not as nicely styled as the 4R.
ā¢4R non-hybrid is almost layflat in the back. You need some kind of riser for the LC but once you level it you have about another foot to stretch out.
ā¢Gotta love that power rear window on the 4R
Edit: After a few months of use weāve noticed a quieter ride and better sound system in the 4R.
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How is NVH of LC250 vs 2025 4R in your opinion?
I might agree with what OP is saying. I have LC250 coming from 5th gen 4R and the 4R has a much quieter cabin and more solid build. The LC250 engine vibrates into the cabin and makes all sorts of loud rattles and droning that passengers have noticed and dislike. More creaks and rattles in the LC250 interior as well. I wonder if 6th gen 4R built better?
I might agree with what OP is saying. I have LC250 coming from 5th gen 4R and the 4R has a much quieter cabin and more solid build. The LC250 engine vibrates into the cabin and makes all sorts of loud rattles and droning that passengers have noticed and dislike. More creaks and rattles in the LC250 interior as well. I wonder if 6th gen 4R built better?
I didnāt drive the ā25 4R, but I sat in some and spent some time analyzing the look and feel of everything, comparing to both my ā24 LC and my prior ā19 4R Pro.
Hereās my thoughts:
Overall, I think the ā25 4R is a step backwards vs the prior 4R gen, despite some improvementsā¦getting in, I hit my head on the roof (only 6ā2ā), while on my old 4R, and my LC, I can just slide right in w/out ducking. This alone would keep me away for the 4R, but this flaw is on top of less cargo space (hybrids) and a worse folding seat designā¦and all that is on top of the fact no one really wanted a 4cyl. The old 4R 6 cyl. really just needed a new 8+ speed transmission to improve economy, not a new engine. I think the LC should have the GX550 turbo-6 engine and the 4R should have a NA 6cyl option for the OR, Pro and TH versions.
The interior of the new 4R is a big improvement over the last 4R, but I still like my LC interior much better. I think the removable portable JBL speaker is stupid/gimmicky.
Toyota really needs to stop with the fake hood-scoop/ventsā¦this is a big plus for the LC and a big negative for the 4R. Fake vents kill the Supra design too, but thatās for another discussion.
The door handles look weird when looking at the profile of the new 4Rā¦the door handles on the rear doors are higher than the front doors, and I think it messes up the lookā¦.worse than the last gen. Iād say the new 4R suffers from over-designā¦as if they hired one of the Corvette guys.
This all said, if they release the 4R Pro in voodoo blue, I might be swayed back to 4Rā¦
Hereās my thoughts:
Overall, I think the ā25 4R is a step backwards vs the prior 4R gen, despite some improvementsā¦getting in, I hit my head on the roof (only 6ā2ā), while on my old 4R, and my LC, I can just slide right in w/out ducking. This alone would keep me away for the 4R, but this flaw is on top of less cargo space (hybrids) and a worse folding seat designā¦and all that is on top of the fact no one really wanted a 4cyl. The old 4R 6 cyl. really just needed a new 8+ speed transmission to improve economy, not a new engine. I think the LC should have the GX550 turbo-6 engine and the 4R should have a NA 6cyl option for the OR, Pro and TH versions.
The interior of the new 4R is a big improvement over the last 4R, but I still like my LC interior much better. I think the removable portable JBL speaker is stupid/gimmicky.
Toyota really needs to stop with the fake hood-scoop/ventsā¦this is a big plus for the LC and a big negative for the 4R. Fake vents kill the Supra design too, but thatās for another discussion.
The door handles look weird when looking at the profile of the new 4Rā¦the door handles on the rear doors are higher than the front doors, and I think it messes up the lookā¦.worse than the last gen. Iād say the new 4R suffers from over-designā¦as if they hired one of the Corvette guys.
This all said, if they release the 4R Pro in voodoo blue, I might be swayed back to 4Rā¦
OP
OP
- Thread starter
- #25
That is precisely my point. The 6th Gen 4R has better NVH; it is quieter, feels more solid (no vibration), and is refined compared to the LC250. The fact that the 4R is a North American specific vehicle, Toyota definitely added in more sound deadening and dampening to reduce noise and vibration. For instance, the LC250 doors feel light and sound hollow when shutting them. The 4R doors feel and sound more substantial. All this is to say, the LC250 is my favorite vehicle that I've owned, and I have no plans to part with it anytime soon. And I agree with the interior, minus the hybrid battery bump; I like the LC250 interior more. Also, the 3-zone climate with roof vents is big for me. The LC250 styling is more classic and conservative, which I like. The styling on the 4R is overdone, especially in pictures and on models with fake vents. The Off-Road seems to be a sweet spot for it, and with wheels and the air dam removed, it looks good.
FACTS.
Not true. I currently own a 2019 TRD Pro 4runner which we bought new in 2019. We also have a 2024 LC250 with Premium Package. Often i drive both in the same day. The 4runner is unquestionably louder in the cabin, on or off road. Neither car has engine vibration into the cabin, though some vibration (small) into the 4runner steering wheel. Non at all into the land cruiser. No difference in build quality between the two, however the LC has much better/nicer interior materials.
The only thing the 4runner has the LC beat on, the V6 sounds better/cooler than the Turbo Hybrid 4.
This. The light hollow sound of the doors seems very cheap. They need some deadening material in them for sure.
Another thing on the 4R Sport worth noting is there is a lot of flex and vibration in the hood, enough that itās on the project list to try to stiffen up somehowā¦ Going back to options from the factory if we could have chosen, it would have been matched fender flares (Sport) and the regular hood (any other model) but sadly we have to choose one or the other /:
Even better, 5th gen 4runner, v6, 19mpg freeway (stock wheels), same cargo space floor to ceiling compared to LC250, and more classic looking interior compared to 6th gen that looks like computer case designed for teenage market.
So this weekend swung by my local Toyota dealership to checkout the new 4Runner just out of curiosity. While I love the 4Runner and being a previous owner of a '97 4R and selling that for my LC-prem I do not regret my decision going with the LC over the 4Runner.
I originally was holding out for the 4R, specifically the Trailerhunter edition because I am that person that wants all the features even if I might not fully utilize them to their limits. However with Toyota delaying the 4Runner release and also the cluster mess of market adjustments and sillyness of dealerships and being about the get my '25LC way earlier and at the price I did I can say much happier on a lot of aspects.
I love the styling of the LC, the 4Runner style is nice, but I just love the boxy style of the LC it is basically the upgraded FJcrusier dream vehicle for me from style perspective. The air dam in the 4Runner is halarious to see in person gave me a chuckle with it, would come off day #1 for me. Also the style felt a bit like a Ford explorer in the body shaping, but had that Toyota style touch to it, not great not terrible it seemed rugged and such.
What I do like on the 4Runner I wish my LC had softex over leather. I love the softex in my Tacoma it so damn durable against the insanely I have thrown at it. The 4Runner's passenger doors open much wider which would have been nicer for my dog to get in and I feel like a ramp or something would be easier to fit/design for the doors compared to the constant ideas I've been through for my LC haha. But that is the Wagon vs. SUV styling that I have come to terms with. But I would love to convert my LC passenger back doors to open wider like the 4Runner if I could.
In the end I am really happy with the choice I went with even for a few simple reasoning. I am pretty simple when it comes to vehicles, I want something that goes a to b and allows me to go goof off in the dirt and trails. I'm not a rock crawler and honestly I like my simple trails with not huge technical challenges, the LC is perfect for that. If anything it is my daily passenger car to and from work most of the time and my Tacoma is the dog hauler (the Taco is my dog's truck no longer mine lol). I'm happy that Toyota did do an overall good job with the 4Runner and it has its multi-level choices and have always enjoyed that. I get a lot of compliments and looks when driving my LC also which is cool.
I originally was holding out for the 4R, specifically the Trailerhunter edition because I am that person that wants all the features even if I might not fully utilize them to their limits. However with Toyota delaying the 4Runner release and also the cluster mess of market adjustments and sillyness of dealerships and being about the get my '25LC way earlier and at the price I did I can say much happier on a lot of aspects.
I love the styling of the LC, the 4Runner style is nice, but I just love the boxy style of the LC it is basically the upgraded FJcrusier dream vehicle for me from style perspective. The air dam in the 4Runner is halarious to see in person gave me a chuckle with it, would come off day #1 for me. Also the style felt a bit like a Ford explorer in the body shaping, but had that Toyota style touch to it, not great not terrible it seemed rugged and such.
What I do like on the 4Runner I wish my LC had softex over leather. I love the softex in my Tacoma it so damn durable against the insanely I have thrown at it. The 4Runner's passenger doors open much wider which would have been nicer for my dog to get in and I feel like a ramp or something would be easier to fit/design for the doors compared to the constant ideas I've been through for my LC haha. But that is the Wagon vs. SUV styling that I have come to terms with. But I would love to convert my LC passenger back doors to open wider like the 4Runner if I could.
In the end I am really happy with the choice I went with even for a few simple reasoning. I am pretty simple when it comes to vehicles, I want something that goes a to b and allows me to go goof off in the dirt and trails. I'm not a rock crawler and honestly I like my simple trails with not huge technical challenges, the LC is perfect for that. If anything it is my daily passenger car to and from work most of the time and my Tacoma is the dog hauler (the Taco is my dog's truck no longer mine lol). I'm happy that Toyota did do an overall good job with the 4Runner and it has its multi-level choices and have always enjoyed that. I get a lot of compliments and looks when driving my LC also which is cool.
OP
OP
- Thread starter
- #32
There is so much improvement in the new platform; in my mind, there is no comparison between the 5th-gen
and the LC250 and 6th-gen. I drove a 5th-gen and the LC back to back before purchasing the LC. The NVH improvement with the new platform is substantial. The handling, body roll, and power is vastly improved. Time will tell on the reliability, but I don't think Toyota messed this up - the transmission might be the weak point on early models - not the engine
Going from a 5th-gen to the LC250 I think would be seamless and a big upgrade. Going to the 6th-gen adds a whole lot more intrusive tech and styling. But the point of my post, would score some more refinement in the NVH category with the 6th-gen. There are definite differences with big ones being the roll down rear window, climate zones, screen placement and size, non-hybrid options, and biggest of all the excellent full-time 4WD in the LC.
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Did a test drive of a 4Runner TRD Off-Road yesterday. Here are my observation comparing it my 2024 LC 1958:
Bottom line - the 4Runner looks like a great option for predominantly off-road use, but for long(er) road trips or even city driving, the LC just feels more comfortable. The 4Runner feels like a "single purpose" vehicle, while the LC is more "universal" do-everything SUV.
- The 4Runner suspension feels stiffer than the LC. The LC has definitely more comfortable ride. The LC also seems to handle better on curves. Some of that may be due to different tires.
- I actually found the 4Runner to be noisier. I drove to the dealer in the LC, so it was back-to-back comparison.
- The seats in the LC are definitely more comfortable. Front seats are more supportive. Rear seat bottom cushion in the 4Runner is very low, leaving my knees up in the air - not comfortable for longer rides.
- The LC has more headroom, so the interior feels more airy and spacious. I'm 5'7 and I found the headroom in the 4Runner "claustrophobic" (BTW, I have the same complaint with the Tacoma). The LC has also bigger side windows, which helps the overall feeling of "airiness".
- I didn't like the hodge-podge of different colors and textures on the 4Runner dashboard and door trim. The fake aluminum knobs and trim looks tacky and cheap. Same for exterior styling. The 4Runner looks like something Homer Simpson would design - it may appeal to some, but I prefer "simple elegance" of the LC. Kind of like the difference between a KIA and Lexus - one is flashy, the other is elegant - they appeal to different types of consumers.
- The 4Runner I drove had only single-zone A/C. Needless to say, I prefer the 3-zone A/C of the LC.
- I did like the fact that 4Runner has more storage space.
Bottom line - the 4Runner looks like a great option for predominantly off-road use, but for long(er) road trips or even city driving, the LC just feels more comfortable. The 4Runner feels like a "single purpose" vehicle, while the LC is more "universal" do-everything SUV.
OP
OP
- Thread starter
- #34
Was the 4R OR a premium or base model? Iām not sure on what Toyota does differently on these, but it is common to have more sound deadening and laminated glass on premium trims. Toyota did not do this on the LC250 though.
Talk to me about how superior the 4R is when you have to drive through switchback trails in 4LO. 
I think if youāre into harder core off-roading then the Trailhunter trim package might be worthwhile (bigger rear diff, better ground clearance) but if youāre looking for a combo of things (good for everyday and good enough for occasional offroad) then the LC 250 is probably a better bet. The Trailhunter trim and the LC250 are likely comparable in cost.
It was TRD Off-Road hybrid (i-FORCE MAX). I don't think it was Premium but not 100% sure.
BTW, although Toyota doesn't say if they used sound deadening glass in the LC, the front door glass in the LC is 5mm think while rear door it is 3mm thick (same as my wife's Lexus NX). For comparison, my daughter's RAV4 has 3 mm glass in both front and rear doors. So I suspect Toyota used Lexus-style side glass in the LC, just didn't write about. Can't speak for the windshield, though.
I test drove the new 4R (I think it was a limited trim) while waiting for an oil change on my LC LC premium. I am 100% certain LC LC premium is significantly less noisy than new 4R.
In the LC, I donāt hear the parking break engaging or the hybrid hum, both are very noticeable in the 4R. So it is possible that higher trims have better sound isolation.
Late to game, but I first bought the LC because the 4R TDR Pro was a ways from being built I was told by my salesman whom I trust. I had researched the heck out the GX Overtrail, LC and 4R TRD Pro as I was looking for the replacement for my Defender which I loved to drive but hated the lack of reliability. The GX you could not order. I hated the Defender so much, that I bout the available LC but told them to add me to the wait list on the Pro. A few weeks later, they got a Pro in and called me. Went over and drove it along with a friend of mine who had also ridden in the LC. Frankly, I would go with either but in the end, the upgrade in luxury and siting up a bit higher made me stay with the LC. They did a much better job on the tires with the Pro and it is just a tad bit quieter on the road at higher speeds. Both are firm. The Pro has a bit more storage space. Both solid rides. Could go wrong with either but I want to be pampered a bit.
Yeah. Iām 6ā4 and had the 2024 4R ProTRD. I couldnāt get past the fact that moonroof took away headroom and I had less than 2 fingers widths of head room. I traded for the LC LC without moonroof. Much better.
