2021 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2020 Toyota 4Runner

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was characterized by its tall slab sides, high beltline, and short overhangs, contributing to its timeless design. Its utilitarian attitude was reminiscent of an XJ Jeep Cherokee, with flared wheel wells designed to accommodate off-road tires and short overhangs for tackling steep terrains. The hood scoop, a visual cue for the off-road-focused TRD trim, was one of the few non-functional elements. The front end featured small, angular headlights, and the grille varied across trims, with the TRD Pro boasting blacked-out accents and the Limited trim featuring chrome. The trim lineup included SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, TRD Pro, and Limited, with the Nightshade and Venture Special Editions adding a stealth aesthetic. The Limited trim, aimed at comfort, featured leather upholstery and an 8-inch touchscreen, though it retained a utilitarian feel with plastic elements and a seating position designed for trails.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its final year of the current form, offered a Heritage Edition to celebrate its 65th anniversary. The standard spec model, however, arrived in Magnetic Gray with plush Terra leather upholstery. Its exterior, with giant headlights and a blizzard of chrome, resembled a first-generation Toyota Highlander with excessive upgrades. Inside, the Land Cruiser mixed Toyota parts-bin switchgear with high-quality materials, featuring a traditional hand-operated parking brake and a CD player. The interior design was a throwback, with plush materials and a commanding seating position. Despite its dated appearance, the Land Cruiser exuded a sense of luxury and nostalgia, reminiscent of a time when these SUVs were highly revered.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. This setup allowed for a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, though it was not known for fuel efficiency, with an EPA estimate of 16 mpg city, 19 highway, and 17 combined. The 4Runner excelled off-road, with its body-on-frame construction and advanced traction systems like CRAWL control and Multi-Terrain Select. The full-time 4WD system in the Limited trim was better suited for maintaining forward progress, while the part-time system in TRD models handled more challenging terrains.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 401 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel-drive system. With 90% of the torque available at 2,200 rpm, the Land Cruiser offered unexpected thrust, and the 'ECT Second' feature allowed for smoother launches. Its off-road capability was enhanced by a Torsen limited-slip differential, mud-and-snow tires, and a full-size spare tire. The Land Cruiser also included advanced traction systems like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, along with a sophisticated suspension system. On pavement, it offered a refined driving experience, though it required more steering effort when parking. The Land Cruiser was rated to tow up to 8,100 pounds.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner offered excellent outward visibility and a relatively tidy turning radius of 18 feet, 7 inches. Inside, it featured large, chunky knobs for HVAC and stereo controls, with an 8-inch touchscreen and an array of steering wheel controls. The tall seating position provided a commanding view, though power-retractable running boards were necessary for easier access. The 4Runner offered an optional third row of seats, though they were best suited for short and occasional use due to limited legroom and comfort.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior, despite its dated appearance, was swanky with plush leather upholstery and supportive seats. The front seats were heated and ventilated, and the SUV featured a four-zone automatic climate control system with 28 air vents. The second-row bench seat was roomy and heated, while the third-row seat could accommodate adults if the second row slid forward. Cargo space was 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 41.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 82.8 cubic feet with the second row down. The split clamshell-style liftgate and tailgate provided easy access and a convenient seating area.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. While Toyota's proprietary system was not difficult to understand, the onboard navigation system was less efficient than Google Maps. The 4Runner also offered Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth connectivity, and various subscription services. However, it lagged behind competitors in terms of total features and usability, with the most advanced features hidden in the powertrain.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's technology was a throwback, with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that required tapping rather than swiping. It ran Toyota Entune technology, lacking depth and modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The voice-recognition system was basic, and the dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system was dated. A 14-speaker JBL Synthesis audio system was standard, though it was not as high-end as those in other SUVs at this price point.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams. It also had eight standard airbags and received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it scored three stars in the rollover test. The IIHS gave it a Good rating in most crash tests, with a Marginal score in the small overlap front: driver-side test.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser featured 10 airbags and Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights. It also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, it lacked more advanced driving assistance systems like stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and automated lane-keeping assistance.