2024 Lexus TX vs 2025 Toyota 4Runner

The 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, yet it distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. It presented an upscale appearance, contrasting with the Grand Highlander's resemblance to a larger RAV4. The test model, featuring Luxury trim, boasted striking 22-inch silver-finished wheels, an expensive option that significantly enhanced the SUV's aesthetic and presence. The TX's styling was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, resulting in a conservative look that might appeal to those previously put off by the automaker's design. The 2024 Lexus TX was available in TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid series, with prices ranging from $55,050 to $69,350, including a $1,350 destination charge. The TX 350, likely the volume-selling version, came in base, Premium, or Luxury trim, equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and either FWD or AWD. The test vehicle, a TX 350 with FWD and Luxury trim, had a base price of $60,950, including destination, and featured a Convenience Package, Technology Package, and a 21-speaker surround-sound audio system, among other options, bringing the MSRP to $67,869. The interior, though dark with its Peppercorn color scheme, felt luxurious enough for the Lexus badge, despite lacking a massage function in the front seats.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner, in its sixth generation, didn't drastically change its design but evolved significantly. It retained the horseshoe-shaped grilles from the previous generation, now with a bulkier, industrial personality that defined much of the exterior. The side body panels featured deep beveled creases that blended well with the flared wheel arches, giving the 4Runner a broad-shouldered stance suitable for an off-road SUV. This iteration paid homage to previous generations without appearing desperate or kitschy, with features like the first-gen 4Runner's slanted rearmost window. Inside, the new model closely resembled the Toyota Tacoma pickup truck, with a beveled styling motif echoed throughout the cabin. The interior was purposeful yet comfortable and refined for its class, with an abundance of hard plastic for durability and light cushioning for comfort. The materials quality was superior to that of a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco but not as refined as the more expensive Land Rover Defender.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Despite initial skepticism about this engine choice for a midsize, three-row luxury SUV, it performed adequately in typical driving situations with up to four passengers. The engine's grating note and hints of torque steer with FWD were minor irritations. Lexus claimed the TX 350 could accelerate to 60 mph in eight seconds (7.8 seconds with AWD), though it felt quicker due to the torque swell. The EPA rated the TX 350 FWD at 23 mpg in combined driving, a slight improvement over the old RX L's 22 mpg. During testing, the TX 350 FWD averaged 20.4 mpg. AWD, costing an additional $1,600, offered slightly quicker acceleration and improved traction in adverse conditions, though it reduced city and highway fuel economy. The TX 350's suspension provided a firm yet comfortable ride, with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. The interior remained quiet on the highway, though the brake pedal felt too soft in the test car.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered two engine choices. Entry-level trims came with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 317 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup promised improved acceleration and fuel economy over the previous five-speed unit. RWD was standard on some trims, with 4WD available as an option, while off-road-oriented models came standard with 4WD. Toyota introduced a more potent i-Force Max Hybrid powertrain, combining the four-cylinder engine with a 1.87-kWh battery pack and an electric motor, delivering 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. This hybrid variant offered stronger power at lower speeds, advantageous for off-roading. The standard engine wasn't weak, though it required more effort for acceleration. The new 4Runner was quieter inside, reducing driver fatigue on long journeys. It felt more composed on pavement, with improved handling and reduced body roll compared to the previous generation. The 4Runner's off-road prowess remained intact, with nine distinct trims offering varying levels of capability. The TRD Pro and Trailhunter models were the most impressive, though the Trailhunter's snorkel added wind noise.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. The GX and LX were off-road-focused, compromising on-road dynamics, while the RX L was too small for adult passengers in the third row. The TX rectified these issues, offering a habitable third-row seat for adults. The TX 350 Luxury featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row bench seat was standard, with captain's chairs as an option. The front seats lacked a massage function but were comfortable, with a supportive driving position. The second-row seat, though not as welcoming, met segment expectations with triple-zone climate control and USB ports. The third-row seat provided leg support and a good view, with some cargo space available. However, sliding the second-row seat forward for third-row comfort reduced second-row legroom. The TX offered numerous storage options, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise. Cargo space measured 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.4 cubic feet with the third row folded and 97 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner was five inches longer than its predecessor, with a 2.4-inch longer wheelbase. Despite this, passenger space gains were minimal. The front seats accommodated taller passengers, but the middle row offered only adequate legroom. Third-row seating was available on non-hybrid models but was cramped, with cushions mounted to the floor, providing no thigh support. The cockpit was well-organized, with logically placed controls. Climate controls featured oversized knobs for easy adjustment, and off-road controls were grouped for no-look operation. Additional controls allowed for auxiliary equipment and headlight adjustments. The 4Runner offered numerous off-road features, though not all were clearly labeled. Towing capacity ranged from 5,800 to 6,000 pounds. Storage included door pockets, a dashboard tray, cupholders, and a center armrest bin. Cargo capacity was slightly reduced, measuring 44.8 cubic feet behind the second row, with the hybrid's batteries further reducing it to 42.6 cubic feet. A sturdy roof rack compensated for cargo deficits, supporting a static load of 800 pounds.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured an optional Technology Package, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist. However, the package replaced marked steering wheel controls with unmarked dual-purpose ones, requiring drivers to reference the head-up display, which was often invisible with polarized sunglasses. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen, was user-friendly, especially with the complimentary three-year Drive Connect subscription, offering cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant with natural voice recognition. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, with easy connectivity. The TX offered free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, providing features like automatic collision notification and a stolen vehicle locator. Wi-Fi Connect and Remote Connect added further connectivity options. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay surround-sound system provided impressive audio quality.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with a 14-inch option available. Both were user-friendly, with logical menus and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad were available. A digital instrument panel was standard on Hybrid variants and optional on others. Off-road-focused models featured external camera views for precise tire placement, with automatic activation at low speeds. A 14-speaker JBL premium audio system was available, along with a portable center speaker that doubled as a Bluetooth speaker. Remote monitoring and control were accessible via a smartphone app, with a digital key function replacing the key fob. These features marked a significant advancement for the 4Runner, aligning it with rivals.

The 2024 Lexus TX came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), featuring adaptive cruise control with curve speed adjustment, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, intersection assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, road sign assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Proactive Drive Assist, part of LSS+ 3.0, offered braking and steering assistance, though it wasn't entirely transparent. The TX also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. Optional features included front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist. The traffic jam assist system provided hands-free driving at low speeds on approved highways. LSS+ 3.0 proved smooth and effective, though it slowed too dramatically when other motorists cut in, causing frustration.

As of this writing, crash test results for the 2025 Toyota 4Runner were unavailable from the NHTSA or IIHS. However, the Tacoma pickup truck, on which the 4Runner is based, was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. All 4Runner models came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a traffic sign reader, and automatic high beams. Proactive Driving Assist, which automatically slowed the vehicle on curves, was also included but could be disabled if intrusive. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alerts was optional.