Toyota 4Runner vs Cadillac LYRIQ

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ was a striking vehicle with a design that commanded attention. Its exterior styling was reminiscent of a long sedan, despite being an SUV, with a long hood and low ground clearance. The vehicle's design drew inspiration from the classic Seville, featuring a long wheelbase, short tail, and wide track. The front of the LYRIQ was adorned with vertical light bars and nine LED headlights that performed a light show upon unlocking. The grille varied between trims, with the Sport trim showcasing a dark triangular motif. The LYRIQ's design was further enhanced by its 22-inch wheels, though the effect was diminished with the standard 20-inch wheels. The interior was meticulously crafted, with leather-wrapped seats, polished controls, and a unique steering wheel. However, the floating center console was a design misstep, offering little functionality. The 33-inch OLED display was a standout feature, seamlessly integrated into the cabin.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, maintained a more traditional SUV design, evolving rather than revolutionizing its appearance. The exterior featured a bulkier, industrial look with deep beveled creases and flared wheel arches, giving it a broad-shouldered stance. The design paid homage to previous generations, with elements like the slanted rearmost window. Inside, the 4Runner shared similarities with the Toyota Tacoma, featuring a purposeful and comfortable cabin. While there was an abundance of hard plastic, the materials were of higher quality than those in competitors like the Jeep Wrangler. The interior was designed with practicality in mind, with controls that were easy to use even with gloves on. The 4Runner's design was functional and rugged, suitable for off-road adventures.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ was not as sporty as its exterior suggested. It excelled on the interstate, offering a calm and poised ride with a focus on long-distance comfort. The dual-motor powertrain in the test car produced 500 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque, providing continuous all-wheel drive. The standard setup was a single rear motor with 340 horsepower. Both powertrains used a 102-kilowatt-hour battery pack, with Cadillac claiming a range of 314 miles for rear-wheel drive and 307 miles for all-wheel drive. However, real-world testing showed a maximum range closer to 260 miles. The LYRIQ's handling was hindered by its weight, with understeer and uninspiring steering feel. Regenerative braking was available, but the overall chassis needed improvement.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered two engine options. The standard 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produced 317 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The more powerful i-Force Max Hybrid powertrain combined the four-cylinder engine with a 1.87-kWh battery pack, delivering 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid variant provided stronger power at lower speeds, ideal for off-roading. The 4Runner was more composed on pavement than its predecessor, with improved handling and reduced body roll. It remained capable off-road, with nine distinct trims offering varying levels of off-road abilities. The TRD Pro and Trailhunter models were particularly impressive, though the Trailhunter's snorkel added wind noise.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ faced challenges with build quality and functionality. Misaligned rear fenders, a faulty charging port, and a problematic pull-out tray were notable issues. The glovebox was difficult to access while driving, and the floating console offered limited space. The rotary selector for the touchscreen was less intuitive than using the screen directly. Despite these drawbacks, the LYRIQ provided generous headroom and legroom, with a spacious back seat. However, its cargo space was limited, measuring 28 cubic feet behind the seats and 60.8 cubic feet when folded.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner was five inches longer than its predecessor, with a slightly longer wheelbase. While front passenger space was ample, the middle row offered only adequate legroom. Third-row seating was available on non-hybrid models but was cramped and uncomfortable. The cockpit was well-organized, with controls designed for ease of use. The 4Runner offered numerous off-road features, though some controls were not clearly labeled. Towing capacity ranged from 5,800 to 6,000 pounds. Cargo capacity was slightly reduced, with 44.8 cubic feet behind the second row and 42.6 cubic feet in the hybrid variant. A sturdy roof rack compensated for any cargo deficits.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ featured a 33-inch OLED screen divided into three sections. The leftmost portion was touch-enabled for various controls, while the main touchscreen ran Google Maps and Google Assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The Super Cruise system offered hands-free driving, with a helpful colored bar on the steering wheel indicating system status. The 19-speaker AKG stereo provided excellent sound quality.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with a 14-inch option available. Both screens were user-friendly, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Off-road models featured external camera views for precise tire placement. A 14-speaker JBL audio system was available, along with a portable Bluetooth speaker. Remote monitoring and control were possible through a smartphone app, and a digital key function was offered.

As of this writing, the 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Cadillac's Safety Alert Seat. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera system, and rear emergency braking.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the Tacoma, on which it was based, was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. The 4Runner came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which included frontal collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alerts was optional.