Toyota is continuing its foray into the off-road SUV market with two big drops: all-new models 4People run and completely new Land Cruiser. Both SUVs seem solid terrain roadthey sit on the same TNGA-F truck platformand they even share some similar ingredients. Is there really enough of a distinct audience to attract both of these highly similar machines? I had to find out.
During Toyota’s launch event for the new Land Cruiser, Tacoma hybrid, Camry and Crown Signia, I spoke with Kalifa Sprowl, senior marketing planner for Land Cruiser, about the ultimate goals for the Land Cruiser, especially when it’s housed in the Toyota’s larger body. -on landscape frame.
“All of our vehicles have a certain character that attracts a certain type of buyer,” Sprowl said. “The 4Runner and Land Cruiser are interesting in that they occupy a growing segment, so we’re talking to a number of different customers about our vehicles. The differentiating factor between the two is that if you want something more rugged and off-road, something that’s capable but still has great overall style, you’re probably looking at the 4Runner vs. Land Cruiser. If you still want that capability and off-road confidence with a little more refined luxury, then you’re looking more towards the Land Cruiser.”
To better illustrate what Sprowl means, let’s look at the two TNGA-F SUVs side by side, starting with their similarities. Both are powered by Toyota’s turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine combined with a hybrid system; As a result, both will produce 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. Both have a 112.2-inch wheelbase and an eight-speed automatic transmission, and both vehicles offer four-wheel drive, although only the 4Runner has a two-wheel-drive option. Both have the same 6,000 lb towing capacity.
The 4Runner is 1.1 inches longer than the Land Cruiser, allowing for an optional third-row seat that the LC lacks, but the Land Cruiser is 5.3 inches taller than the 4Runner. The 4Runner has 9.2 inches of ground clearance, while the Land Cruiser has only 8.0 inches.
Underneath, both get a double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link coil-over rear suspension, along with a disconnecting electronic sway bar. But the Land Cruiser has only one form of suspension architecture among all its trims, while the 4Runner has road-going models sprinkled in and between powerful off-road-specific suspension platforms. .
On the Trailhunter version of the 4Runner, you can expect a 32-degree approach angle and a 24-degree departure angle, while the Land Cruiser has a 31-degree approach angle and a 14-degree departure angle.
Basically, styling aside, the biggest difference between the 4Runner and the Land Cruiser is that the Land Cruiser is a bit more luxurious and not as capable as the 4Runner. The Land Cruiser is designed for a more comfortable off-road experience, while the 4Runner Trailhunter will give you a truly dedicated and rugged experience. Considering how popular off-road SUVs are these days, there’s easily a market for both.
