Exec Hints at Toyota Land Cruiser Returning to USA

Is this the real reason why 6th gen 4Runner is delayed?

Interview conducted by Motor Trend, Toyota executive says that the Land Cruiser is likely to come back to US and Canada.

Speculation is whether we get the Landcruiser Prado, 300, or something unique to North America. And where will it fit between 4Runner and Sequoia models.

2023 LC Prado
https://www.toyota.com.au/-/media/t...rado/files/20221202_prado_online-brochure.pdf



2023 LC 300

https://www.toyota.com.au/-/media/t...c300/files/lc300_online-brochure_20220622.pdf

 

The Prado and Landcruiser weren't being designed for America, they were designed of AU/NZ and Middle East where they are ultra popular. The problem is Toyota has so many SUVs and Crossovers. They have the CH-R, bZ4X (TF is that name) EV, Corolla Cross, Rav4, Venza, 4runner, Highlander, Grand Highlander, and the Sequoia.

I doubt we will get the Prado, it is the direct equivalent to the 4runner (it was the successor to the 4runner in some markets). The Grand Highlander will sit between the 4runner/Highlander and the Sequoia to fill the "nearly unusable 3rd row" segment. If they bring the Land Cruiser here, it should compete with the Wrangler or be a successor to the FJC. They wont sell well if Toyota makes the same mistake and sells the Land Cruiser with a Lexus price tag. That was so stupid.

Clearly off road prowess is the only thing that differentiates Toyota's SUVs anymore. The 4runner is closer in dimensions to the Highlander than I bet some of the Highlander competition is (191x76x72 vs 195x76x68), yet 4runners were getting crazy mark ups and hold value better. After the Grand Highlander, there are no more size niches. Any SUV they release will cannibalize sales of another unless it's something other than a family SUV that's maybe good in the snow

 

Article from Motor Trend with link to interview.

https://www.motortrend.com/news/toyota-land-cruiser-likely-return-us-market/

 

Interesting read, One would think they would want to maximize the global platform.

 

I don't believe Toyota has any appetite for changing T4R. If not broken, why fix it.

Saw what happened to Venza. Top selling until they stopped production and came back with an unpopular Venza upgrade that nobody wants.

Gone are the day of Supersize SUVs. Baby Boomers. I believe Sequoia and GX460 are struggling to hold value

Just my 2c

 

Seems like the Prado and esp. the LC300 are in a different class altogether. Maybe more like a MBZ G 550. The current pricing for a LC300 GR Sport is ~ $100,000 USD, converted from AUD. Not sure how many people buying a TRD Pro would be able to spring for that. I do love the idea of the 3.3L twin turbo diesel V6 that averages over 26MPG. The lowest trim GX is a mere $67,000 USD with the same power plant.

 

Something LC is coming according to Toyota USA social media posts today…
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CtasgURO6UO/?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

 

Looks like you were right

 

The Lexus GX 460 is a Land Cruiser Prado. I almost bought a year old used one which was close to the same price as my brand new 4Runner but with a V8. The only reason I didn’t was because they require premium fuel.

 

No V8, no V6. Hybrid / 4 cylinder only. Haven't seen any specs yet except for hp and torque. But thought they might have offered this with the same hybrid/twin turbo v6 as the Sequoia. I think this pretty much guarantees that the Gen6 4Runner will also be a 4 cylinder hybrid.

 

I thought the 4cy turbo thing was a given at this point. No way we get V8 or V6 for the 4Runner. But damn it would be so nice. But EPA regs in US and everyone pushing for way better mileage out of new cars.

Makes me really wish I had bought the last V8 model in 2009.

 

You still can.

 

From what I've read, its more about emissions than mileage. 4 cylinder engines emit a tiny amount less of that evil CO2 and other gasses. My ideal engine would be a six cylinder diesel. But in the US, that is just not gonna happen.

 

Good morning All,
This 2024 Land Cruiser looks amazing to me. And I agree, diesel six cylinder option would force me to get in line right now.
The iforce max gives me pause. Wait and see. But the 465 lb.ft. of torque is something I'd love to have in my 4runner...and the 27 mpg.
I have to say that I prefer my vehicles made in Japan over anywhere else. Land Cruiser built in Japan vs. 4Runner built in Mexico is a no brainer for me.
Have a nice Sunday.

 

That is a slick looking color combo on that vehicle.

The Land Cruiser will be offered in a limited run of just 5,000 units for the first two months of production, known as the "First Edition." If I had the storage space, I'd probably buy one just to park it for 20+ years. Probably be a decent investment.