I think the new Land Cruiser honeymoon is over

I see a similar windshield angle which helps but there’s only so much that can be done with a boxy SUV bodystyle.

Especially for a mass-market offering, an automaker probably doesn’t want to go too bonkers because they don’t want to become the next Cybertruck, Aztek, etc. even though some more striking designs can also look good.

I know it seems we’re not getting the Tasman in North America but that’s also up there and in recent memory.

And that’s before we get into regulations such as requiring taillights to (understandably) not be on a movable part of the rear of the vehicle.

So some have a second set of lights underneath the hatch, some push it down into the bumper (Bolt EUV) and others reduce them to a bright couple dots on the sides (Forester, Corolla Cross) to work around that while fitting other design goals such as a wider hatch.

 

Haha! Pontiac Aztek. The Gremlin of its day …

 

I have seen only two of these new Land Cruisers on the road around here. To me, they look... Plain. Not impressive for the price point.

 

What I look for on a Land Cruiser is capability first.

 

That makes sense. I was on the freeway so I got a good look from the back and sides by adjusting my speed. I found it disturbing how low the spare tire hangs underneath. I could see it possibly being an issue with certain departure angles. In my opinion, considering how much the truck costs, and then lots of money to spend to make this more useful - no thanks.

 

Ha! I saw a Gremlin just this afternoon!

 

I think that’s good luck! (Oh wait. Maybe it’s bad luck. I can’t remember.)

 

Just don't feed them after midnight, right?

 

Back to the topic, sort of, with a somewhat controversial question: In what ways is the 6th Gen 4Runner better than the Land Cruiser?

 

I just want old school capability in a modern platform. No 4 cylinder turbo motor and no hybrid. Creature comfort is secondary to functionality. 300 Hp and I don’t care what the fuel mileage is.

 

Some might not be apparent until they show up on lots but I’d say the big ones are lower starting cost and having a gas-only (no cargo area battery hump) + third row option, roll-down rear window but they’re pretty similar in bones and size.

 

Powertrain aside, the roll-down rear window is the feature I'd miss first.

 

Same with me. I set it and forget it.

 

I guess we are all gonna be buying Nissan Frontiers going forward.

 

Lol. Good luck with the 300HP part. And, well, all of that, really.

As @FourBelugas mentioned, you better run out and get a Nissan Frontier ASAP.

 

Nope! Nissan is circling the drain, I think financially anyway.
The better solution is keeping my 2015 Tacoma TRD Sport and my 2019 T4R. Both of these trucks will likely outlive me, and if you all want to you can four wheel on my grave with your Frontiers.

 

If you put 20% down on a (stripped) LC 1958 ($58k), after tax, dealer fee, and tags, financed at 7%, your payment would be close to 900 bucks for 72 very long months. Consider that the average new car payment is already over $700, which, to a lot of reasonable folks, is pretty crazy.

That’s as compelling of an argument that I could imagine to hold onto your current Toyota 4Runner. Definitely motivation to find one of the last new ones for sale.

 

They sell like crazy here in Maine. I almost bought one for my wife with the intention of taking it over once I sell my 4Runner in X number of years. I liked most things about it except the power delivery. The hybrid has some get up and go but the larger turbo choice Toyota made for reliability means that the electric assist cuts before the turbo fully spools which leads to a weird acceleration from a stop and lots of waiting for the turbo to spool before getting power to pass, my supercharged 4Runner puts it to shame. I’m sure they will fix this with software or hardware with the refresh so I’m hoping out for now.

The aftermarket will come out before too long and add lots more power as well. Coming from the Euro world of high HP (and reliable) 4cyl engines I am still excited to see what is to come.

 

I know two folks who already traded in theirs for the GX550. Didn't like the powertrain or the lack of interior "goodies".

 

Yeah, I don't care about the goodies.
I'm of a mixed mind about the powertrain. I'm intrigued by and open to both hybrid and EV, but this takes away from the simple "fix on the trail" with safety wire, duct tape, WD40, and a few well thought out spare parts approach that the Landcruiser is renowned for.

 

Spent about 1 hour seat time in Land cruiser with Land cruiser trim on pavement and some driving over curbs to test 4L, crawl, stabi disconnect. My thoughts on a high level-

Build quality is ok, but could be better. See some paint imperfections like smudges, signs of painting over dust particles, etc.. Interior components feel little less quality. Eg - the feel when you adjust vent controls or the hvac control buttons, the sound of the fan is little annoying, etc..

Driving feel is smooth for city driving, but the mirrors are pathetic. TSS 3.0 features are meh, like lane keep assist or resuming on radar cruise. Engine start stop also could have been better.

4L doesn't feel like high toque but crawl is very smooth. using the same drive mode dial for both crawl and mts is not my taste but ok. Stabi disconnect is meh. Maybe will test more real off pavement next year when snow is melted. Don't want to take responsibility winter wheeling with Micheline LTX Trail tires.

Going to another test round tomorrow but not off pavement though. If weather is better will check under body also. A quick glance from front looks like no fuel tank skid.
(Trying to keep it short without writing an essay)

 

By all means please write an essay. It’s nice to hear a well considered 1st hand opinion from a 4Runner owner’s perspective!

 

It is a Prado and not a landcruiser. I might be stuck in the past but I wouldn't go for this version compared to what the real V8 offers.

 

Better yet, they got together and said, let's design the most minimum product so we can all get our bonuses.

 

Actually, the best Landcruisers had I6's.

 

The 200 series (2008 to 2021) is what I am referring to here. All V8 from what I can recall. Drove a 2020 heritage edition and what a beauty. Issue with those is the price point which is why we got this Prado thing, people are paying business class for coach ticket - mentioned up above by another member.

 

Yeah it’s the absolute worst.

 

Yes, the 200 series had a V8. But, it's a bloated land-yacht, and not really the ideal choice for off-roading.

The 100 series also had a V8.

But, pretty much everything prior to those had either an I6 gasoline engine, I6 diesel, or I4 diesel. And, those older Landcruisers were generally smaller, and had solid front axles.

 

Correct, the BASE model with no options is $53,000 thats manual cloth seats ect.