Sold 5th Gen for new Land Cruiser 250

The 4Runner sweet spot for price:features is the TRD Off-Road. The TRD Pro isn't that much better offroad to justify the price, and the Trailhunter has a bunch of add-ons that are unappealing, *to me*. What I would want is an upgrade like the Jeep Wrangler that has upgraded suspension, full-floating axles, and 35" tires. To me, that's what the LC should have been. Instead, it's as you say, a retro 4Runner. I like the look, but the extra $$$ is not worth it to me.

Anyhow, I'm just one consumer, it doesn't matter what I think/want.

 

Right, and if they can do it twice to Venza, they can do it twice to the Land Cruiser.

 

I'm thinking a longer timeline personally (7 years +/-), but I also expect them to axe it before too long. I don't think they're going to make too many each year, either.

It's very much like the Venza to me, which was a worse and more expensive alternative to its twin the Rav4.

 

Like this one? Not quite stock though lol

 

Yes! That looks like fun!

 

Toyota’s costs to “develop” all of these shared platform models was probably very minimal. From what I can see, there is very little substantially different that actually distinguishes them. Three engines configurations cover all Tacomas, 4runner, Land Cruisers, and Lexus models, and those engine options exist in other models (Sequoia, Tundras, Highlander). All share the same chassis, major components, and transmissions. The biggest costs to differentiate these models has probably been the seating materials, and sheet metal.

Maybe the lower costs to have all these different models will allow Toyota to keep all of them regardless of sales. But at the same time, I think people will slowly realize that Toyota basically offering various trims of the same pickup, and a BOF SUV ,and will start disliking Toyota’s suggestion that they are substantially different. This might hurt the LC name the most, and affect it’s sales more than it would the other models. J
I can see this LC in danger of getting the reputation of the LC in name only.

 

I think that's all mostly true, but the argument presented earlier was that Toyota developed the Land Cruiser just to phase the 4Runner out.

I don't think that's the way Toyota operates and hence the reason for my post.

 

that’s my cynical view point. I could be wrong however, as has been the case in past. I just don’t understand why you’d make it so unappealing when compared to others in its and Lexus’ lineup.

 

I don't think the new 4Runner is unappealing. I don't love it but i don't hate it either. There's a lot of 4th gen and 1st/2nd gen heritage in the design. To each their own.

I just happen to like the LC design better. Not a fan of the LC pricing though so in the end it may come down to financing for me personally (and a lot of other people).

 

The 6th gen 4runner Limited trim seems to have a more nicer mature/handsome look. Enough so, that it may be a good option (along with the LC) for someone disliking all the bro-flare of the Pro and Overland trims.

I have yet to see any pics of what an SR5 4runner will look like. Hopefully the looks are more tame as well. The only caution would be looking at the equipment list of the SR5 compared to other models, since Toyota has been removing previously standard equipment and making it part of upper trim levels (for example, a center diff-locker is no longer part of the Limited trim, or how all 4wd 4th gens all had center diffs). I’d hate to buy one and get home to find out new 4runner SR5s only come with leaf-spring rear ends lol.

 

I like the idea of a the 1958 trim. It makes perfect sense if you are buying a Land Cruiser primarily for the LC’s unique, foundational “inbuilt” capability. If that were the case, extra bells and whistles could just be viewed as unnecessary complications to a good portion of potential buyers. For example, if they were still making the 90 series, I’d get in line for a bare bones version, cloth seats. I wouldn’t even care if it had AC lol. But thats because there was nothing like it at the time.

But the LC250 doesn’t differ in any functional or structural way from other models on this platform. So a 1958 trim doesn’t really make as much sense to that type of buyer. But, at least it’s another option if you don’t like the looks of the 4runner or Lexus.

Well, now that I think about it, maybe it does have unique capabilities…if the LC250 has actual bumpstops instead of the virtual ones of the Tacoma. But that’s a low-blow if that’s what toyota is doing to make the LC “better”.

 

My other cars are an S2000 and a Miata, and prior to that a Civic Type R. So quite well acquainted with the concepts of handling and comfort.

For a Body on Frame vehicle, and one lifted 2”, it handles quite well. I have no problem with it.

 

I wish the 1958 came as a non hybrid. It would be less complex, cheaper and have more storage space. Maybe in the future they will offer it that way.

 

100% agree.

 

We'd still argue over wrong direction with 4 cylinders over 6. Or how turbos are more complex than good old V6.

 

That's pretty much going to be the new 4Runner save for the name on the hatch.

 

Kind of. I think the LC looks better than the child designed hot wheels looking 6th gen and it’s overly busy interior.

 

Wrong. The correct answer is that a v8 would be best because it would provide an extremely understressed engine for the size vehicle and would provide speed and power

 

Just drop in a gen V small block chevy.

 

I was driving behind an all black SUV this morning and was thinking to myself that that Honda Pilot looks a little funny. It was a new Landcruiser. First time I’ve seen one in all black. Not a fan of the look in that color.

 

The 1958 trim is utterly useless. The mid trim is fugly with the square lights… only redeemable trim is FE.. however at its price point, you may as well cross shop and get other options..

 

It's funny how taste is so subjective; I actually like how it reminds me of the old Pilot.

 

Looks like an old Pilot but costs twice as much. Sounds great.

 

Here's an even better one for you (you might want to sit down):

I like the look of the Bronco Sport.

Why?

It reminds me of the Honda Element, lol. If they made an Element with more than 160 hp (or that got better than 4Runner gas mileage), that would be a slick car.

Apparently I have a thing for boxy Hondas, go figure...

 

The element seemed like a good idea with the plastic floor and fold up seats. If it was a little bigger, more off-roadable and more powerful it could have been a winner for adventurous people.

 

Element, sport, kia soul all shitty looking

 

Yeah, you could stick two muddy mountain bikes in the back, close the hatch, then hose it out when you got home.

Back when I was shopping (and ended up getting my 2012 Tacoma), they had made the Element more street friendly and took away the little bit of ruggedness it had.

 

A rear area like that would have been great in the LC 1958 edition. At least give one of the ridiculous amount of SUVs that Toyota and Lexus makes some actual utility.

 

Interior packaging shouldn't be that much of an expectation. I recall my 1990 Corolla station wagon rear seats folded to juuuuust about flat with the rear cargo area to form a sleeping surface. Come to think of it I think I took it off roading more than most people do with their 4runners, even with just FWD the front end had great traction in the mud.

 

Congrats! Do you miss your 4Runner?