Land Cruiser: Utilitarian Reborn
Toyota lately asserted the revival of the Land Cruiser to the United States, and the most current gossip proclaim that it will be a retro-flavored hardened 4×4 based on the Lexus GX.
Word spread quickly that the GX might be the return of the beloved Land Cruiser to the United States. Numerous people considered this to be an improbable possibility considering Toyota offers a range of TNGA-F-based SUVs that span most niches.
As reported by Australia’s Drive, a previously unseen portion has been omitted. Profiles from within Toyota divulged to the publication that the US would be receiving a version of the Land Cruiser Prado with accents originating from older models of the LC.
Beginning as a military vehicle, much in the same way as the Jeep Wrangler, the Toyota Land Cruiser soon shifted to civilian applications. To generate a sense of nostalgia, Toyota could look to its J40, J70, and J80 models for inspiration. Following the now iconic J80 released in the 1990s, the design essentially took on the more generic form of an SUV. Perhaps, Toyota has already alluded to this design with their FJ EV?
It has been reported that the production and sale of this model will only be in limited quantity, thus it won’t be marketed as a premium, top of the line vehicle. This indicates that the Land Cruiser is answering to its origin point as an immensely eager utility car. The product split of the Land Cruiser range from the mid-1980s was implemented to fulfill the demands of two distinct consumer groups. Even now, one can easily ascertain the effects of this division with the undisputed existence of both the Land Cruiser 300 and 70.
Although Toyota formerly declared the 4Runner would not be aiming for the Bronco and Wrangler sector, possibly it was readying for this recent Land Cruiser instead.
The design is not meant to merely serve an aesthetic purpose. According to Drive, the forthcoming Land Cruiser will be available in two variants, the premier one being a TRD Pro version corresponding to the recently introduced Tacoma, which too offers two top-tier options. The TRD Pro class is geared towards extreme off-roading right from the factory, while the Trailhunter target audience is particularly focused on such overlanding fans. In Toyota’s strongest interests, it would be prudent to issue any rugged model with these very trims.
Regarding engine performance, Land Cruiser admirers might not be thrilled. Recent reports specify that the vehicle will come with Toyota’s turbocharged 2.4-liter i-Force Max four-cylinder hybrid powerplant, providing 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, it may also pair up with a six-speed manual transmission; an attribute likely to be much appreciated by those who do off-roading.
One of the primary motivations for choosing this powertrain could be cost-effectiveness. If the nostalgic Land Cruiser is transitioning to a more affordable markdown, Toyota should aim to economize where possible.
It could be argued that Toyota has already been here before, having previously produced the lauded FJ Cruiser. This distinctive ride initially found its popularity, with over 50,000 cars brought in 2006, however, this declined drastically to an all-time low of around 12,000 during the Global Economic Crisis. Tragically, Toyota shut down production of the FJ Cruiser nine years ago and it sadly never regained the traction it once had.
The FJ Cruiser continued its successful run until recently in regions aside from the US, and currently, it is somewhat of a highly desired merchandise within America.
This approach might prove successful, as the Land Cruiser would exist in its own lane, vying for preeminence against the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco.
Yet our original inquiry stays pending. Will the devotees of Land Cruiser be willing to embrace this fresh version of their treasured trademark?
