Why Did Toyota Kill 1 of Its Most Impactful SUV Nameplates?
Toyota is one of the most successful automakers in the industry. The Japanese automaker currently produces the most popular SUV in the world (which is no small feat). The Toyota RAV4 outsells its rivals in the most competitive segment in the United States. It sells well globally and has been a favorite among consumers for decades. The brand produces several other impactful nameplates as well, like the Toyota Corolla. Why did it discontinue one of its best SUVs?
Why did Toyota get rid of the Land Cruiser?
The Toyota Land Cruiser had a run that lasted for over 60 years. Why would the brand kill such a popular full-size SUV? The short answer is that the Land Cruiser just couldn’t get with the times.
There are two sides to Toyota as a brand. There are capable and long-lasting off-road vehicles that it produces, like the Tacoma. Then, there are efficient and innovative vehicles like the Prius. The two sides are merging. Today, even the brand’s most capable models are leaning toward modernization and efficiency.
Toyota isn’t diverging from the core design principles that put it on the map, but its portfolio has matured to suit a new and ever-changing auto industry. Unfortunately, not every nameplate could evolve with the brand. One of the many reasons that Toyota got rid of the Land Cruiser was because consumers prefer smaller, more affordable SUVs.
Why is the Toyota Land Cruiser so popular?
The Toyota Land Cruiser is popular because of its capability. It’s an off-road SUV that can easily tackle tough terrain and challenging obstacles. The Land Cruiser has been regarded as the ideal full-size off-road SUV.
Toyota’s full-size off-road SUV is still very relevant today because of its longevity. It’s one of the most durable, long-lasting SUVs ever made. According to ISeeCars.com, the Land Cruiser has a 47.9% chance of lasting for 250,000 miles and beyond. It’s the longest-lasting SUV in the site’s study of vehicles most likely to last for at least 250,000 miles.
The Land Cruiser is, in many ways, the embodiment of the phrase “they just don’t make ’em like they used to anymore.” The question is, should the full-size SUV still be around?
Is there still a place for the Toyota Land Cruiser in the industry?
The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser (the final model year) has an MSRP of a whopping $85,415. It uses a 5.7-liter V8 engine to make 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. The full-size SUV gets 13 miles per gallon in the city and 17 miles per gallon on the highway.
Toyota may not offer the Land Cruiser anymore, but there’s another model in its segment that functions as a great alternative. The Toyota Sequoia has been redesigned for 2023. It starts at $58,365.
The Sequoia uses a standard hybrid powertrain system comprised of a 3.4-liter V6 engine and an electric motor to make 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. It gets 21 miles per gallon in the city and 24 miles per gallon on the highway. The new Sequoia is more affordable, more powerful, and more efficient than the Land Cruiser. It also is capable of lasting over 250,000 miles.
