Want a New US-Spec Toyota Land Cruiser? Don’t Wait, Buy it Now
The signs have long suggested this, but it sounds like the Toyota Land Cruiser is really exiting the US market.
Among American enthusiasts, the continued availability of the Toyota Land Cruiser on our shores has always been something of a curiosity. With a starting price north of $85,000, it’s basically the same price as it’s corporate cousin, the Lexus GX. And for years, the venerable off-roader has been a ride buyers have to special order, not something you generally find sitting in your local showroom.
So, with all due respect to the Notorious B.I.G., it’s unlikely that Land Cruisers were ever cheap — even during a Toyota deal-a-ton.
Back in September, YotaTech’s own Michael S. Palmer got his hands on a 2020 Land Cruiser Heritage Edition, and while he said there were areas where it could be improved, he summed up his review by calling it “near-perfect blend of luxury-comfort and off-road capability.” That said, if you’re looking to bring this near-perfect blend home for yourself, you’d better hurry. Because according to the folks over at our sister site Motor Authority, 2021 will be the last year the Land Cruiser will be available in the United States.
At this point, Motor Authority’s sources suggest the next generation of the Land Cruiser — and the Lexus LX — will ditch the current V8 in favor of a turbocharged V6, and only the Lexus will be available in the States.
Of course, given the current dismal fuel economy of 13 city 17 highway that 5.7-liter mill offers, it’s no surprise the engineers are looking to put something a little less thirsty under the hood. Regardless, I’ll be sad to see this eight-pot behemoth go, because while it might not be the most advanced piece of off-road ready kit available, there’s something to be said for the tried-and-true reliability which comes from a long production life.
For now, the Land Cruiser is still available on Toyota’s US site, so how would you spec yours? In my opinion, the available colors make the options for the Tacoma look completely off the hook, as there are basically two shades of white, gray, or black. And if you haven’t caught on yet, the question is basically a joke — because the other options are pretty limited too. Because for all of its amazing qualities, the a cornucopia of choices, the Land Cruiser is not.
Photos: Toyota