The Toyota Land Cruiser departed the U.S. automotive market following the 2021 model year, but the absence of the brand’s longest-running nameplate from American dealers may be somewhat brief. According to a report from Motor Trend, Toyota is considering bringing the worldwide SUV back to the land where SUVs reign supreme.
A Land Cruiser Comeback Is “Likely”
Speaking with Motor Trend, Jack Hollis, executive vice president of sales for Toyota Motor North America, said the Land Cruiser’s return is “likely,” but as for a timetable, he wasn’t yet sure. Hollis appeared to state that designs had been drawn up for its return and suggested there have been talks inside Toyota’s ranks about the move. However, he said there was no further information to announce, and any such details we “still a ways off.”
Toyota opted to end the Land Cruiser’s run in the U.S. due in part to slagging sales. The three-row, off-road capable SUV entered 2021 with a starting price of just over $87,000. Though the range-topping model came with plenty of lux features and upscale accommodations, its notably high price tag kept many away. Additionally, the Land Cruiser’s 5.7-liter V-8 was mighty thirsty, returning an EPA rating of just 13 mpg in the city and 17 on the highway. Those who didn’t need off-road capabilities also lamented its bouncy ride quality and notable body roll, even in moderate corners.
Though the Toyota wasn’t economical either at the dealer or the pumps, it remained true to its all-terrain capabilities. While many modern SUVs could be tripped up by running over someone’s lawn clippings, the Land Cruiser could tackle the trails with ease. It is this reputation that has helped solidify its presence on the global automotive market for the better part of a century.
The Land Cruiser’s Return Isn’t Surprising, But How It Returns Could Be
When Toyota confirmed the Land Cruiser would be leaving the U.S., it did so by telling model-loyalists to “stay tuned for future developments,” perhaps hinting the automaker always had plans to return the model in one form or another. The brand is eyeing electrification of its lineup, so there is potential that any Land Cruiser return could come as a hybrid. Of course, that is still just speculation.
In the meantime, the model’s faithful will have to make do with its sister, the Lexus RX, which is based on the updated Land Cruiser sold elsewhere in the world. The RX is powered by a 409-horsepower twin-turbo V-6 with prices ranging from $89,000 to nearly $130,000.