Which I don't want. And people wanting a luxury SUV for 80k will look at Audi and BMW and say: those are so much nicer inside and don't drive like a brick, so you won't sell it to the Land Cruiser crowd and you won't sell it to the mommy crowd.
Which is why Toyota never bothered to update the GX to the redesigned Prado that has been out for a few years already.
It's a dead segment.
Audi and BMW don’t off-road. Or at least has no image of such. For those folks, you have the upcoming Lexus LQ.
Look at the attention that the new Defender is getting! Or the new GMC Yukon AT4. Or the rumored Ford Bronco Raptor. You are going to see more and more of these off-road capable semi-luxury cruisers come to market at the $65-80k range. THERE IS A MARKET; otherwise, all these car manufacturers won’t be spending money in the segment. Dead segment? No way.
Surprisingly, the Lexus GX has been selling quite well. Not sure i call it a dead segment. Same with 4runner. So, i think that Toyota is focusing on other lines, e.g. Tundra, LC, Lexus vehicles.
Audi and BMW don’t off-road. Or at least has no image of such. For those folks, you have the upcoming Lexus LQ.
Look at the attention that the new Defender is getting! Or the new GMC Yukon AT4. Or the rumored Ford Bronco Raptor. You are going to see more and more of these off-road capable semi-luxury cruisers come to market at the $65-80k range. THERE IS A MARKET; otherwise, all these car manufacturers won’t be spending money in the segment. Dead segment? No way.
Surprisingly, the Lexus GX has been selling quite well. Not sure i call it a dead segment. Same with 4runner. So, i think that Toyota is focusing on other lines, e.g. Tundra, LC, Lexus vehicles.
But if you look at similar "butch" vehicles like the ENTIRE Land Rover line, the JGC, the Expedition, and the Yukon/Tahoe/Suburban family, they have been quietly converting all of to a fully independent suspension setup with either a full unibody or hybrid frame to appease the people who want the looks but not the performance of an off roader. I think the Armada is the last holdout with a solid rear axle that isn't a Toyota or a Wrangler.
FWIW, Ford is bringing the Bronco back, but the spy photos look like hot ass.
That LC200 GX has no luxury bits at all. $45-50k gets you cheap fabric seats, no insulation, barn doors, vinyl flooring (which is kinda cool), cheap interiors, no cameras at all, no audio upgrade, nothing.....but at least you have bluetooth and FOUR speakers. It lacks some airbags, safety tech, multi-terrain response, KDSS, etc..
So, who are you going to sell it to??
For off-roaders, you can get an awesome 4runner TRD PRO for same price (or less) with more luxury bits and features. You want more luxury, get Lexus GX. Your want more room, get Sequoia TRD PRO. In other words, the $40-60k market, Toyota/Lexus has it covered in every way.
That's why Toyota is not bringing that LC200GX over here. Zero market, except for maybe you and thenen.
My guess is that they will aim for the $70-80k market. The (new)Land Rover Defender territory. It will be Toyota's answer to the Defender, which i think is perfect.
Understand, I’m likely not looking to buy a Land Cruiser anytime soon. That said, the earlier rumors I heard were that Toyota was considering canceling the LC in the US (average annual sales maybe 3500?)More recently it seems that they want to make it more purpose-built. For many buyers here, I think the LC has lost its uniqueness. Maybe Toyota wants to re-inject some of that. It’s very capable, yes, but few people recognize it as easily as they do a Range Rover. That’s a shame.
Understand, I’m likely not looking to buy a Land Cruiser anytime soon. That said, the earlier rumors I heard were that Toyota was considering canceling the LC in the US (average annual sales maybe 3500?)More recently it seems that they want to make it more purpose-built. For many buyers here, I think the LC has lost its uniqueness. Maybe Toyota wants to re-inject some of that. It’s very capable, yes, but few people recognize it as easily as they do a Range Rover. That’s a shame.
Well, it does not help that the pre-2016 LCs look just like the Highlander! I am bias...but i think that the 2016 and up LCs look great.
Nothing will surpass Range Rover's uniqueness...beautifully designed in and out. But also uniquely horribly constructed.
FWIW I read that the Alabama Tundra plant is building a stockpile of v8's. Something like 30,000 of them to have for Tundra production during the changeover period that's coming soon. After that there will be no more v8s produced at that facility. And they will start manufacturing turbo V6's for the next generation Tundra/Sequoia/Land Cruiser. The end is near.
FWIW I read that the Alabama Tundra plant is building a stockpile of v8's. Something like 30,000 of them to have for Tundra production during the changeover period that's coming soon. After that there will be no more v8s produced at that facility. And they will start manufacturing turbo V6's for the next generation Tundra/Sequoia/Land Cruiser.
For all of us Toyota fans we could have just purchased the LX 570 awhile ago if we wanted this land cruiser. The LX would have more luxury, same 4wd and motor and the price seems to be about the same.
I think he's going to need to think about a taller RTI ramp. From the Driver's seat - it had to seem like he was going to run off the end of the ramp. A Ram Powerwagon might actually exceed the ram's height.
It lacks some airbags, safety tech, multi-terrain response, KDSS, etc..
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