Best speculation of a 2023 6th generation I have seen

[TexasFunRunner]

2025 Toyota Land Cruiser to Return to America with a New Mission

Wonder where this render falls on the close/not close spectrum

With Toyota releasing the GX and the confirmation of the return of the Land Cruiser, the pixel party has officially begun.

Of all the renderings we have seen, at this point, pretty much every new rendering to me is, yawn. Every struggling pixel artist is now trying to dream up and sell to publishers, what the new 4Runner and Land Cruiser should look like based on how they, the pixel artist, thinks they should look.

I'm not sure any of them are close to reality, but it has been said that BestCarWeb has a good track record. I'm convinced that auto manufacturers orchestrated pre-reveal marketing campaigns may leak out a few bits of valid information to keep the buzz rolling. However, I think they are very careful to not reveal too much truth and throw out a few bits of disinformation occasionally to keep everyone guessing. As an example, find me one Lexus GX rendering that was close to reality?

 

[TexasFunRunner]

[MENTION=414977]fashorunner[/MENTION], after posting my disappointment at the multitude of speculative renderings, I heard through the Plano grapevine to pay attention to this CarsGuide Australian article for a new Toyota LandCruiser Prado GR Sport. It has a more realistic Land Cruiser rendering to me than many of the others out there.

It does not look like it would take much to give it retro round headlights to align with the US version information that is out there. I think it is safe to assume the source is pointing us in the right direction with the retroish grill. I thanked them for sharing it with me and asked them if it's true the US version will in fact have round headlights.

Tougher looking than the LC300? This 2024 Toyota LandCruiser Prado GR Sport would reset the off-road SUV bar - Car News | CarsGuide

Here it is with a round headlight I dropped on the rendering for concept.

 

[gomiami]

After thinking about this for awhile, my opinion of how this might play out has changed. It seems more likely to me that the new Land Cruiser will just be the Toyota version of the GX550 and that the new 4Runner will be the Bronco/Wrangler rival - maybe even returning to having a removable top.

I'm not the only one thinking this way. An article about the new Land Cruiser posted today on Car & Driver said this: "Speaking of 4Runner, the repositioning of the Land Cruiser could have interesting implications for that mid-size model. If the forthcoming Land Cruiser shrinks its footprint to become analogous to the GX, we could see the 4Runner morph into something better targeted at the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler. The GX—and possibly the new Land Cruiser—will be offered with a third row of seats, and we wouldn't be surprised to see the next-generation 4Runner get a bit smaller too and drop its optional third row."

Here's a link to that article: 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser to Return to America with a New Mission

DC

If they drop the 3rd row seat versions of the 4Runner, they'll kill their market in my part of the country. A large portion of the 4Runners sold around here are the 3rd row variety (both SR5 Premiums and Limiteds) for kid commuting and never see a forest service road, let alone legit off-roading.

Assuming the GX and LC are priced well above the current 4Runner price range, those customers will be forced away from the 6th gen T4R and into the arms of either a competitor or a Highlander/Grand Highlander if your speculation is accurate.

 

[DC3TX]

If they drop the 3rd row seat versions of the 4Runner, they'll kill their market in my part of the country. A large portion of the 4Runners sold around here are the 3rd row variety (both SR5 Premiums and Limiteds) for kid commuting and never see a forest service road, let alone legit off-roading.

Assuming the GX and LC are priced well above the current 4Runner price range, those customers will be forced away from the 6th gen T4R and into the arms of either a competitor or a Highlander/Grand Highlander if your speculation is accurate.

I agree they shouldn't drop the third row seats. Car & Driver may be off base with that one although it might be possible Toyota would try to drive 3rd row customers to the LC or one of Highlander variants as you mentioned. Personally, I'd like to see a neat design of the 3rd row seats where they could be easily removed or fold flat into the floor for times when more cargo space is desired. I think the same thing about the GX Overtrail.

Part of my thinking that the 4Runner is more likely targeted at the Bronco and Wrangler than the LC would be, is that the current 4Runner price range is more closely aligned with those other two. It seems the LC would command a much higher price than the 4Runner and would only be price competitive with the top of line Broncos and Wranglers. Heck it may be that both the 4Runner and LC compete with the Bronco and Wrangler but at different price points. Who really knows though? Toyota could throw us a curve ball on everything and much of what we think we know could be because of disinformation. As TFR mentioned above, the speculative GX renderings weren't all that accurate as compared to the official release.

I'm somewhat suspicious that the delay in releasing the new 4Runner is because of a major shift in direction with the design late in the process. It seems to me the natural release order should have been Tacoma > 4Runner > LC > GX and something has changed that.

David Chao of Automotive Press often has some good thoughts on new vehicles. Here was his take on the new 4Runner becoming a Bronco competitor (from last August before we knew anything about the GX): 2024 TOYOTA 4RUNNER GOING TO BECOME MORE LIKE A FORD BRONCO? // NEW PREDICTIONS FOR 6th GEN 4RUNNER - YouTube

DC

 

[DC3TX]

[MENTION=414977]fashorunner[/MENTION], after posting my disappointment at the multitude of speculative renderings, a knowledgeable friend of the forum dropped me a PM with a link to a CarsGuide Australian article for a new Toyota LandCruiser Prado GR Sport. The rendering seems much more realistic and exciting than many of the others out there.

Doesn't appear to be much difference in that rendering vs the one in the Car & Driver article. Maybe they're both onto something. Either rendering looks good to me.

DC

 

[TexasFunRunner]

I heard some additional LC information through the Plano grapevine. Headlights could come in different styles, such as triple-beam or round versions, similar to how Bronco offers different headlight styles, base and signature.

It seems it is possible multiple LC versions will be offered, one or more street versions and one or more off-road versions. Adding my personal speculation, I could see the top tier LC exclusively getting the TTV6, Tacoma sway bar disconnect and front lockers.

We may see teasers start in the coming weeks, seeing how early the GX teasers were shown.

In addition, these two sentences from the article seem particularly relevant:

A technology overhaul in the cabin, improved performance on and off the road, and more power sounds like a winning combo.

But the big news in these digital recreations is the appearance, with the Lexus GX acting as the perfect design inspiration, especially in this GR Sport configuration.

 

[TexasFunRunner]

Doesn't appear to be much difference in that rendering vs the one in the Car & Driver article. Maybe they're both onto something. Either rendering looks good to me.
DC

Here are the differences I see, in three areas:

1) On the top CarsGuide rendering, the front bumper looks winch ready, as a factory add-on accessory, between the left and right bumper protrusions. In addition, it has a separate lower fascia that protrudes outwards and would better allow it to swap out to an entirely separate aftermarket winch bumper. Adding a winch bumper to the Car & Driver version would require cutting the front fascia.

2) On the top CarsGuide rendering, the lower side door sheet metal styling is GX like. The lower Car & Driver rendering has its own styling. While I think the LC getting its own styling would make sense to me, I read more where people think the LC will be closer to the GX styling.

3) On the top CarsGuide rendering, the rear window is GX like. The lower Car & Driver rendering has extended the lower window beltline, losing the GX swoop and allowing for a larger rear window opening for better visibility, I do like that more.

In summary, since I heard about the CarsGuide link from the Plano grapevine, I put a great deal of confidence in it vs the speculative Car & Driver rendering.

 

[fashorunner]

[MENTION=414977]fashorunner[/MENTION], after posting my disappointment at the multitude of speculative renderings, I heard through the Plano grapevine to pay attention to this CarsGuide Australian article for a new Toyota LandCruiser Prado GR Sport. It has a more realistic Land Cruiser rendering to me than many of the others out there.

It does not look like it would take much to give it retro round headlights to align with the US version information that is out there. I think it is safe to assume the source is pointing us in the right direction with the retroish grill. I thanked them for sharing it with me and asked them if it's true the US version will in fact have round headlights.

Tougher looking than the LC300? This 2024 Toyota LandCruiser Prado GR Sport would reset the off-road SUV bar - Car News | CarsGuide

Here it is with a round headlight I dropped on the rendering for concept.

Cool! Thank you! I would be interested in both— Dealer markups for the first months aside I wonder how this will profile against the Sequoia TRD Pro price-wise. If Toyota nails it in a feature and capability sense at a relatively reasonable price point I could see sustained demand for something like this.

Also makes me wonder if they’ll do a delayed addition of whatever hybrid platform they put in it similar to the GX, or if they at least announce those details like they did with the Tacoma.

 

[Colorado buff]

Here are the differences I see, in three areas:

1) On the top CarsGuide rendering, the front bumper looks winch ready, as a factory add-on accessory, between the left and right bumper protrusions. In addition, it has a separate lower fascia that protrudes outwards and would better allow it to swap out to an entirely separate aftermarket winch bumper. Adding a winch bumper to the Car & Driver version would require cutting the front fascia.

2) On the top CarsGuide rendering, the lower side door sheet metal styling is GX like. The lower Car & Driver rendering has its own styling. While I think the LC getting its own styling would make sense to me, I read more where people think the LC will be closer to the GX styling.

3) On the top CarsGuide rendering, the rear window is GX like. The lower Car & Driver rendering has extended the lower window beltline, losing the GX swoop and allowing for a larger rear window opening for better visibility, I do like that more.

In summary, since I heard about the CarsGuide link from the Plano grapevine, I put a great deal of confidence in it vs the speculative Car & Driver rendering.

I like the lower rendering better . The windows look better especially on the 3/4 panel.

 

[TexasFunRunner]

Cool! Thank you! I would be interested in both— Dealer markups for the first months aside I wonder how this will profile against the Sequoia TRD Pro price-wise. If Toyota nails it in a feature and capability sense at a relatively reasonable price point I could see sustained demand for something like this.

Also makes me wonder if they’ll do a delayed addition of whatever hybrid platform they put in it similar to the GX, or if they at least announce those details like they did with the Tacoma.

Guesses I've seen other people post for starting price:

$40K 4Runner
$50K Land Cruiser
$60K Lexus GX

Sure there will be price overlap, but what matters is pick the trim level you want.

 

[DC3TX]

Here are the differences I see, in three areas:

Nice comparison.

I mostly prefer the rear window treatment proposed by Car & Driver but the other way is just fine.

I have no preference on the lower door styling.

I like both front ends. If I was going for more of a rugged off-road look and even wanting a front bar, I'd be more inclined to choose the CarsGuide version. If I wanted more of a daily driver with some off-road chops, I'd lean toward the Car & Driver rendering.

But, both renderings look nice to me and I'd be happy with either or a combination of the two.

DC

 

[gomiami]

Guesses I've seen other people post for starting price:

$40K 4Runner
$50K Land Cruiser
$60K Lexus GX

Sure there will be price overlap, but what matters is pick the trim level you want.

A 2WD SR5 4Runner is already 40K. A base GX is similarly already 60K.

I can't imagine Toyota redesigns these rigs without bumping the price up.

Maybe the numbers might be 45K, 55K and 65K?

 

[TexasFunRunner]

An important new article from the Australian Drive website discusses the US Land Cruiser based on "Toyota sources". This is great news as it gives additional confirmation to information [MENTION=166416]Carmaker1[/MENTION] has shared and some of the information I've heard on the Plano grapevine.

New Toyota Prado to get retro LandCruiser styling in the US, will it come to Australia?
(key paragraphs cited below)

The new Toyota Prado four-wheel-drive wagon is poised to gain a US twin with retro styling and a hardcore off-road focus. But will it come to Australia?

The Toyota LandCruiser is due to return to US showrooms next year after a two-year hiatus with retro styling based on the new Toyota Prado – but come with modern petrol-electric hybrid power.

Drive has learned the US market is in line to get a retro makeover version of the new Toyota Prado with styling cues said to be inspired by formative LandCruiser models – including the 40 Series from the 1960s, and the 70 Series introduced in 1985 and still on sale in Australia today.

Toyota sources have told Drive the US-market model will be pitched as a hardcore off-roader with retro design cues and sold in low volumes – rather than as a high-priced luxury vehicle, such as the previous 200 Series and current 300 Series LandCruiser.

The US model is expected to adopt more retro styling cues than the international Prado – which Australia is expected to receive – including circular headlights inspired by the 1960s and 1970s LandCruiser 40 Series (FJ40), Drive has learned.

Drive has been told there will be at least two model grades in the US LandCruiser range – led by a flagship, hardcore off-road variant in the same vein as the TRD Pro versions of Toyota's US pick-ups, which are half a step below the level of upgrades seen in a Ford Raptor performance ute.

However it is understood the vehicle has been created specifically for the North American market – and it is feared it could take sales away from the regular Prado in Australia.

However, Drive has been told the company did not want to kill off the LandCruiser badge entirely – such is its significance as one of Toyota’s most iconic nameplates, alongside Corolla, Camry, Crown – so it began to explore an 'Americanised' version of the Prado.

Toyota sources say the US LandCruiser is being pitched as a lower-volume vehicle – compared to the 4Runner, which sold 145,000 examples in 2021, or an average of 100,000 annually over the past decade – enabling a more hardcore focus on off-road buyers.

 

[MAST4R]

Well, I will say this: for years I have been largely bored looking at the market with only the JL and the Bronco offering some impractical for me excitement. Rivian, great on paper, but too expensive for me and who knows how it would do in real life offroading.

And suddenly Toyota is on a roll. This alone is a big win: all the excitement about the new Tacoma, Land Cruiser, more 4R speculation.

Good times!

 

[fashorunner]

Know this is 90% GX but seems like a good faith effort on the render based on info shared by the OGs in this thread. Would 100% buy something that looked like this.

 

[fashorunner]

Throw these in in black (or hey maybe diamond-quilted cognac light brown lol) and I’ll keep it til I’m dead as long as they’re heated/ventilated (image of new Tacoma seats not working)

 

[TheSpinDoctor]

It’s now Motortrend’s turn to guess what the future NA market LC Prado will look like, and what it would mean for the 6th generation 4Runner.

Long story short, Motortrends can’t fathom a Landcruiser outside of the mould that was the luxurious versions of the LC 200-series, and believes it’s the 4Runner that will become the Wrangler/Bronco competitor.

Key paragraph from the story:

“It's a pretty good guess the next-generation 4Runner, which is switching to the Taco's TNGA-F architecture, will stay roughly the same size and drop its available third-row seat while more directly attacking adventure vehicles such as the four-door Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco (perhaps like a modern-day FJ Cruiser). This would open up just enough airspace for the Land Cruiser, which would be adapted from the global Toyota Prado—another soon-to-be-redesigned future TNGA-F adoptee—much like the 2024 Lexus GX. A vestigial third-row seat option is almost a given, along with the Prado's stadium-style seating, where each successive row of seats sits slightly higher than those ahead.”

 

[TexasFunRunner]

It’s now Motortrend’s turn to guess what the future NA market LC Prado will look like, and what it would mean for the 6th generation 4Runner.

Long story short, Motortrends can’t fathom a Landcruiser outside of the mould that was the luxurious versions of the LC 200-series, and believes it’s the 4Runner that will become the Wrangler/Bronco competitor.

I'm guessing they may not be completely out in left field but that they may not understand, or care to publish, how Toyota plans to market the 4Runner and Land Cruiser. There has been information from [MENTION=166416]Carmaker1[/MENTION] that the Land Cruiser was targeted at the upper tier Bronco and Wranglers. That leaves the lower tier to be challenged by the new 4Runner. I find it interesting that Motor Trend, Car & Driver, etc. don't go too far out on the limb in speculation validation of information that is known to the average forum user. You do see some of the lower tier websites navigate more into the speculation validation realm, such as:

2024 Toyota 4Runner: What We Know So Far | CarBuzz
Tougher looking than the LC300? This 2024 Toyota LandCruiser Prado GR Sport would reset the off-road SUV bar - Car News | CarsGuide
https://www.drive.com.au/news/toyota-prado-us-twin-exclusive/

I'm guessing it is because Motor Trend, Car & Driver, etc. are locked into NDA agreements and they must maintain some neutrality so as to not directly or indirectly confirm any information that has found its way to the forums via trusted sources or verified rumors. If they did not maintain this neutrality they may find themselves disinvited from a reveal or media event, this happened to TFL for the Bronco reveal event.
Ford Uninvited TFL From The Upcoming 2021 Ford F-150 & Bronco Reveals — Here's How It Hurts All of Us (Call to Action) - The Fast Lane Truck

Here is how I think the 4Runner / Land Cruiser trim level range will run, mild to wild, street to stone, $ - $$$$$$. Maybe some of the trim levels will have price overlaps as well.

 

[mscot]

I think one of the two toyotas will be more family/roadtrip focused and the other more overland/offroad focused. What will be interesting is where they 3 BOFs overlap in price, purpose, and features.

 

[Jetboy]

The Motortrend article had a few really questionable parts. For example they claim that the LC300 is too expensive - despite the fact that it starts around $45k USD in other markets. They also suggest it will be called a J150 or J200. Those names are already taken.