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So here at GTPlanet, when we think of Toyota enthusiast vehicles, we think MR2, Supra, Celica, 86 and more.
But Toyota is also easily one of the leaders for enthusiasts who prefer dirt to neatly paved tarmac. Leading the way are vehicles like the legendary Land Cruiser, the venerable Hilux and the 4Runner among many others.
With the advent of the TNGA-F architecture, all of Toyota's body on frame vehicles look to see needed replacements and consolidations.
https://gearpatrol.com/2020/03/16/new-toyota-land-cruiser-tundra-details/
Before detailing what the future has in store, it's important to look at what currently fills out Toyota's burgeoning and diverse global portfolio:
Land Cruiser 70 Series - A relic of the '80's, the Land Cruiser 70 fills a niche in markets like Australia, Africa and the Middle East that will be difficult to replace. How old is it? It's the vehicle that directly replaced the original Land Cruiser 40 series. With solid axles all around and enough body types to fit any situation, it's the Land Cruiser that people choose when they want to travel far and make it back. The closest analogue it has in the modern global market is the Jeep Wrangler ever since the Defender was put out to pasture.
Land Cruiser Prado (150 Series) - Originally a variation that started on the 70 series, the Prado spun off onto it's own platform in 1996, sharing much in common with the Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner underneath the skin. It's marketed as a medium-duty Land Cruiser, with a friendlier price tag, and only a moderate drop in capability over it's big brother (currently the 200 Series). In some markets, this vehicle is known as the Lexus GX or simply the Land Cruiser.
Land Cruiser (200 Series) - It's hard to call any particular Land Cruiser the original, but for many markets, this is the Land Cruiser most will think of when they hear the name. A big, comfortable wagon that can go absolutely anywhere and make it back.
Hilux - Currently in it's eighth generation, the Hilux stands as one of the most recognizable Toyota trucks and SUV's, even in markets that it's not sold in (pretty much Canada and USA). In Toyota's global portfolio, it somewhat slots between the Tacoma and Tundra in terms of capability, with a profile similar to the Tacoma, but an increased capability thanks to strong desire from commercial markets.
Fortuner - The most recent SUV to be spun off of the Hilux platform, the Fortuner originally hailed from Thailand as an inexpensive way to get into a 5-7 passenger SUV with good off road capability, but without the cost of the Land Cruiser name and the bulletproof ruggedness that comes with it.
4Runner - The original Hilux SUV spinoff, it's still known as the Hilux Surf in some markets. Nowadays it shares more DNA with the Land Cruiser Prado and the Toyota Tacoma than it does the Hilux, while filling the same niche that the Fortuner does in the markets it's in. Like the Prado and less like the Fortuner, the 4Runner is known as a comfortable, capable SUV.
Tacoma - The other midsize pickup in Toyota's portfolio. The Tacoma was split from the Hilux's mission to market a more comfortable, personal-vehicle focused vehicle for North American tastes. These days, it can only be found in Canada, Mexico and the USA. Unlike the Hilux, it's only available with petrol engines
Tundra - Few vehicles can make a Land Cruiser (200 series) look small, but leave it to the North American Tundra to do just that. These days, it's only available with a 5.7 N/A V8, can make it to a million miles, probably tows more than anything else on this list and likely hauls more, too.
Sequoia - Last but not least, there's the Sequoia. The SUV sibling of the Tundra, the Seq slots in under the Land Cruiser in price and capability, while being a larger and more family-oriented vehicle for American family's who'd likely find the Prado too small. It's primary purpose is to tow and move people over moderate terrain. However, it's off road chops have recently been boosted by the introduction of a TRD Pro model.
EDIT: FJ Cruiser - I can't believe this, but they still make the FJ Cruiser in some markets. I knew it carried on after leaving North America's shores, but I didn't realize it was still at it!
Lexus GX and LX - While these are mechanically similar to the Prado 150 and LC 200, albeit with gasoline V8's, their futures may not necessarily be tied to those two models for their replacements.
Now, that's a lot of overlap that has stemmed from multiple markets developing similar vehicles based on needs and budgets. I suspect that with the new TNGA-F architecture, it will be easier to streamline their model portfolio to have less overlap.
THE FUTURE
Time to analyze what's in store for the future of Toyota's nameplates and how they might converge or change:
The Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Shrinks - Status: FALSE(-ish)
First up is the Land Cruiser 200's replacement, the Land Cruiser 300 and there's some interesting info about it. Reports have stated it's going to Shrink and seat a maximum of 5 occupants instead of the potential 7 like the current 200. Twin Turbo Gasoline V6's and a hybrid system are in the cards. No word on diesels yet, but it's a safe bet they'll be introduced if they want Australians and others to buy them. In America, it's also supposed to take a significant price chop to make it more accessible than it's current $90k sticker commands.
However, this new, shorter and cheaper Land Cruiser 300 puts it perilously close to the Prado's mission profile. However, given that Toyota has some consolidation to do with it's b.o.f. midsize SUV's, could we see the end of the Prado altogether?
This will be the first of the TNGA-F vehicles to be announced and released, with the next Tundra following closely behind.
Update Oct, 12th/2021: So obviously the 300 Series took after the 200 Series, but with all of the updates the Land Cruiser's been needing. However, this rumor wasn't completely unfounded and may still yet be true. If the Toyota UK market is anything to go by, Toyota isn't afraid of referring to non-LC200/300 SUV's as "Land Cruiser", and it could be that the US Market gets a version of the Prado, or entirely bespoke TNGA-F vehicle that will bare the name... because Toyota has also proven they have no problem with a few different flavors of Land Cruiser scattered around the globe.
Next Tundra Gets Twin Turbo Power - Status: TRUE
The current Tundra is old. Not a bad thing when your clientele demand honest reliability over fancy new technology, and your competition can sell more of one trim level of their rival nameplate than you sell in your entire model line.
But change is finally coming. First, it seems like Toyota has plans to size the truck closer to the domestic vehicles it competes against, as it's size currently makes it difficult to match the tow and hauling of the American domestic half ton pick ups it squares off with. It's impressive but old school 5.7 V8 will also be riding off into the sunset and replaced with the same V6TT that will find it's way into the Land Cruiser 300. Hybrid power is also in the cards.
Update 10/12/2021: So this was pretty much bang on.
Hilux and Tacoma Reunited - Status: TRUE
Only (decent) rumors and a little speculation at this time right now, but this merger makes a lot of sense. First, both vehicles are roughly on the same refresh and update cycle. Additionally, the once differing mission profiles they each accomplished have become more and more aligned, with Global buyers seeking Utes as personal vehicles more and more, and Tacoma owners wanting more capability for their personal trucks. TNGA-F being shared with the larger Tundra means that these two will be able to likely meet the goals of comfort and capability in a midsize package for the entire globe, with only minor content tweaks and powertrain swaps to suit specific markets. Gas, Diesel and Hybrid power are in the cards. It sounds like the Gasoline V6 will be retained in lieu of a turbo charged four cylinder.
Update 10/12/2021: I need to get better at sourcing this info, but while it was always going to "kind of" be the case given the nature of the TNGA-F platform, it's been confirmed that the Hilux and Tacoma will be sharing a lot of DNA underneath the skin. More than they ever have. Styling for both will supposedly be very different in order to cater to their market's tastes, and I don't expect the Tacoma to be diesel powered anytime soon, but I suspect a lot of the suspension components and running gear will be very swappable, and they'll have identical frames.
However, I do not expect this convergence to happen at the exact same time. The Tacoma is being mooted to be replaced in '23-'24, while the earliest time I've seen for the Hilux is '25.
Midsize SUV Convergence - Status: TBD
It's safe to say that Toyota has two too many midsize body on frame SUV's. If the Land Cruiser 300 goes down market in price, but keeps it's capability, the Prado is all but completely moot. The North American 4Runner is a perfect example of a single model that can achieve the goals of both a modest, honest body on frame SUV like the Fortuner with the 4Runner SR5, as well as a luxurious, capable SUV like the Prado with the Limited and TRD Pro trim levels. I see all three models going away and being replaced with a single midsize SUV (likely carrying the Fortuner, Hilux Surf and 4Runner names depending on the market it's in).
Update: The 4Runner and Prado are both expected to get replaced around 2023. It'll be interesting to see how similar they are, if at all. The Fortuner sounds like it will continue soldiering on as well, but will likely be replaced around 2025 at the same time (or near) as the Hilux.
The Death of the 70 Series - Status: TBD
I'm certain this will not be popular, but I do not believe this 4x4 Utility vehicle has long for the world. With any luck, the TNGA-F architecture can support a live axle front suspension, but the signs may not be good for a capable replacement to fill in this legends shoes. Look for the Hilux, the Land Cruiser 300 and possibly an international Tundra to fill in for where this rig leaves off.
Update: Grandpa is still alive and kicking, with no plans to retire just yet.
What about the rest?
There have been conflicting reports regarding the Lexus LX. One cited a continuation of it's current Land Cruiser-based genes, and another has said it will become more of a Bentley Bentayga competitor. I personally would prefer the latter, primarily to see the Land Cruiser nameplate helped with sales in the US, but also because the Lexus LC and LS are excellent cars and I'd love to see the SUV version of them. The GX has been confirmed as returning, which does put a feather in the cap for the Prado living to see a new version, although it could also switch to sharing it's roots with the Land Cruiser 300, if my theory is correct.
Update: So the LX is very much going to be LC300 base, and sadly it's come at the expense of the LC300 Land Cruiser selling in the American Market (RIP). I fully expect a premium "Bentley Bentayga" fighter as well though, as it'll likely be able to exist alongside the LX given their vastly different missions and likely very different styling. However, I haven't read much in regard to that SUV coming. The GX status is currently: "It's coming" and that's about it. What form it will take remains to be seen, but Lexus seems to be willing to embrace a harder edged off-road customer base.
The Sequoia, lastly, is a difficult one to thumb down. On the one hand, it fills a role that a 5-seat Land Cruiser 300 cannot, and should it continue to share much of it's front end and mechanical bits with the Tundra, it'll be relatively easy to produce. But with the Land Cruiser supposedly taking a huge slash in price, it'll have a lot of SUV competition in it's own showroom, let alone from the likes of the vastly improved Ford Expedition and the soon-to-be-updated Tahoe and Suburban which is largely competes against.
Update: The Sequoia is all but confirmed to continue to be an SUV version of the Tundra. It will be interesting to see if Toyota will go in a different direction for styling, and if it'll retain it's IRS set up. It is referred to as one of the "four brothers" of the American market (alongside the 4Runner, Tacoma and Tundra). That doesn't bode well for a future return of the Land Cruiser nameplate in any capacity, though.
Personal Thought:
As an owner of a Toyota Tacoma, I enjoy sharing my enthusiasm for Toyota SUV's and trucks with other owners. Despite the clear ties of our vehicles, it is not common for there to be overlap with the other enthusiastic owners surprisingly enough! Land Cruiser and GX/LX guys stick together, FJ Guys stick together, with the 4Runner, Tundra and Tacoma crowds being the only ones that frequently mingle. It's easy to think that Toyota wasn't producing enthusiast vehicles because of the dark days of the 2000's in the wake of the loss of the Supra, Celica GT4 and MR2 Turbo, but the light kept shining for Land Cruiser, Tacoma and Hilux enthusiasts, and that light has only grown brighter with the advent of the Overlanding movement around the world, and the increase in popularity for modifying 4wd vehicles like Toyota's for the task. It would be nice for Toyota to embrace their leadership of the movement with fresh, exciting products, while also consolidating their brand.
I'll do my best to update this thread with news and will be editing the OP with links and news.
But Toyota is also easily one of the leaders for enthusiasts who prefer dirt to neatly paved tarmac. Leading the way are vehicles like the legendary Land Cruiser, the venerable Hilux and the 4Runner among many others.
With the advent of the TNGA-F architecture, all of Toyota's body on frame vehicles look to see needed replacements and consolidations.
https://gearpatrol.com/2020/03/16/new-toyota-land-cruiser-tundra-details/
Before detailing what the future has in store, it's important to look at what currently fills out Toyota's burgeoning and diverse global portfolio:
Land Cruiser 70 Series - A relic of the '80's, the Land Cruiser 70 fills a niche in markets like Australia, Africa and the Middle East that will be difficult to replace. How old is it? It's the vehicle that directly replaced the original Land Cruiser 40 series. With solid axles all around and enough body types to fit any situation, it's the Land Cruiser that people choose when they want to travel far and make it back. The closest analogue it has in the modern global market is the Jeep Wrangler ever since the Defender was put out to pasture.
Land Cruiser Prado (150 Series) - Originally a variation that started on the 70 series, the Prado spun off onto it's own platform in 1996, sharing much in common with the Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner underneath the skin. It's marketed as a medium-duty Land Cruiser, with a friendlier price tag, and only a moderate drop in capability over it's big brother (currently the 200 Series). In some markets, this vehicle is known as the Lexus GX or simply the Land Cruiser.
Land Cruiser (200 Series) - It's hard to call any particular Land Cruiser the original, but for many markets, this is the Land Cruiser most will think of when they hear the name. A big, comfortable wagon that can go absolutely anywhere and make it back.
Hilux - Currently in it's eighth generation, the Hilux stands as one of the most recognizable Toyota trucks and SUV's, even in markets that it's not sold in (pretty much Canada and USA). In Toyota's global portfolio, it somewhat slots between the Tacoma and Tundra in terms of capability, with a profile similar to the Tacoma, but an increased capability thanks to strong desire from commercial markets.
Fortuner - The most recent SUV to be spun off of the Hilux platform, the Fortuner originally hailed from Thailand as an inexpensive way to get into a 5-7 passenger SUV with good off road capability, but without the cost of the Land Cruiser name and the bulletproof ruggedness that comes with it.
4Runner - The original Hilux SUV spinoff, it's still known as the Hilux Surf in some markets. Nowadays it shares more DNA with the Land Cruiser Prado and the Toyota Tacoma than it does the Hilux, while filling the same niche that the Fortuner does in the markets it's in. Like the Prado and less like the Fortuner, the 4Runner is known as a comfortable, capable SUV.
Tacoma - The other midsize pickup in Toyota's portfolio. The Tacoma was split from the Hilux's mission to market a more comfortable, personal-vehicle focused vehicle for North American tastes. These days, it can only be found in Canada, Mexico and the USA. Unlike the Hilux, it's only available with petrol engines
Tundra - Few vehicles can make a Land Cruiser (200 series) look small, but leave it to the North American Tundra to do just that. These days, it's only available with a 5.7 N/A V8, can make it to a million miles, probably tows more than anything else on this list and likely hauls more, too.
Sequoia - Last but not least, there's the Sequoia. The SUV sibling of the Tundra, the Seq slots in under the Land Cruiser in price and capability, while being a larger and more family-oriented vehicle for American family's who'd likely find the Prado too small. It's primary purpose is to tow and move people over moderate terrain. However, it's off road chops have recently been boosted by the introduction of a TRD Pro model.
EDIT: FJ Cruiser - I can't believe this, but they still make the FJ Cruiser in some markets. I knew it carried on after leaving North America's shores, but I didn't realize it was still at it!
Lexus GX and LX - While these are mechanically similar to the Prado 150 and LC 200, albeit with gasoline V8's, their futures may not necessarily be tied to those two models for their replacements.
Now, that's a lot of overlap that has stemmed from multiple markets developing similar vehicles based on needs and budgets. I suspect that with the new TNGA-F architecture, it will be easier to streamline their model portfolio to have less overlap.
THE FUTURE
Time to analyze what's in store for the future of Toyota's nameplates and how they might converge or change:
The Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Shrinks - Status: FALSE(-ish)
First up is the Land Cruiser 200's replacement, the Land Cruiser 300 and there's some interesting info about it. Reports have stated it's going to Shrink and seat a maximum of 5 occupants instead of the potential 7 like the current 200. Twin Turbo Gasoline V6's and a hybrid system are in the cards. No word on diesels yet, but it's a safe bet they'll be introduced if they want Australians and others to buy them. In America, it's also supposed to take a significant price chop to make it more accessible than it's current $90k sticker commands.
However, this new, shorter and cheaper Land Cruiser 300 puts it perilously close to the Prado's mission profile. However, given that Toyota has some consolidation to do with it's b.o.f. midsize SUV's, could we see the end of the Prado altogether?
This will be the first of the TNGA-F vehicles to be announced and released, with the next Tundra following closely behind.
Update Oct, 12th/2021: So obviously the 300 Series took after the 200 Series, but with all of the updates the Land Cruiser's been needing. However, this rumor wasn't completely unfounded and may still yet be true. If the Toyota UK market is anything to go by, Toyota isn't afraid of referring to non-LC200/300 SUV's as "Land Cruiser", and it could be that the US Market gets a version of the Prado, or entirely bespoke TNGA-F vehicle that will bare the name... because Toyota has also proven they have no problem with a few different flavors of Land Cruiser scattered around the globe.
Next Tundra Gets Twin Turbo Power - Status: TRUE
The current Tundra is old. Not a bad thing when your clientele demand honest reliability over fancy new technology, and your competition can sell more of one trim level of their rival nameplate than you sell in your entire model line.
But change is finally coming. First, it seems like Toyota has plans to size the truck closer to the domestic vehicles it competes against, as it's size currently makes it difficult to match the tow and hauling of the American domestic half ton pick ups it squares off with. It's impressive but old school 5.7 V8 will also be riding off into the sunset and replaced with the same V6TT that will find it's way into the Land Cruiser 300. Hybrid power is also in the cards.
Update 10/12/2021: So this was pretty much bang on.
Hilux and Tacoma Reunited - Status: TRUE
Only (decent) rumors and a little speculation at this time right now, but this merger makes a lot of sense. First, both vehicles are roughly on the same refresh and update cycle. Additionally, the once differing mission profiles they each accomplished have become more and more aligned, with Global buyers seeking Utes as personal vehicles more and more, and Tacoma owners wanting more capability for their personal trucks. TNGA-F being shared with the larger Tundra means that these two will be able to likely meet the goals of comfort and capability in a midsize package for the entire globe, with only minor content tweaks and powertrain swaps to suit specific markets. Gas, Diesel and Hybrid power are in the cards. It sounds like the Gasoline V6 will be retained in lieu of a turbo charged four cylinder.
Update 10/12/2021: I need to get better at sourcing this info, but while it was always going to "kind of" be the case given the nature of the TNGA-F platform, it's been confirmed that the Hilux and Tacoma will be sharing a lot of DNA underneath the skin. More than they ever have. Styling for both will supposedly be very different in order to cater to their market's tastes, and I don't expect the Tacoma to be diesel powered anytime soon, but I suspect a lot of the suspension components and running gear will be very swappable, and they'll have identical frames.
However, I do not expect this convergence to happen at the exact same time. The Tacoma is being mooted to be replaced in '23-'24, while the earliest time I've seen for the Hilux is '25.
Midsize SUV Convergence - Status: TBD
It's safe to say that Toyota has two too many midsize body on frame SUV's. If the Land Cruiser 300 goes down market in price, but keeps it's capability, the Prado is all but completely moot. The North American 4Runner is a perfect example of a single model that can achieve the goals of both a modest, honest body on frame SUV like the Fortuner with the 4Runner SR5, as well as a luxurious, capable SUV like the Prado with the Limited and TRD Pro trim levels. I see all three models going away and being replaced with a single midsize SUV (likely carrying the Fortuner, Hilux Surf and 4Runner names depending on the market it's in).
Update: The 4Runner and Prado are both expected to get replaced around 2023. It'll be interesting to see how similar they are, if at all. The Fortuner sounds like it will continue soldiering on as well, but will likely be replaced around 2025 at the same time (or near) as the Hilux.
The Death of the 70 Series - Status: TBD
I'm certain this will not be popular, but I do not believe this 4x4 Utility vehicle has long for the world. With any luck, the TNGA-F architecture can support a live axle front suspension, but the signs may not be good for a capable replacement to fill in this legends shoes. Look for the Hilux, the Land Cruiser 300 and possibly an international Tundra to fill in for where this rig leaves off.
Update: Grandpa is still alive and kicking, with no plans to retire just yet.
What about the rest?
There have been conflicting reports regarding the Lexus LX. One cited a continuation of it's current Land Cruiser-based genes, and another has said it will become more of a Bentley Bentayga competitor. I personally would prefer the latter, primarily to see the Land Cruiser nameplate helped with sales in the US, but also because the Lexus LC and LS are excellent cars and I'd love to see the SUV version of them. The GX has been confirmed as returning, which does put a feather in the cap for the Prado living to see a new version, although it could also switch to sharing it's roots with the Land Cruiser 300, if my theory is correct.
Update: So the LX is very much going to be LC300 base, and sadly it's come at the expense of the LC300 Land Cruiser selling in the American Market (RIP). I fully expect a premium "Bentley Bentayga" fighter as well though, as it'll likely be able to exist alongside the LX given their vastly different missions and likely very different styling. However, I haven't read much in regard to that SUV coming. The GX status is currently: "It's coming" and that's about it. What form it will take remains to be seen, but Lexus seems to be willing to embrace a harder edged off-road customer base.
The Sequoia, lastly, is a difficult one to thumb down. On the one hand, it fills a role that a 5-seat Land Cruiser 300 cannot, and should it continue to share much of it's front end and mechanical bits with the Tundra, it'll be relatively easy to produce. But with the Land Cruiser supposedly taking a huge slash in price, it'll have a lot of SUV competition in it's own showroom, let alone from the likes of the vastly improved Ford Expedition and the soon-to-be-updated Tahoe and Suburban which is largely competes against.
Update: The Sequoia is all but confirmed to continue to be an SUV version of the Tundra. It will be interesting to see if Toyota will go in a different direction for styling, and if it'll retain it's IRS set up. It is referred to as one of the "four brothers" of the American market (alongside the 4Runner, Tacoma and Tundra). That doesn't bode well for a future return of the Land Cruiser nameplate in any capacity, though.
Personal Thought:
As an owner of a Toyota Tacoma, I enjoy sharing my enthusiasm for Toyota SUV's and trucks with other owners. Despite the clear ties of our vehicles, it is not common for there to be overlap with the other enthusiastic owners surprisingly enough! Land Cruiser and GX/LX guys stick together, FJ Guys stick together, with the 4Runner, Tundra and Tacoma crowds being the only ones that frequently mingle. It's easy to think that Toyota wasn't producing enthusiast vehicles because of the dark days of the 2000's in the wake of the loss of the Supra, Celica GT4 and MR2 Turbo, but the light kept shining for Land Cruiser, Tacoma and Hilux enthusiasts, and that light has only grown brighter with the advent of the Overlanding movement around the world, and the increase in popularity for modifying 4wd vehicles like Toyota's for the task. It would be nice for Toyota to embrace their leadership of the movement with fresh, exciting products, while also consolidating their brand.
I'll do my best to update this thread with news and will be editing the OP with links and news.
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