Yes of course there are plenty of alternatives to a three-row SUV like the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser. Especially since pricing on a new Land Cruiser 200 is creeping ever so close to $90 grand. But the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser alternatives suggested by J.D. Power are a little bit questionable.

If you really want an alternative to a new Land Cruiser 200, you’ll want something sturdy and reliable––these Toyota trucks are known for lasting into extreme high mileage. You’ll also want an upscale interior. But the main thing most people will want if they are shopping Toyota Land Cruiser alternatives is likely to be something on par with the Land Cruiser’s capability, but with a lower price tag. We are having a hard time seeing where J.D. Power is going with these suggestions.

The first 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser alternative is the only one that really makes sense

If you go over to the J.D. Power page for the Land Cruiser from the 2021 model year, you can scroll down to see the “Top Alternatives” suggested by the publication. The first suggestion is really the only one that makes any sense––at first glance. The 2020 Nissan Armada shares some rugged roots with the Land Cruiser.

The Armada shares a platform with the hardy Nissan Patrol that can be seen in some pretty “off the beaten path” situations. Think African safari or a trek to the Egyptian pyramids. So yeah, we see this one. It offers reliable Japanese engineering, an upscale interior, a comparably dismal fuel economy, and a big boxy shape. All this for about $20 grand less––depending of course upon how you spec it out.

The next alternative is pretty questionable at first glance

J.D. Power also suggests the 2020 BMW X6 as an alternative for the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser. At first glance, this is a squirrelly suggestion. How is a BMW X6 comparable to a Toyota Land Cruiser?

For one thing, pricing is extremely similar. In fact, if you go for a BMW X6 model that’s not in the top tier you’ll save a ton of money and still end up with a high end luxury vehicle that brings some capability to the table. You’ll pay the same for a range topping 2020 BMW X6 that you’ll pay for a new Land Cruiser 200. Plus, the 2020 BMW X6 earned a J.D. Power Performance award. However, opting for this model means you’ll lose your third row seating.

We aren’t totally sure how the 2020 Chevy Blazer made the list

Yes, you can get a range-topping 2020 Chevy Blazer with all the bells and whistles and still come in at least $10 grand below the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser. But we just aren’t really seeing the connection here. 2020 Chevy Blazer also only seats five, so you lose the third row.

And, although it earned a performance award, it’s certainly not the vehicle of choice for those seeking extreme off-road adventure. In fact, I just don’t really see anyone who really wants a new Land Cruiser 200 SUV to skip it for a Chevy Blazer instead. It doesn’t have the same appeal. Neither, in all truth, does the BMX X6.

New Land Cruiser 200 alternatives

If I were to offer up some alternatives I might even stay within the Yota family. A 4Runner offers much of the same capability, gives you the options of a third row, and maintains Toyota’s reputation for reliability. Plus, it comes a lot cheaper than the Toyota Land Cruiser.

Even a Toyota Sequoia is a more comparable alternative that’s had for quite a bit cheaper. If you are looking to save money on a Land Cruiser, J.D. Power’s alternatives might pique your interest. But we think that there are many more comparable models that are left off the list. The Nissan Armada is the closest example to the Land Cruiser. Other than that, we think the BMW X6 or the Chevy Blazer as true Land Cruiser alternatives are questionable.