5 Toyota SUVs That We Can’t Have in the States
The Land Cruiser Prado, the Toyota Fortuner, and now the new Land Cruiser 300 Series––what do these Toyota SUVs have in common? They are all Toyota SUVs that we can’t have here in the states. Here’s a look at all the awesome Toyota SUV models we are missing out on.
Toyota SUVs that we can’t have in America
- Toyota Fortuner
- Toyota Harrier
- Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
- Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series
- Toyota Land Cruiser J70
In the United States of America, we have the Toyota RAV4, the Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Highlander, Toyota Sequoia, and Toyota Land Cruiser 200. But there are a few SUVs that global markets get to enjoy that are out of our reach here in the states. Sure, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner is cool. But it’s not the forbidden fruit Fortuner.
1. The Toyota Fortuner is a Toyota SUV like the 4Runner
The Toyota Fortuner is a Toyota SUV sold in global markets with seven seats. It comes in a variety of different powertrains. These include a 2.8 liter 201 hp turbodiesel engine and a 2.4 liter turbodiesel engine that produces up to 148 hp, according to Motor1.
Toyota also just introduced the Toyota Fortuner GR Sport, inspired by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division. This is a rear-wheel drive configuration of the Toyota Fortuner. It gets new tech like a heads-up display and cosmetic upgrades which include a two-tone interior.
2. The Toyota Harrier is the Venza for global markets
Another Toyota SUV that we don’t see here in the U.S. is the Toyota Harrier. But what is it? It once shared most of its components with the Lexus RX.
The new Harrier that debuted in 2020 is nearly identical to the new Toyota Venza that debuted in the U.S. last year. Both of these SUVs, like the others we will see on this list, can’t enter the North American market due to ever-tightening emissions restrictions.
3. The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is a truly rugged Lexus GX
The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado has been around in other parts of the world since 1990. It offers both diesel and gas powertrains. Over the years, we’ve seen both three-door and five-door versions of the Prado, and today it remains true to its core value of being a highly capable, reliable off-road SUV.
The Lexus GX is the closest Toyota SUV to the Land Cruiser Prado that we get here in the states, as it’s virtually the same model with Lexus appointments. However, the Lexus GX features a V8 gasoline engine. Although some fans may wish for a little more Prado in the Lexus GX, we don’t expect to see a diesel GX anytime soon.
4. The Land Cruiser J70 is easily the most iconic off-road Toyota SUV ever made
The Toyota Land Cruiser J70 is just ridiculously awesome. Fans of off-roading and pure Toyota SUV simplicity have long wished for the J70 to come stateside, though it’s not likely that we will ever see it happen. The Toyota Land Cruiser J70 has been virtually the same since the 1980s.
Due to the fact that it’s one of the most capable vehicles on earthly roads, it’s gained a massive following. Furthermore, the J70 keeps not only its rugged roots but also an appealing throwback exterior style. It’s a perfect embodiment of the timeless phrase, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
5. The all-new Land Cruiser 300 Series
The Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series just released in global markets as well. Our stateside Land Cruiser legacy ends with the 2021 Land Cruiser 200 Series. So all we will get of the Land Cruiser 300 are promotional movies and YouTube videos.
The new Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series concentrates on fixing the problems of the J200 by fitting over an entirely new platform. From the frame to the tech, it’s a new beast. However, it did take cues from the fan-favorite 80 Series Land Cruiser. In fact, the new model includes plenty of trickle-down engineering from its legendary predecessors. But it also propels the new model into the future with reportedly smoother on-road performance, tighter handling, and a rumored hybrid model on the horizon.
The forbidden fruit of the Toyota SUV lineup
Of course, we appreciate our Toyota Highlanders and Toyota Sequoias here in the U.S. However, that doesn’t mean we don’t turn a little bit green watching off-road reels of folks in Australia rock crawling in a Toyota Land Cruiser J70. Novelty SUVs like the Toyota Fortuner and Toyota Sienta are fun to look at from afar.
But unless we take a trip abroad, it’s not likely we will get to test any of these Toyota SUV models on North American roads. Because these models are reserved for markets like South Africa, Colombia, India, and Japan, we will have to travel outside of the USA to get behind the wheel.
