Why Can’t You Buy a New Toyota Land Cruiser SUV?
If you are interested in buying a new Toyota Land Cruiser in the United States, you are likely out of luck. Back in December of 2020, Toyota announced that it would be discontinuing its flagship SUV. Making the 2021 Land Cruiser the last new model you could buy here in the States. Despite all of this, Toyota is selling a 2022 model on the global market. But, there is a way to get a 2022 Land Cruiser in the States, kind of. And that is the 2022 Lexus LX 600.
Is the Lexus LX 600 a Land Cruiser?
The Land Cruiser may be dead here in the U.S., but it does live on under the Lexus nameplate. The 2022 LX 600 is essentially a luxury version of the 300 Series Land Cruiser. It may lack the subtlety of the Toyota, but it is still an SUV that is worth buying. If you can afford one.
The new LX 600 is still a body-on-frame vehicle, and it shares its platform with the new Land Cruiser and Toyota Tundra. It also comes standard with four-wheel drive and includes low range. This SUV is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine that makes 409 horsepower and 479 pound-foot of torque. And that beats out the old V8 that this vehicle used to have.
Is the 2022 Lexus LX 600 good off-road?
In terms of off-road capability, the new LX 600 is decent enough. Although, according to Car and Driver, Lexus has made a dedicated off-road version, but it seems to be limited to Japan. This version is known as the LX 600 Offroad, and it features three locking differentials, much like the Mercedes-Benz G-wagon.
It would certainly be nice to see this trim of the 2022 LX 600 make its way to the United States. But, the LX 600 that we do get here is decent enough off-road. There are various systems like off-road cruise control and a turn-assist system to help reduce the turning radius.
How expensive is this Lexus SUV?
When it comes to cost, the 2022 Lexus LX 600 is not the cheapest, it starts at $88,245. That means this SUV costs nearly $90k for the base model. In comparison, the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser had an MSRP of $85,665. And that isn’t that much cheaper, but it seems like some folks did appreciate the more restrained design language.
But, now that the Land Cruiser is discontinued here in the States, the best way to get one is either on the used market or buy a new Lexus LX 600.
Does Toyota plan to bring back the Land Cruiser?
It’s unclear whether or not Toyota ever plans for the Land Cruiser to the United States. When the brand announced it would be leaving, sales went pretty nuts. So clearly, there is a segment of Americans who enjoy what the Land Cruiser has to offer.
The 300 Series Land Cruiser brings a lot to the table. And having to miss out on it is a bit of a disappointment.
