We Can’t Have Any of These Toyota Trucks in the U.S.
Toyota is one of the most popular automakers in America. In fact, since 2002, the best-selling car in America has been the Camry. The best-selling mid-size truck has been the Tacoma for 16 years. You could say Toyota is well-liked and respected in the U.S. This type of loyalty doesn’t come from random luck, Toyota is well-known to make reliable vehicles that last long. With the quality of products and prices lower than most luxury automakers, Toyota has a winning formula with its lineup. There’s always a downside though, as some Toyota vehicles don’t even make it onto American soil. We can’t have any of these Toyota trucks in the U.S.
New Toyota Land Cruiser won’t come to U.S.
The new Land Cruiser 300 Series is a redesign of the 200 series, which launched in 2007. With the Land Cruiser 300 Series, Toyota plans to develop a vehicle synonymous with “reliability, durability, and off-road performance”. Though there are off-road-capable vehicles in the Toyota lineup, the Land Cruiser caps it off with a full-size SUV capable of similar performance. The Land Cruiser is the Toyota equivalent of the Lexus LX570, a luxury SUV that is well-respected in its class. Though there is somewhat of a focus on toughness, the Land Cruiser balances convenience and comfort in the interior. Front and the second-row seats have heating and ventilation, it’s equipped with a cool box for chilling foods or beverages, a 12.3-inch high-resolution touch screen is available, and more.
With all these cool features, why is the Land Cruiser being discontinued in the United States? Simply put, the sales numbers aren’t what they need to be. In other parts of the world, this vehicle sells very well and so Toyota plans to continue selling it overseas. However, in the U.S. it has not performed well. According to GoodCarBadCar, under the classification of large luxury SUVs, the Land Cruiser sells the worst by far. To put it into perspective, the highest-selling vehicle from this category in Q2 of 2021 was the Cadillac Escalade. The Escalade sold 7,203 units, compared to the Land Cruiser’s 1,654. Six more vehicles sold more than the Land Cruiser in Q2 of 2021, and only one sold less. It was the Lexus equivalent LX that sold a total of 949 units.
Toyota LC70 pickup
Just like the Land Cruiser above, the pickup version isn’t going to make it into the U.S. either. Offroad capability and a vehicle that can take you anywhere is the focus again for this pickup. This is why it is a little surprising Toyota doesn’t take a chance on this model in the U.S. After all, the most popular vehicles in America are pickup trucks. Though Toyota is basing its judgment more on the performance of the regular Land Cruiser than pickup trucks in general. With few of the same features and technology as the LC, the LC70 is the small pickup Land Cruiser. Though you can pretty much subtract the bells and whistles. The pickup can seat up to six people and is great for the off-road adventurer. It doesn’t offer a whole lot for someone looking for an everyday driver, though.
Toyota Hilux pickup
The Toyota Hilux is next in the line of pickup trucks for the Japanese automaker. The Hilux would slot in right between the Tacoma and the Tundra in the Toyota truck lineup. That won’t be happening if you’re in the U.S. as the truck will stay exclusively overseas. As with other Toyota models, the Toyota Europe website focuses the descriptions on being quality, durable, reliable, and engineered to operate in extreme environments. Off-road capability is important to those interested in the Hilux, but it’s also no stranger to luxury. Hill Start Assist Control and Active Traction Control give the Hilux a smooth take-off, and its huge capacity to tow and carry means everything is coming with you. As far as the interior of the truck, a JBL sound system with Harman CLARi-Fi technology plays while you sit on durable material inside to make sure you’re ready for any terrain.
If you live outside of America, you can drive one of these 2022 models when they release to the public. If you live in the U.S. hopefully these vehicles don’t look too appealing because you’ll likely never see one in person. The Land Cruiser, LC70, and Hilux will not be coming to the U.S. in 2022, but maybe there’s hope for the future? For now, we can’t have any of these Toyota trucks in the U.S.
