Where Does The New Toyota Land Cruiser Fit Into Toyota's Off-Road Lineup?

In short, the same people Toyota built the FJ Cruiser for, but that car was ahead of its time. The retro design theme was still in its infancy when the FJ emerged. Now retro is all the rage, and examples include the Bronco, G-Class,Nissan Z菲亚特500 e,Dodge Challenger, Ford Mustang, and the Mini brand as a whole.

The Wrangler doesn't count in that company because it's been around for ages, and its design is best described as evolutionary in the same way the Porsche 911's is. But the Wrangler's significance here is essential. The Jeep brand we know today directlyresults from the Willys Jeepand, in turn, the Wrangler. In much the same way, every Toyota SUV and off-roader, from the RAV4 to the 4Runner and Sequoia, is the direct result of the Land Cruiser.

The Land Cruiser also wouldn't exist if it weren't for the Jeep Wrangler. The Imperial Japanese Army captured a Willys in the Philippines somewhere between 1941 to 1942. The generals were impressed because they sent it home with a note that said, "Build something similar."

The US army famously left its Jeeps behind because it was cheaper than bringing them home, giving Japan more examples to work with. It developed the AK10, which would later be named the Jeep BJ. After Jeep expressed displeasure with the name (not the BJ part), Toyota chose Land Cruiser.

The 4Runner might have a heritage in the American market, but its importance pales in comparison to the historical significance of the Land Cruiser name.

The retro market is booming, and while the 4Runner essentially does the same job as the Land Cruiser, people will happily pay a $10,000 premium for a more stylish car with an iconic name and a single-minded focus on off-roading. It's why the Wrangler sells hand over fist compared to the Grand Cherokee, despite the GC being a capable off-roader of a similar size.

The new Land Cruiser is slightly left-field and more exciting than the humble 4Runner and Sequoia. Note the word of the use humble and not dull. Very few boring Toyotas are left, as Mr. Toyoda made good on his promise.

下一代4跑步者可能会miniature version of the Sequoia, equipped with the same engine range as the Tacoma. Since it's a body-on-frame vehicle, it competes directly with the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler, but not to the same extent as the Land Cruiser. 4Runner is a rugged family vehicle that can off-road, whereas Land Cruiser is an off-road institution that has space for the family.

The upcoming 4Runner and Land Cruiser will likely share the 2.4-liter turbocharged four-pot. Toyota will probably sell the 4Runner with and without hybrid assistance, while the Land Cruiser is only available as a hybrid. Therefore, the Land Cruiser will appeal to early adopters whose idea of a perfect two-car garage is this all-new off-roader parked next to the extremely good-looking and surprisingly potent Toyota Prius. The turbocharged four-pot is insignificant to these customers, and they'll be more interested in the consumption figures.

The other big mechanical difference is the Land Cruiser'sfull-time 4WD systemwith a transfer case for high- and low-range. The 4Runner and Sequoia both use a more basic (and cheaper) part-time 4WD system. Most manufacturers argue that a part-time system is better because it saves fuel, and thanks to modern traction and stability systems, vehicles equipped with these systems are no longer as tail-happy as they used to be.

If you've ever driven an old-school 4WD truck in 2WD without a load on the rear, you'll know they're sketchier than a first-generation Viper.

We happen to know that the difference in fuel consumption is negligible, and we much prefer having enough grip so there's no need for the nannies to interfere. In short, 4WD sorts the problem before there's even a problem. The real reason is cost; for proof, look no further than the Jeep Wrangler. It comes standard with a part-time system, but you have to pay $895 extra for a full-time system.

Toyota's full-time system also comes standard with a center differential lock if the going gets tough, backed up by a rear electronic differential lock.

A full-time system also provides an additional layer of security in certain conditions. While you can use a part-time system's 4WD mode on slippery surfaces like snow and sandy roads, it can't be used on wet roads and hard tarmac. A part-time system requires a certain amount of slip to avoid drivetrain windup, which we explore in ourguide to differentials.

In short, the Land Cruiser is now cheaper than ever, making the famous nameplate accessible to more people. It's also cooler because of its heritage and design, and Toyota will likely exploit this even further as the years go by. Jeep introducesa limited edition Wranglerevery year, and Ford is alsogetting in on the game. The 4Runner's overlap with these models was always present, but it could never go toe-to-toe with them. The Land Cruiser can do just that, and its historical significance means it's as much a giant as either of those two names.

It has a seemingly frugal powertrain and will find favor with a younger audience who want more than just 190 inches of generic SUV. Toyota's customization options will allow them to make it their own properly.

And finally, it's mechanically equipped to give the Bronco and Wrangler a proper headache.

While it may not make sense at first glance, there's more than enough reason for it to exist.