One of the world’s most iconic SUVs is definitely Toyota’s Land Cruiser. This title comes with a reason. LC is the perfect combination of off-road ability and interior luxury. But, like it’s the case with many other models, the father time took its tool. An SUV that started its journey back in the 1950s has thousands of followers around the world. Today, most of them agree on one thing. As much they love their Cruiser it is ready for a redesign. An upgrade that could come with the 2023 Toyota Land Cruiser.
Since its first installment Land Cruiser has grown in size reaching its today’s dimensions. The model that is currently in markets is old in every sense. The testimony to this is its weight of 5,815 pounds. It is still, which stops to be the norm, built on a steel frame.
Imagine what performance would come with its 5.7-liter V8 which currently boasts 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque if it was built on aluminum chassis. This model had many updates over time, but here’s a fun fact. Land Cruise as we know it today has been on the market since 2007. A lifetime ago.
Exterior
The first changes would have to come from the outside. The first change would have to be its weight. This Japanese manufacturer needs to change the build of this SUV. The 2023 Toyota Land Cruiser needs to shed some weight. A switch to aluminum filled platform would be the first step. Less weight, better fuel efficiency. A simple formula.
LC is not a cheap car. So, in addition to its off-road ability, Toyota needs to add that premium look. A bit sportier bumper for starters with differently designed fog lights would be a start. A modern grill, similar to the one on the new RAV4, but larger should fit ideally upfront. Pair that with LED headlights, and you got more appeal. Something this vehicle has been lacking. A side profile with sleeker lines and elegance is also needed.
The roofline should be lower in the rear end, which would be a move similar to some of the competitors. At the back, new taillights and a differently designed tailgate should spice the 2023 Land Cruiser. Maybe, to copy Porsche a bit, they could connect rear lights with a LED stripe. LC is priced like a luxury SUV; it should look like one.
Interior
On the inside, the current Land Cruiser offers space for eight passengers, but not enough cargo space for them to pack things. It’s one of its main drawbacks. But, it is spacey, and comfortable, with quite a good premium feel. From safety features, it offers an adaptive cruise-control system, 4-zone climate-control system, and Safety Sense-P system among others. All of this should and needs to be, extensively updated with the 2023 Toyota Land Cruiser.
Engine
Under the hood, you will find only one, but the highly reliable engine. It is a legendary 5.7-liter V8 with 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. Its drawback is the fuel efficiency. This is one of the reasons why this SUV is not as nearly as popular in the United States as it is in the rest of the world. There’s a catch. The US market doesn’t get a diesel version. All in all, some changes in this department are necessary. Even if diesel doesn’t land on US shores, a fuel-efficient LC is a must. This could be achieved with the weight loss mentioned above. This move is something that most automakers pull these days. 2018 Land Cruiser can pull up to 8,100 pounds, and this makes it one of the most capable SUVs in the world.
Price
As we said, Land Cruiser is many things, but it’s not cheap. The base version is priced at $85,500. It’s expensive, but most of its equipment comes as standard, so you don’t have to part with way more for upper versions. All of its competitors have broader pricing. Just take a look at what Mercedes-Benz offers with GLS 550, Land Rover with Range Rover HSE, and Infiniti with QX80. The 2023 Toyota Land Cruiser will most likely go above this figure, but it should start under the $90,000 mark.
2023 Toyota Land Cruiser Release Date
Not much can be said about the arrival of the new Toyota Land Cruiser 2023. The Aichi-based company is keeping things under wrap at the moment. The work indeed started, they are long due to update this SUV. For now, we can only speculate. Our estimates set the release date of the new Land Cruiser to mid-to-late 2019. If things change, we’ll be quick to update you.
