In todayâs automotive world, a vehicle like the Toyota Land Cruiser truly stands out, as itâs among the last of a dying breed, and that breed is high-priced, extra large body-on-frame SUVs.
The Land Cruiser has been around for seven full decades, starting in 1951 as Toyotaâs version of a Jeep-style, off-road vehicle. Over the years it has retained that off-road ability while evolving into perhaps the classiest vehicle offered by Toyota.
Whatâs unique about the Land Cruiser is Toyota finds itself competing against both non-luxury vehicles (Ford Expedition, Chevy Suburban and Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Nissan Armada, and Toyotaâs own Sequoia), as well as luxury vehicles such as the Lincoln Navigator, Lexus LX, Infiniti QX80 and Cadillac Escalade.
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Over nearly 15 years of driving cars, rarely has the LandCruiser 200 Series appeared within the Toyota press garage.
There’s good reason. During that time the Cruiser has essentially sold itself there’s been little need for promotion or media fanfare.
Take a look at any caravan park around the country or journey virtually anywhere in regional Australia. The Outback is known as Cruiser country and Toyota has forged its reliable reputation off the back of six decades in our toughest environs.
After 16 years the 200 Series has one foot in the coffin. Rumours are circulating that the V8 turbo diesel will be replaced by a V6 and supply over the coming year will be tight.