The legend. This is how we can describe Toyota’s luxury SUV Land Cruiser in one word. But, nowadays, we can also say – OLD. Not because it is the oldest nameplate in the Japanese company, but for its aging design. Well, the carmaker will have to do something with the 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser to refresh the SUV. Redesign? A new generation? 300 series launch? Too many possibilities and there are many pros and cons for every one of them.
The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser is the sibling of Lexus LX 570 and one of the rare premium models with Toyota badge. Most luxury vehicles are distributed under the Lexus logo. But, back in the ’80s, Land Cruiser went into two lines – utility and luxury. Nowadays, this SUV is closing the gap between these characteristics. It is one of the vehicles with the widest offer of features and the latest accessories. At the same time, its powerful V8 won’t let you down, no matter what kind of weather or terrain conditions lay ahead.
Whatsoever, the current generation is over a decade old. Forget about updates, the 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser needs a complete overhaul. So, the redesign is the first step. But, recent rumors are saying the Japanese company will go even further. They could launch the brand-new 2020 Land Cruiser 300 Series. The next-gen model could also appear as a truck in the US. In Australia, this vehicle is already available as one of the versions of LC 70 series.
2020 Toyota Land Cruiser Changes, Possible 300 Series
Updating the interior is the first thing designers will have to do. The new 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser will keep a three-row layout. But, it is time to move on from the classic design and make the LC more futuristic. Be sure that SUV is going to take some solutions from the Lexus LX. Well, infotainment system and apps inside the cabin of the Land Cruiser are cool. But, overall look needs a huge boost.
Outside we still don’t know what to expect. The 2020 Land Cruiser could move to the new platform, making it larger. That increase in size could be used for more space for passengers or cargo. However, a new platform would launch the next generation of the SUV. Some experts say everything is ready for 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 series.
2020 Toyota Land Cruiser Specs, New Engine
Under the hood of the US version of the 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser buyers are getting a 5.7-l V8 unit. It is capable to deliver 380 hp and 400 pound-feet of torque. A massive engine is creating enough energy for off-road adventures. Also, premium features inside the SUV provide maximum comfort. This is not going to change for the 2020 model.
However, the new Land Cruiser could get the new powertrain. Toyota and Subaru agreed on a partnership, and these two companies will build the next-gen LC. Subaru is going to deliver a drivetrain. Its famous Boxer is not big enough for the full-size vehicle. So, we will see something new and spectacular. Transmission, suspension, and other parts are up to Toyota.
Diesel or Hybrid?
The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser V8 diesel will be available outside the US, that is for sure. European buyers can purchase this SUV with a 4.5-liter V8 drivetrain. It is capable to create 250 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. This unit could be tuned for the US market if the company manages to cut the emissions. The new LC would gain better fuel economy and towing capacity.
The alternative is the 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser Hybrid. This seems like a far-fetched option. There are no such big vehicles available with a hybrid drivetrain. The advantage of this kind of engine is definitely lower emission rating. Also, fuel economy can count on a boost, while towing and off-road capability would drop significantly.
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado – Downsized Version Spied
The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is a smaller version of the big SUV. While we can compare standard LC with Lexus LX, Prado is more similar to Lexus GX. Whatsoever, this unit is not available for US buyers. And the situation is not going to change for the 2020 year model. But, fans of Land Cruiser Prado can be happy to know their favorite vehicle is bringing significant changes. First models are already being tested, and soon we will get more information about the SUV, especially popular in Asia.
US Buyers Will Wait Beyond 2020 to see Toyota Land Cruiser Truck
This is not happening, although some rumors are claiming that the debut is possible. Why? Toyota already has mid-size and full-size truck in the US. Tacoma and Tundra are very popular, and the company can’t experiment with 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser Pickup Truck. They don’t know where to slot it. Also, a mid-size segment is losing a battle against SUVs. For example, the best towing capacity in this segment belongs to Chevy Colorado with 7,700 pounds. Toyota Land Cruiser currently can tow 8,500 pounds.
Whatsoever, 70 series of the LC still live outside the US. For example, in Australia, we can buy the Land Cruiser pickup truck. The LC79 is just a variation. There are also LC78 troopie and LC76 wagon types of the 70 series in Australia.
2020 Toyota Land Cruiser TRD Pro – Unstoppable SUV
Yes, you can read it well. The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser could get a TRD Pro package we can find only on 4Runner SUV. Well, there are also Sequoia and Highlander in rumors’ mill to get the same suite, but none of these is confirmed. So, what is 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser getting with TRD package? It is already pretty capable off-road SUV. But, suspensions, shocks, all-terrain tires, and few more upgrades could make it even meaner.
2020 Toyota Land Cruiser Release Date
The new 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser will debut late in 2019. By then, we will have more info about 300 series and other changes we mentioned in this review. Until then, you can check out more stories about the SUV at 2020landcruiser.com.
