2024 GX/Prado Release and Discussion (15 Viewers)

[Rednexus]

Toyota reminds me of an "International" company that I worked 8 years with. My summary was after 8 years, and the main reason why I left, it was not really "International", it was from XXX country, but had international business. In comparison, the company I have worked now for 20 years, IS an international company and as such, has succeeded , and failed, internationally. It is not always easy to get the Merican way. My first company was never ever able to get it, and totally failed here. They are however, VERY successful in many parts of the globe !

I work for a European company. 80% of their business is in Europe, our American divisions were companies the parent bought out over the past 5-10 years.

They are very good at what they do in Europe and we are fortunate that our American operations are left to "do our own thing", using a similar business model as the companies they bought out. As mentioned, being global and competing in very diverse markets is not easy - my company works on 3 continents and does a good job, Toyota is on 6 (7 if you count Hiluxes crossing the Antarctic). Toyota does it differently - some American autonomy (Tundra, Taco, 4Runner) but presumably a whole lot of oversight and micromanagement from the mothership in Japan.

FWIW, after having worked for 3 American companies prior to my current company I'd have a very hard time going back. My European company offers a much better work-life balance, vacation programs, and general care about employee wellness and happiness than any of my American companies every did (it's not even close). And both the pay and company profitability are similar to a bit better than competing American companies - all without being in a sweatshop.

 

[MeWantLC]

Sadly, but true.

Also, I have considered Wrangler because 4x4, and all same important features from the highest levels are in the lower Sport level, sans the expensive stuff I don't need/don't care.

The more I read the more I think and the more I am sad. I don't think Toyota LC Prado would be that great at the end, they will screw something up: Either form factor, or price, or else. Tundra's and Sequioa's are a disaster of some sort, at least for me. Maybe time to just keep the 80, and get a CRV hybrid. LOL

Only die hards will buy that truck. It looks straight out of the 1990's. People buy Broncos and Wranglers because they are retro/cool. The 70 series is just retro.

 

[Gr8Daneger]

I guess it all comes down to this, if Toyota is going to shave ~$25K off the outgoing 200 to try to get more people into an LC, that ~$25K is going to come from somewhere. Toyota just didn’t figure out how to make better vehicles cheaper. Everything is going to be thinner, weaker and cheaper. All this will make the legendary LC name worthless in the long run. I hope the Baby LC proves me wrong but I have my doubts.

Look what happened to Maserati when they tried to make vehicles for the masses with the Maserati name. They are now a joke that no car enthusiasts takes seriously.

 

[ThRiLlGmYr]

I'd buy it in a second....its perfect

Yeah, but what are they going to do after the IH8MUD people have bought theirs? Don't they only sell around 10k of these a year in Australia? The 95% of Bronco and Wrangler buyers who buy them because they look cool are not buying a 70 series.

 

[TexasFunRunner]

I guess it all comes down to this, if Toyota is going to shave ~$25K off the outgoing 200 to try to get more people into an LC, that ~$25K is going to come from somewhere. Toyota just didn’t figure out how to make better vehicles cheaper. Everything is going to be thinner, weaker and cheaper. All this will make the legendary LC name worthless in the long run. I hope the Baby LC proves me wrong but I have my doubts.

Look what happened to Maserati when they tried to make vehicles for the masses with the Maserati name. They are now a joke that no car enthusiasts takes seriously.

Yes, of course, "thinner, weaker and cheaper", just like the 4Runner and Tacoma, they are such terrible vehicles, they are practically worthless, as no one will buy them.

/s

 

[Gr8Daneger]

Yes, of course, "thinner, weaker and cheaper", just like the 4Runner and Tacoma, there are such terrible vehicles they are practically worthless as no one will buy them.

/s

That is exactly my point. It’s essentially just putting the LC name on a 4R trim and calling it a day. That way everyone can say they have an LC, when we all know the last real LC in the states is the 200 unless you get a pseudo LC300 in the form of an LX.

 

[Jetboy]

Could you please elaborate on these two points?

Thank you !

Sure -

2010 Toyota 4Runner debuts with four-cylinder, Trail grade model - Autoblog

2010 Toyota 4Runner Limited -- Click above for high-res image gallery

www.autoblog.com

A road trip in the Toyota bZ4X shows how brutal EV journeys can be with the wrong car

I learned that electric cars can add lots of stress — and hours — to even a straightforward trip if they charge slowly and have short ranges.

www.autoblog.com

 

[Jetboy]

I guess it all comes down to this, if Toyota is going to shave ~$25K off the outgoing 200 to try to get more people into an LC, that ~$25K is going to come from somewhere. Toyota just didn’t figure out how to make better vehicles cheaper. Everything is going to be thinner, weaker and cheaper. All this will make the legendary LC name worthless in the long run. I hope the Baby LC proves me wrong but I have my doubts.

Look what happened to Maserati when they tried to make vehicles for the masses with the Maserati name. They are now a joke that no car enthusiasts takes seriously.

The LC300 starts at $47k USD in other markets. Pretty easy to shave $35k off by just selling a lower trim model. Toyota already does it.

 

[malden]

I'll be honest
The 76 is my least favorite 70

After the amazing 80 series & 105

The 76 feels like such a downgrade honestly.

The only perk is it has more modern engines I guess.

All are great. You do like your little bit of comfort, don't you? An 80 would not have worked for my purpose but I did spend some time looking for one as an all around driver. Wanted a manual and never ran across the right one.

You have to like spartan to like the 40 and 70. Take a look at the interior of a Gullwing 300SL, a Porsche 356 Speedster or early 911. Utter beauty in the bare minimum. Elegant. Understated. Functional. Absolutely beautiful. Either you get it or you don't.

 

[Smitty512]

Well this is disappointing. Came here to see 3 new pages and figured there’d been a big update.
But all I see is a buncha Yotaheads sperging out.

 

[Gr8Daneger]

The LC300 starts at $47k USD in other markets. Pretty easy to shave $35k off by just selling a lower trim model. Toyota already does it.

I hear you, but sadly that’s not what Americans want or they would have brought those trims over already. How many cloth seat Yukons and Tahoes do you actually see even though they are still available. And if Mr. T has anything to to do with it lockers won’t even be an option. I’m sure the Baby LC will have leather and all the tech goodies that American want, which in the end drives up the price.

I wish they would bring the LC300 here in all the trim levels to give everyone a chance/taste of a real LC.

I personally like the 70 series for the nostalgia side of things that bring me back to the 90’s when sh^* was simpler. I want a no frills off-roader toy that ALWAYS gets me from point A to B, and highway comfort and MPG is low on my list.

 

[Jetboy]

I hear you, but sadly that’s not what Americans want or they would have brought those trims over already. How many cloth seat Yukons and Tahoes do you actually see even though they are still available. And if Mr. T has anything to to do with it lockers won’t even be an option. I’m sure the Baby LC will have leather and all the tech goodies that American want, which in the end drives up the price.

I wish they would bring the LC300 here in all the trim levels to give everyone a chance/taste of a real LC.

I personally like the 70 series for the nostalgia side of things that bring me back to the 90’s when sh^* was simpler. I want a no frills off-roader toy that ALWAYS gets me from point A to B, and highway comfort and MPG is low on my list.

Americans did buy those until they discontinued them. Toyota sells lots of cloth 4runners at $40k. A GR sport 300 is about $75k. I think they'd sell plenty of them.

Not sure it's a baby LC anymore. I think they are 50lbs different. Same platform, same drive train, same factory. Seems like just a different flavor. I'm not really sure why it exists given how similar they are.

 

[stridertexas]

The people on this forum are not Toyota’s main buyers. We are a sub group of niche buyers with highly specific wants.

I applaud Toyota for trying to continually evolve and keep some form of their history or character in tact, but the world changes.

After owning a new Defender, I’ve been thoroughly impressed with LRs adaptation of that vehicle to the current times. I feel like Toyota will do the same with the new GX and LC. That’s why I’m on the list for a GX.

 

[malden]

After owning a new Defender, I’ve been thoroughly impressed with LRs adaptation of that vehicle to the current times. I feel like Toyota will do the same with the new GX and LC. That’s why I’m on the list for a GX.

How long did you have your classic Defender, and what made you want to change for the new one? What is it about the new model that is better adapted to current times? Or is it a question of being better adapted to your lifestyle and use profile? I may need to look at the Defender myself. Cheers

 

[M1911]

The 70 Series isn’t coming to the US. It can’t meet US crash safety regulations. The 70 Series diesel engine can’t meet US emissions regulations. It would take a huge redesign to make the 70 Series meet US regulations and Toyota hasn’t done such a large redesign of the 70 since it was first launched.

Whether you like it or not, neither the new Land Cruiser Prado or the new 4Runner will be available with manual transmissions.

 

[m4hk33]

Americans did buy those until they discontinued them. Toyota sells lots of cloth 4runners at $40k. A GR sport 300 is about $75k. I think they'd sell plenty of them.

Not sure it's a baby LC anymore. I think they are 50lbs different. Same platform, same drive train, same factory. Seems like just a different flavor. I'm not really sure why it exists given how similar they are.

I think a lot of the reason why people moved away lower trims is how manufactures strategically approach trim levels. I Drive a 2021 GMC 2500 Work Truck, I really like the truck and may end up getting one if Toyota s***s the bed on the LC release...

I can get my Truck, 4x4, Crew cab, Standard bed for like 53k. The only option that i really want, is the arm rest with storage, That luxury option is strategically placed into the SLE Trim level that Brings the price 58k. If I really want to ball out of control and get leather seat covers, that Trim level Starts at 65k.

Then they have their own grocery-impulse decision style check out system, that you can add to cart for a thousand backs here and there.

I don't think people are consciously making the decision that they need a vehicle with every option as so much as their base requirement in locked into a mid trim level and nickel and dimed in the check out section.

In a time when car prices have gone full blown meme world. I absolutely feel that a substantial market exists for a capable, minimalist approach. Complete industries have emerged to address this segment. Look at people dumping traditional 500-1million dollar houses to live in mini houses and RV's/trailers.

Look at people buying Polaris side by sides for 45k. Polaris Side by sides are now priced within 5 grand of a base 300 series, Thats part of the reason that I cant consider the LX 100k. Its simply not a 100k vehicle. they are out of their mind if they think I am paying 100k for a 300 series when 700 hp raptors are a thing. Same thing will apply to the GX and LX.

 

[m4hk33]

The 70 Series isn’t coming to the US. It can’t meet US crash safety regulations. The 70 Series diesel engine can’t meet US emissions regulations. It would take a huge redesign to make the 70 Series meet US regulations and Toyota hasn’t done such a large redesign of the 70 since it was first launched.

Whether you like it or not, neither the new Land Cruiser Prado or the new 4Runner will be available with manual transmissions.

I am not sure if that's the reason they would not come here. If Wrangles and Broncos can pass saftey regulations regarding crash test, the 70 series would as well, they simply need to install a couple extra airbags.

Same thing with diesels engines, They simply need add def system. Toyota simply needs to stop acting like invalids.

 

[stridertexas]

How long did you have your classic Defender, and what made you want to change for the new one? What is it about the new model that is better adapted to current times? Or is it a question of being better adapted to your lifestyle and use profile? I may need to look at the Defender myself. Cheers

My father owned a classic for a short period. It’s nothing more than a Wrangler really. And I’ve owned a wrangler for a year. Rough riding and a fairly more difficult to use in everyday life.

When Toyota moved from the 40 to a 60-300 they saw that wagons were the future for the US market. People are not commuting or building businesses or raising families in 2 door Wranglers, Defenders, or 40 series.

The people that want those, are again, a sub group of an even more niche group of buyers.

The new Defender is better adapted to current times because the majority of its buyers are taking road trips where a light duty trail might be involved. But if it gets sticky they’ll likely be okay. All the while being able to have incredible smoothness on road for every day familial duties. I think this is 95% of buyers, so not just me…

You should look at the Defender, it’s been an awesome vehicle really. It’s character is great and I would keep it but my heart is with Toyota because my dad had 2 80 series growing up and those Wagons were great for our family. Just like the new wagons are great for current families.

 

[jayp2]

My father owned a classic for a short period. It’s nothing more than a Wrangler really. And I’ve owned a wrangler for a year. Rough riding and a fairly more difficult to use in everyday life.

When Toyota moved from the 40 to a 60-300 they saw that wagons were the future for the US market. People are not commuting or building businesses or raising families in 2 door Wranglers, Defenders, or 40 series.

The people that want those, are again, a sub group of an even more niche group of buyers.

Except the sales numbers of Wranglers says otherwise

They sell in excess of 11,000 wranglers in the US every month.......frequently topping 25,000 a month.....and they've sold Wranglers at this rate for more than a decade.

Ford has sold over 100k bronco's each year since re-introductions

Sorry bro but the argument about who the niche/sub group of buyers is isnt the short/med wheel base capable off road vehicle buyer.......its the person in the market for a school bus sized lexus 4x4 that Toyota keeps trying to sell to the US market and flounders with sales of ~3k units a YEAR

Jeep Wrangler Sales Figures

Automotive Sales Data and Statistics

www.goodcarbadcar.net

Total annual wrangler sales in US

Year	sold
2005	79,017
2006	80,271
2007	119,243
2008	84,615
2009	82,044
2010	94,310
2011	122,460
2012	151,988
2013	155,502
2014	175,328
2015	202,702
2016	191,788
2017	190,522
2018	240,032
2019	228,042
2020	201,310
2021	204,610
2022	181,410
2023	84,642

 

[stridertexas]

Except the sales numbers of Wranglers says otherwise

They sell in excess of 11,000 wranglers in the US every month.......frequently topping 25,000 a month.....and they've sold Wranglers at this rate for more than a decade.

Ford has sold over 100k bronco's each year since re-introductions

Sorry bro but the argument about who the niche/sub group of buyers is isnt the short/med wheel base capable off road vehicle buyer.......its the person in the market for a school bus sized lexus 4x4 that Toyota keeps trying to sell to the US market and flounders with sales of ~3k units a YEAR

Jeep Wrangler Sales Figures

Automotive Sales Data and Statistics

www.goodcarbadcar.net

Total annual wrangler sales in US

Year	sold
2005	79,017
2006	80,271
2007	119,243
2008	84,615
2009	82,044
2010	94,310
2011	122,460
2012	151,988
2013	155,502
2014	175,328
2015	202,702
2016	191,788
2017	190,522
2018	240,032
2019	228,042
2020	201,310
2021	204,610
2022	181,410
2023	84,642

I was speaking about 2 doors, which based on a quick Google search is about 10% of Wrangler sales.