Although the design is very familiar, there are some subtle changes.
The body-in-white was captured by a spy camera. This could have been the next-gen Toyota Land Cruiser. A rendering of Kolesa shows how the SUV appears in road-ready form, with elements such as a grille and glass.
The comparison below shows that Toyota isn’t giving the next-gen Land Cruiser an innovative design update. The grille looks familiar, but the headlights are new. The D-pillar at the back now has an upward-sweeping, rather than the more boxy appearance of the current model.
The changes at the back are similar. Another view is available of the D-pillar. The hatchback’s taillights are more angular, while the hatchback is more sleek.
The new-generation Land Cruiser is built on the same platform as the current model. This explains the similarities in design. Toyota engineers are planning to upgrade the drivetrain, suspension and other components to make the SUV more competitive in a crowded market.
The current V8 engine will be replaced by three V6 mills in the new Land Cruiser. A twin-turbo, 3.5-liter engine would be available, as well as a hybrid-assisted version. Some markets could also have the option of a turbodiesel 3.3-liter.
Toyota intends to make the new Land Cruiser a more off-roader than a luxury SUV. The new Land Cruiser will likely be priced lower than the $85,000 starting price.
Rumours suggest that the new Land Cruiser will debut in April 2021. The SUV could be delayed by a year in the US so it may not arrive until the 2023 model year.
The new Land Cruiser won’t produce a Lexus replacement for the LX. The new Land Cruiser will be a three-row crossover with unibody chassis. This will improve the ride. The automaker will also sell a rugged, halo model in low volumes.