Engine, Safety, Price

4.5

The ongoing Land Cruiser has been updated for the 2016 model year in order to make it a bit more appealing. However, despite that the Land Cruiser is not as successful as Toyota hoped and the main reason for that is its age. Even though it has been recently updated, the car has been released nearly a decade ago and that’s simply too much for a luxury crossover. It seems that a new model is approaching with the 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser redesign. It is worth mentioning that this is just a rumor at this point but considering the rate Toyota has been losing customers recently, we do expect the car to be released sooner than later.

More details

Unfortunately at this point there are very few available details about the future Land Cruiser but there are a few certainties. For starters, even though initial rumors suggested for a unibody design, it seems that they may stick with a body on frame construction.

source:toyota.com

This would allow the Land Cruiser to keep its off-road prowess over its rivals. However, this type of design has its drawbacks. There would be noticeably less space inside the cabin than in the competition and the on-road driving characteristics would not be as good either.

In order to solve these issues, Toyota may go to an interesting route. The chassis could be made out of high strength steel and with a less intrusive design in mind. Also, the body could be made out of aluminum.

This way they could save more than 500 pounds while tremendously improving cabin space and actual driving characteristics. The drawback would be the price. However, considering that it currently costs $82,000, Toyota can easily wiggle around it in order to make the previously mentioned upgrades.

The design

Another touchy aspect about the 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser redesign would be the way it looks. Even though many critics said that it doesn’t look modern, most of its customers to love the muscular appeal of the car.

source:toyota.com

Because of that we do expect the future model to be heavily inspired from the ongoing model. However, we will see changes, most notably in the front where the current car has been criticized for being a bit too flashy.

Besides that expect it to come with a classic design that will certainly appeal to a specific market.

Inside the cabin

Like with the rest of the truck, the current model, while it offers plenty of comfort, is not exactly high end. The 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser redesign should change all of that.

source:toyota.com

For starters, most of its cabin should now be designed in cooperation with Lexus for a more upmarket feel.

source:toyota.com

While the materials should be on par with what is currently available, the driving position, available space and even the equipment level will definitely be superior to those on the ongoing car.

Under the hood

So far a V8 was enough for the Land Cruiser but this will soon won’t even be allowed. Why? Well, the current V8 actually offers one of the worst fuel consumptions on the market and this will have to change.

The new Land Cruiser is expected to make use of a new turbocharged six cylinder engine which could make upwards of 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque.

source:toyota.com

While it would offer a higher output than the older V8, the smaller V6 should be at least 30 to 35% more efficient than before, especially after the massive weight loss.

In order to help it with the fuel efficiency, a new gearbox will also be installed. This doesn’t mean the off-road prowess will be lost though.

The new Land Cruiser is still going to come with four wheel drive and lockable differentials as standard.