The Land Cruiser has been Toyota’s flagship SUV for decades now. The ongoing model has been around since 2007 but they actually started developing it back in 2002. This makes it one of the oldest SUVs currently in production. Even though it still is really comfortable, the SUV is not that efficient, safe or even good to drive. In order to change all of that, it looks like the Japanese manufacturer may release a huge update with the upcoming 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser. This should boast an improved powertrain, a different platform and likely a far more capable running gear. The end result should be a more comfortable SUV that will drive better while being more economical.
Earlier this year there have been some rumors suggesting the Land Cruiser will go to a unibody platform. While this would have been great for its on-road driving characteristics, it would have made the Land Cruiser worse in off-road. As we all know, one of the main selling points of the car is its off-road capabilities. Because of that, it is safe to assume the future Land Cruiser will boast a similar ladder frame chassis as its predecessor. However, this time around the SUV will feature better materials, such as ultra and high strength-steel and possibly aluminum in its body.
2018 MY Shown – Source: netcarshow.com
The end result should be an SUV that will weigh considerably less than its predecessor while being safer and more rigid. As before, the car will likely continue to come equipped with a fully independent suspension setup. The higher end versions should still boast things like air-ride and electronic sway-bars. The latter would be an addition to the Land Cruiser which will definitely make it drive quite a bit better than it used to.
2019 Toyota Land Cruiser Release date and price
Considering Toyota already released an update for the Land Cruiser not that long ago, it is safe to assume the future version is at least a couple of years away. If the rumors are anything to go by then the 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser will hit the market closer to the end of 2019. Its price is likely going to climb from what the current model costs. We can expect a starting point closer to $90,000 which would make it one of the more expensive cars Toyota ever released.
2018 MY Shown – Source: netcarshow.com
The design – exterior features
So far all the versions of the Land Cruiser offered a boxy-look which appealed to quite a few people. However, things changed with the latest update. This boasts a more car-like appearance with a front end inspired by Toyota’s crossovers. Taking this into account, it is safe to assume the 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser is not going to be all that different. The car should boast a more car-like appearance than ever before. The front end will likely borrow from their crossovers even more while the back should look a lot less like a minivan.
The interior of new Land Cruiser
Despite being old, the current version of the Land Cruiser offers pretty much everything its passengers would want. The only real problem with it has to be the layout which is not all that great. Things will likely change with the 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser. This should boast a less vertical dashboard design which will make the car quite a bit better to drive in. The new layout should allow the passengers to use the car with more ease and they should make it quite a bit less cluttered when it comes to its looks. As before, an 8 seats version is likely still going to be available in some markets.
2018 MY Shown – Source: netcarshow.com
Under the hood – 2019 Land Cruiser Specs
Powered by a naturally aspirated 5.7 liter V8, the ongoing version of the car is not exactly what we would call efficient. Even so, the Land Cruiser manages to offer a rather impressive driving experience and with the help of its 8 speed automatic, the SUV is quite smooth as well. Even so, things will only get better for the future Land Cruiser. This is expected to boast a 3.5 liter twin-turbo V6, the same engine that has been recently seen on some Lexus models. With over 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, this will offer quite a bit more power for better fuel consumption. Just like with its predecessor, an 8 speed automatic will likely remain standard. Also, unlike many other cars in its class, the Land Cruiser will remain all wheel drive only.
