Why is Land Cruiser Prado not sold in the US?
The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, a popular mid-size SUV known for its off-road capabilities, is not currently sold in the United States. This decision by Toyota is due to a combination of factors, including market demand, pricing, and regulatory considerations.
Market Demand and Pricing Challenges
The primary reason the Land Cruiser Prado is not available in the US is the perceived lack of market demand for this particular model. The US market is dominated by larger, more luxurious SUVs and full-size trucks, which tend to be more popular with American consumers. The Prado, while highly capable off-road, is seen as a more utilitarian and less-premium offering compared to the full-size Land Cruiser model that is sold in the US.
Additionally, the pricing of the Prado in other markets, where it is available, may not align well with the US market. The Prado is typically priced higher than many of its competitors in the mid-size SUV segment, making it a less attractive option for American buyers.
Regulatory Considerations
Another factor contributing to the Prado's absence in the US is the regulatory environment. The US has stricter safety and emissions standards compared to other markets, and the cost of modifying the Prado to meet these requirements may not be financially viable for Toyota.
Furthermore, the US market's preference for larger, more powerful vehicles may also play a role in Toyota's decision not to offer the Prado in the country. The Prado's relatively smaller size and engine displacement may not align well with the typical American consumer's expectations in the SUV segment.
Potential Future Availability
While the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is currently not sold in the US, there is a possibility that it could be introduced in the future if market conditions and consumer preferences change. Toyota may consider bringing the Prado to the US if there is a growing demand for more compact, off-road-focused SUVs or if the company can find a way to make the model more financially viable in the American market.
However, for now, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado remains unavailable to US consumers, as the company focuses on meeting the demands of the American SUV market with its other models, such as the larger and more premium-oriented Land Cruiser.
Why is Prado discontinued?
Both models of the Land Cruiser were discontinued due to the upcoming BS6 emission norms. Both were brought into the country as CBU imports. Land Cruiser Prado used a 3.0-litre diesel engine that made 173PS/410Nm. Land Cruiser LC200 used a 4.5-litre V8 that made 265PS and 650Nm.
Can you buy a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado in the US?
No, the Toyota Prado has not been sold under that name in the USA. However, the Prado has returned to the U.S. market as the new generation of the Toyota Land Cruiser (250 Series), which is essentially the Prado but with the Land Cruiser name for brand recognition. Previously, a similar model was sold in the US as the Lexus GX.
Why the change in name?
- Toyota decided to rebrand the Prado as the Land Cruiser for the North American market to leverage the strong recognition of the Land Cruiser nameplate.
- The Prado was not sold in the US previously because the name was not familiar to the market.
- The Lexus GX was the luxury version of the Prado sold in the US, but now the standard Land Cruiser will be the version based on the Prado chassis.
What to expect
- The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is the re-entry of the Prado into the U.S. market.
- It will be available with a hybrid powertrain and will have features such as full-time 4WD.
- The new Land Cruiser has a design that is inspired by retro models.
- The new model will be available in different trims, including the base "1958" model.
Why is there no Land Cruiser Prado in the USA?
Up until the J150 model, the Prado was not part of the Land Cruiser range in North America; the rebadged Lexus GX occupied the Prado's position in luxury trim. The Prado was then introduced there in 2023 and marketed simply as the "Land Cruiser".
Is the Lexus GX the same as a Prado?
The Lexus GX is a tiny bit longer (5015mm versus 4990mm), but width, height and wheelbase are identical. Both are built on the TNGA-F ladder-frame chassis shared with big brother LandCruiser 300 Series. Prado has a 2.8L four-cylinder turbo-diesel mild hybrid outputting 150kW/500Nm mated to an eight-speed auto.
