Toyota “Committed” to Aging Land Cruiser in U.S.

Toyota Motor Corp. has no plans to discontinue its low-volume Land Cruiser SUV in the U.S.

The carmaker is “fully committed” to the aging nameplate for the foreseeable future, Bill Fray, who heads Toyota North America’s Automotive Operations, tells Motor Authority. He describes the vehicle as a “heritage” model.

Toyota has offered a version of the Land Cruiser in the U.S. since 1958. But the company hasn’t redesigned the off-roader since the 2008 model year. A next-generation model is due in Japan next year. The current platform also carries the Lexus LX 570 luxury SUV.

Sales in the U.S. totaled less than 800 units in January-March. MA notes that the Land Cruiser Toyota’s second-lowest seller in the American market, ahead of only the fuel cell-powered Mirai car.

Part of the problem in the U.S. is the Land Cruiser’s hefty starting price of $85,000. Another drawback: The current model’s EPA fuel economy rating is a paltry 15 mpg. Previous reports suggested the next-generation model may drop the current V-8 engine for a more efficient V-6.