Last Updated on September 21, 2023 by Victor A
Toyota has long been known for producing reliable and popular vehicles, with many of its SUV models becoming fan favorites over the years, however, in recent times, Toyota has discontinued some of its beloved SUVs, leaving Toyota enthusiasts wondering why and what it means for them.
In this blog post, we will explore which Toyota SUVs that were discontinued, why Toyota decided to discontinue them, and what this means for Toyota enthusiasts.
The Toyota FJ Cruiser: A Retro-Styled SUV That Failed to Keep Up
The Toyota FJ Cruiser was a unique SUV model that featured a retro boxy design, which appealed to many Toyota enthusiasts.
Toyota initially launched The FJ Cruiser in 2006 as a tribute to the iconic FJ40 Land Cruiser.
Its rugged design, off-road capabilities, and roomy interior made it a popular choice among Toyota enthusiasts and off-road enthusiasts alike.
However, as consumer preferences shifted towards more fuel-efficient and eco-friendly vehicles, the FJ Cruiser’s popularity began to wane.
One of the main reasons for the FJ Cruiser’s discontinuation was its lack of fuel efficiency.
Its fuel economy rating of 16 MPG city/20 MPG highway was not competitive with other SUV models on the market, and its off-road capabilities were not practical for most drivers.
Additionally, there was a lack of interest in the FJ Cruiser from new consumers, which made it a less viable model for Toyota to continue producing.
As a result, the FJ Cruiser was discontinued in 2014, much to the dismay of its die-hard fans.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is back!
Many knew the Toyota Land Cruiser for its durability and off-road capabilities, however, it was a large and expensive SUV model that wasn’t as practical for everyday use.
Furthermore, Toyota faced stiff competition from other SUV models, which made it challenging for the brand to justify continuing to offer the Land Cruiser in the US.
Its large size and high price tag made it less practical for everyday use.
Additionally, as consumer preferences shifted towards smaller, more fuel-efficient SUVs and crossovers, the Land Cruiser’s market appeal began to decline.
Its main competitors, the Range Rover, Cadillac Escalade, and Lincoln Navigator, made it difficult for Toyota to justify the high cost of production for the Land Cruiser.
However, Toyota has recently unveiled the 2024 Land Cruiser that will be returning to America!
What Does the Discontinuation of These SUVs Mean for Toyota Enthusiasts?
The discontinuation of any beloved car model is often a tough pill to swallow for loyal fans, and the same holds true for Toyota enthusiasts.
Toyota has a history of producing reliable, quality vehicles, and the discontinuation of these SUV models doesn’t change that.
Instead, it opens up avenues for Toyota to venture into new territories and introduce SUVs that cater to changing consumer preferences.
In fact, Toyota has already unveiled a new electric SUV, the bZ4X, which promises to be a game-changer.
This all-electric SUV features a futuristic design, something that Toyota has never offered before, and it’s already turning heads in the automobile industry.
The bZ4X offers Toyota enthusiasts a more eco-friendly option while still maintaining the brand’s commitment to reliability and quality.
This is particularly crucial in a world where more and more consumers are demanding eco-friendly vehicles.
By introducing an all-electric SUV, Toyota is keeping up with the times and addressing the changing needs of its customers.
Toyota has always shown commitment to producing vehicles that cater to all kinds of drivers, and the discontinuation of the FJ Cruiser and Land Cruiser allows them to do just that.
By exploring new technologies and catering to changing consumer preferences, Toyota can continue to produce SUVs that are both reliable and exciting.
While Toyota enthusiasts may miss the FJ Cruiser and Land Cruiser, the future is bright for Toyota’s SUV lineup.
