Is there a domestic version of the Land Cruiser?
3 Answers
There is a domestic version of the Land Cruiser, which is manufactured by FAW Toyota. The dimensions of this vehicle are 5170mm in length, 1970mm in width, and 1945mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2850mm. In terms of powertrain, this model is equipped with two engines: a 4.0-liter V6 naturally aspirated engine and a 4.6-liter V8 naturally aspirated engine. For the suspension system, the front suspension features a double-wishbone independent suspension with coil springs, while the rear suspension uses a four-link non-independent suspension. As for the interior, the control area adopts a dark color scheme, with wood grain accents on the dashboard, steering wheel, and gear shift, exuding a luxurious feel.
I used to drive a Land Cruiser produced by FAW Toyota, the domestically-made version before 2016. It was manufactured in a Chinese factory at that time, relatively affordable with stable performance, and favored by many off-road enthusiasts. Later, due to the national upgrade of emission standards, Toyota halted its production and switched to fully imported models. Looking back now, the domestic version was of good quality and convenient for maintenance, but it's a shame it was discontinued. If it were still available, I would definitely recommend it to friends with limited budgets. In recent years, domestic cars have made great progress, but the classic feel of the Land Cruiser remains unique. I miss the outdoor adventure times it brought, and I hope there might be a chance for localized production again in the future.
Nowadays, when buying a car, if you inquire about the Land Cruiser at a 4S dealership, you'll mostly find imported models, primarily sourced from Japan or the Middle East. The imported version boasts exceptional off-road performance, finer craftsmanship in details, and high reliability, but the price is significantly higher than the old domestically produced models, with a substantial amount added just for taxes. If your budget allows, it's definitely worth considering; otherwise, you might look into other domestic SUV alternatives. Toyota hasn't continued domestic production of the Land Cruiser in China, possibly believing that imported units suffice for the niche market, while the price tag can be daunting for the average consumer. It's advisable to experience the vehicle in person to appreciate the differences of the imported model, as its premium positioning is well justified.