Why is the Sequoia not as value-retentive as the Land Cruiser?
4 Answers
Because the Land Cruiser has relatively more advantages in terms of brand recognition and quality reliability. The Toyota Land Cruiser is an imported ORV off-road vehicle produced by Toyota, with a production history of over 60 years, dating back to 1951. It is known for its strong off-road capability and durability. Toyota's Headquarters: The headquarters are located in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, and Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo. The founder is Kiichiro Toyoda, and the current president is Akio Toyoda. Toyota's Ranking: In the 2020 Fortune Global 500 list, Toyota Motor ranked tenth.
I've been driving off-road vehicles for decades, traversing everything from deserts to snowfields. The Land Cruiser's value retention is enviable, primarily because it's inherently a hardcore off-roading tool—simple in design, rugged, durable, with easily accessible parts, and even older models command high prices. In contrast, the Sequoia, while also a solid Toyota, leans more towards an American family style—strong on comfort but lacking in off-road prowess. Its global demand is limited, popular mainly in the U.S. People buy used Land Cruisers for their reliability and longevity. Plus, Middle Eastern elites swear by the Land Cruiser, using it as a workhorse that still fetches money when worn out—a cult-level reputation the Sequoia never achieved, hence its naturally weaker resale value.
I always keep an eye on used car data, and the Land Cruiser's high residual value is no coincidence. In markets like China and Australia, demand is strong, new models are scarce, and the supply of older Land Cruisers is limited, making them highly sought-after with firm prices. On the other hand, the Sequoia is mass-produced mainly in North America, leading to potential oversupply. Plus, its large size and high fuel consumption make it less economical, resulting in fewer buyers in the used car market and naturally lower prices. Additionally, the Land Cruiser has a longer history, receives more support from Toyota, and is easier and cheaper to maintain, which extends its lifespan and helps retain value. Similarly, rugged off-roaders like the Patrol and Prado also hold their value better than urban SUVs, so global distribution and positioning are key factors.
I've personally driven the Land Cruiser and the Sequoia. The Land Cruiser holds its value well because of its solid off-road foundation—it's reliable on rough terrain and easy to repair, earning trust from long-time owners. The Sequoia is more luxurious but leans toward family use with higher fuel consumption, making buyers hesitate in the used market. Actual resale value is tied to utility. The Land Cruiser benefits from legendary reputation, like being the go-to workhorse in the Middle East, while the Sequoia lacks this prestige, leading to faster depreciation.
