Toyota Has Withdrawn the Land Cruiser LC 200 and Prado In India Before BS6

• These SUVs were Toyota’s priciest model lines since they were CBU imports.
• The Prado was priced at Rs 96.30 lakh and the LC200 cost Rs 1.47 crore.
• Lexus LX full-size SUV is the closest Land Cruiser relative in India and costs Rs 2.33 crore.

As the BS6 deadline approaches, we receive news of some of our favourite model lines being discontinued. The latest victim is the Land Cruiser. After a decade of meagre sales and cult following, Toyota has pulled the plug on the LC 200 and Prado in our country. We are sad to see these models go, but Toyota is likely to focus on Lexus cars for its premium sales. The Lexus LX is the closest you get to a Land Cruiser, and it costs Rs 2.33 crore. In contrast, the LC 200 was priced at Rs 1.47 crore.

The Land Cruiser Prado was a smaller, less expensive alternative to the legendary LC 200. It came in a single variant in India, powered by a 3.0-litre D-4D diesel engine. The turbo diesel made 173PS of power and 410Nm of torque and was paired with a 5-speed automatic gearbox. Off-roading capability came from a rear beam axle, two transfer cases, and independent front suspension. The Lexus equivalent to the Prado is the GX which is not on sale in India. The Prado is gone for good.

But the king of the off-roading hill was the original Land Cruiser. Its 4.5-litre V8 diesel had a drinking problem and only put out 265PS of power. But it made 650Nm of torque and had a legacy of off-roading. This Land Cruiser finds its roots in the venerable FJ40. It also stands like a sore thumb in its segment.

At Rs 1.47 crore, the Land Cruiser was more expensive than other full-size luxury SUVs like the Audi Q7. The Range Rover is the Cruiser’s oldest rival. Even though it is more expensive at Rs 1.82 crore, it comes loaded with all the best automotive tech of the 21st century. The LC was just outdated.

While petrolheads like us will miss the Teutonic Land Cruiser, there is no denying that it was priced out of the reach of most Indians. Depreciation is kind to older Toyotas, so it will be several years before used Land Cruisers become affordable. And by that time, you will not be able to register them.