Will the Lexus LX Follow the Land Cruiser to the Grave?

Early Grave?

While it probably shouldn't come as a shock, Toyota's recent announcement that it was killing off the legendary Land Cruiser still stung. After all, this is a beloved and iconic nameplate, as well as one of the last vehicles of its kind in existence. And as most are already away, the Lexus LX is based on the Land Cruiser, so it's worth wondering - will the big and luxurious SUV follow its brother to the grave?

Photos: Lexus

Stay Tuned

First, it's worth noting that Toyota did hint that the Land Cruiser's demise might be short-lived. "The Toyota Land Cruiser has been a legendary name for more than 60 years," the automaker said in a statement. "While it will be discontinued in the United States after the 2021 model year, we remain committed to the large-SUV segment and will continue to explore future products that celebrate the Land Cruiser's rich off-road history. We encourage loyal enthusiasts and intrepid adventurers to stay tuned for future developments."

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the fate of the LX right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Many Questions

This would make perfect sense, especially given the fact that off-road-focused vehicles are more popular with consumers today than ever before. So the next question is - will the Lexus LX continue on in its current form, will it be based on the next Land Cruiser, if there is one, or will it simply take the place of the big Toyota SUV altogether?

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the fate of the LX right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Appetite For Off-Roading

"What we have seen at Toyota is that there's so much of an appetite for [off-roading] that I see that [moving into] the Lexus brand as well," Jack Hollis, head of automotive operations at Toyota Motor North America, told Automotive News. "There is an appetite, a customer desire, a customer push to see all brands giving them more options. I think it would be silly for Lexus not to travel down that path."

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the fate of the LX right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Similar, But Different

Reading the tea leaves here, it seems evident that Toyota expects Land Cruiser buyers to simply make the switch to the LX in the short term, with perhaps a replacement coming in the future. But will that actually happen? After all, while the Land Cruiser was a more subdued, subtle ride, while the Lexus features some bold styling and a fancier interior. Despite their similarities, these two vehicles are also quite different.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the fate of the LX right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Concept to Reality

Regardless, there are plenty of Lexus fans who clamor for a more off-road-focused SUV, and the automaker has obliged by producing a couple of cool concepts that have attracted quite a bit of press. But would they actually make and sell something like this for the general public? That remains to be seen.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the fate of the LX right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Waiting Game

No matter what happens, we're particularly interested to see how Toyota and Lexus proceed following this major shakeup. Perhaps the automakers don't care about losing the small handful of customers who bought Land Cruisers every year, or maybe they've got something bigger and better planned for the future. Either way, we'll have to wait and see how things shake out.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the fate of the LX right here in the ClubLexus forum.

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