This year Toyota has leaned into more than 60 years of Land Cruiser history by introducing the Toyota Land Cruiser Heritage Edition. This model should follow in the steps of the coveted 1997 Anniversary Edition Land Cruiser as a true collectible for Land Cruiser enthusiasts.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is known worldwide for it’s off-road prowess. Rumor has it, the Land Cruiser (and luxury sibling Lexus LX 570) is built in a special factory in Japan to a spec that it should last for 25 years in a third world country. Nothing about the current build quality of the 2020 Land Cruiser suggests otherwise.
To commemorate the Heritage Edition, Toyota placed a vintage style Land Cruiser badge on the rear pillar that is instantly recognizable and brings back all the feels of the FJ40s and FJ60s. But the Heritage Edition is much more than a fancy badge.
The 2020/2021 Toyota Land Cruiser Heritage Edition retains everything that has made this platform the ultimate street and dirty ready 4×4 since 2008. The 5.7 V8, full-time 4WD, and body on frame construction are all still there. But, here’s what separates the 2021 Heritage Edition from the loaded standard Land Cruiser.
Available Third Row
The 2020 Land Cruiser Heritage Edition, was only offered as a two-row model to maximize cargo capacity, but for 2021 a third row is available as an option, which is great for adventure-minded families.
The third row can fold up when not in use and is removable for times when you need the extra cargo space. It’s just a great option to have factory third row seats for those who really want the heritage edition and need the extra seats.
The base model Land Cruiser will continue to come standard with a third row.
New Exterior Colors
The 2020 Heritage edition launched with the choice of Midnight Black Metallic or Blizzard Pearl exterior color. These two colors are still available with the edition of Classic Silver Metallic and Magnetic Gray Metallic. Of these three we think the Blizzard Pearl will be the most popular and most collectible.
We’d love to see a few more non-metallic color options for 2022.
Land Cruiser Heritage Edition Upgrades
Beyond the Heritage Edition badge there are a few upgrades that make it instantly recognizable and add to the performance and functionality of this model.
A new styled black-accented grille, bronze colored BBS 18 x 8 inch forged aluminum wheel featuring a Toyota center cap, and a Yakima roof rack, set the Heritage edition apart from a style perspective.
The Yakima roof rack would be the weak link here for true overlanders who demand an expedition platform rack like Front Runner, ARB, or Prinsu. But for 90% of the Land Cruiser owners, the Yakima MegaWarrior roof rack will handle all the luggage and gear you can throw at it and take you to the slopes or the beach in style.
The BBS forged bronzed wheels are the biggest upgrade in both style and performance. Unlike cast-aluminum wheels which proliferate the aftermarket and are cheaper to make, forged aluminum wheels are stronger and lighter. There is no aftermarket wheel that would look or perform better than these.
The BBS forged wheels are now standard on the TRD Pro package for the Tundra and Sequoia and much sought after on the secondary market.
How Much Does the Land Cruiser Heritage Cost?
All the premium and functional interior appointments from the 2020 Heritage Edition and base model carry over for 2021 and will have a starting MSRP of $85,415 for the base option and the Toyota Land Cruiser Heritage Edition will be $87,745. The third row seating option tacks on $1,420.
Pushing $90K out the door, the Land Cruiser is one of the most expensive luxury SUVs available. But, you won’t find a more capable vehicle for tackling any type of terrain in complete comfort. Toyota Land Cruisers also have the highest resale value of almost any vehicle on the street, so buying a Land Cruiser is a solid investment that you won’t regret.
