So I drove a Gladiator

thats more the driver than the truck

 

I saw one of those toyota truck things in NC a couple few months ago

 

I saw a diesel powered Hilux in Charlotte NC about a year ago. It had dealer tags on it. I suppose the dealer tags were there because there’s no way to register it legally....

 

this is without a doubt the jeep configuration that they have failed to produce in the lat 20 years...

at least without putting a 90k $$ tag on it...

 

Wow, must have been the same truck. I saw it in Huntersville

 

The one I saw was red if memory serves.... it was in north Charlotte, On Neal Rd near U-city Bv.

 

Gladiators look like retarded hammerhead sharks on the front

 

https://www.dubicars.com/2020-toyot...-v6-40l-ma-gasoline-diff-lock-4wd-345983.html

Available in gas and diesel versions, single and double cabs.

If Toyota sold these in the US, it would cut into Tacoma sales imo.

Too bad, looks like a sweet truck.

 

Hilux is sold in Europe so its a bit easier to get them US DOT certified (safety and emissions) but its not really worth it since we have the Tacoma (and the Jeep and Bronco now) but the Landcruiser 70 will not pass without significant modifications which makes it a non starter for most and if you have the duckets you'll buy a G-Wagon and call it a day.

 

Given that the Hilux I saw was an diesel and had no emissions mods, I assume it can’t be registered. I had a brief chat with the driver. He said he brought it from Honduras, but wouldn’t say much more.

 

It’s the Suzuki Samurai of Jeeps.

 

7700lb tow capacity and 2400lbs of payload on the double cab chassis and 22mpg. I'd say it would cut into Tundra sales just as much.

I believe US taxes bone Toyota from importing diesels. There is something like a 25% tax on the import of diesels. They would have to build an entire engine plant and assembly plant to sell less than 100,000 in the USA when they build 350,000 a year in Japan and can't import them here. They would basically only be marketed to the people that buy Tacomas and Tundras. Americans don't like diesels unless they are over 6L and 600 ft lbs of torque. That's why GM is killing the baby Duramax Colorado/Canyon. Toyota sales 350,000 Tundras and Tacomas a year. If they brought us the 70 Series LC They would sale 365,000 trucks a year: 90,000 Tundras, 200,000 Tacos, and 75,000 70 Series. 20k would have Tundra sales, 40k would have been Tacoma sales, and you got 15k new Toyota owners. Seems like a lot of work and money to crash test, meet EPA regs, build a new plant and engine plant just to reduce profit on two of your own products and pickup 15,000 new sales a year. It would take them 20 years to turn a profit on the 70 Series here in the States.

edit: I would be one of the first in line. I love what the 70 Series is. I think most Americans that use their half-ton trucks as commuter cars with bed rugs (nothing wrong with it) would not consider a 70 Series over a Tundra. If these were priced like Australia they would be around $50k here with cloth seats, vinyl floor, about the same width as a Taco, similar cab size as a Taco, 200hp/320ft lbs, and a solid front axle for similar pricing to a Limited Crewmax Tundra. USA is not the market, unfortunately for those of us who would buy one.

 

I own a 18 Wrangler, and its been rock solid from day one! Thought about the Gladiator for a brief moment, kick ass features like a Jeep. Take off doors, top...but the idea quickly faded. There is just something about it that held me back! Also heard the 19/20 Jeeps have had a lot more issues. Dont know. As you can see I went with the 2020 SR utility and Im just head over heals glad I did!! I own both...they both serve their purpose and I can't really complain!!

 

Thanks! Zero debate it’d cut into Tacoma sales. I’m certain top line sales would increase as new customers would switch too. It must be the bottom line (profit) why Toyota makes the decision to not bring them here. To me it does not make sense - but I don’t know all the variables in the equation...what I do know is dollars dictate the decision. Bottom line...you’re spot on (for guys like you and me and thousands of other consumers) - it’s a shame because it IS a “sweet truck”.

 

I dont think theyd profit. Lots of people will think theyre sweet, and about 1% will buy them. Simple price alone, people will stay tacoma or tundra except the truly hardcore who may STILL buy a jeep

 

now take it to carvana a year down the road and see if they giving you that smashing taco resale value. that does seem to be the in-thing to do these days.

 

Agreed.... a buddy of mine just sold his 2017 TRD Sport 4x2 to Carvana. He actually made a pretty significant profit!

 

I love a good Jeep thread in the 3rd Gen forum

 

Thats what i originally thought, but its driver punched it when they saw i nearly piled into its rear. Didn't seem like it had much for this hill....only some stinky black smoke from its exhaust.

 

We use to call those suzuk's a ''sand in your eye''.