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This makes sense if two products overlap competely but with the 200series/Sequioa debate...both vehicle truly market to two different buyer needs. One (200 series) a vehicle that appeals to a true die hard Toyota fan that wants a large size suv, good interior, with tougher ride and frame/chassis components and very good off road capability. The other (Sequioa) a vehicel that appeals to a more people moving family lifestlye type vehicle, boat puller and interior flexibility and function..this buyer is a completely different buyer than the 200 series. IMO.

I respect your opinion however I disagree. From a personal perspective I exceed by a fair amount the demographics you shared of a typical "American buyer of a LC". I comparison shopped both the LC, LX and Sequoia (not to mention the QX, Nav and GM products). It was an easy decision for me as I found the Sequoia a superior designed vehicle for my needs. These products overlapped without question....for me. Therefore the only way you can state that these products don't overlap is to suggest I am a datapoint of one that does not reflect the rest of the American large SUV marketplace.

Since I live in the US marketplace and you do not, I believe it is reasonable for me to say that I have a better sense of what products overlap than you do...at least for the US consumer of these products.

I think the differences between the 200 series and Sequioa are greater than ever and that I believe is a good thing as it givess buyers more choice compared to GM, FORD, NISSAN etc. Those companies do not offer two top level full size suvs on different platforms with different rear suspension and different interiors, different configurations etc. Not bad for Toyota to have.

Actually as a consumer of these products I see them as more similar than ever. Same engine, same transmission, same 4wd capability. In fact the only differences you have been able to point to are relatively inconsequential such as # of vents and bolt covers whereas the design advantages built into the Sequoia are of "substance" to an American Consumer, ie. fold flat 3rd row seat, IRS, dramatically greater leg room for second row passengers. These are features sought by a higher income demographic possibly even more so when comparing these 2 vehicles on the exact same showroom floor. I simply think your view that these products do not overlap is outdated and IMO the eventual sales will substantiate that perspective.

You will see a new Sequioa 3rd gen before you see another gen Land cruiser as the LC usually stay around for 9 years.

IMO the Gen 3 Sequoia will be launched about 2-3yrs after the LC platform has been retired from the US Marketplace and designated a ROW vehicle for Toyota.

I think Toyota will further seperate the 200 series and Sequioa. The Sequioa will very likely have a hybrid system very soon and I will put money on the Landcruiser being the first Toyota vehicle (along with Tundra) to offer a Toyota SUV diesel. Landcruiser have been offered with a diesels before I bet money you will see it again. Plus Toyota already has an outstanding 4.5 diesel that is a little to small for the Tundra.

Actually if you do some research, you'll see that Toyota is already making plans for a diesel and a hybrid Tundra/Sequoia for the US. I do agree with you that the 200 series LC and Sequoia will further separate however IMO the separation will be measured in Oceans and R&D budgets, as the majority of investment gets applied to the Sequoia Platform for the US and the LC gets assigned to overseas duty.

I doubt Toyota will make any serious change to the interior. They have never really completely revamped an interior in the past and I can see it now.

Uhhhh....I think the Sequoia's interior is a pretty complete revamp over last year's model while the LC and LX are essentially unchanged. Pretty easy to determine which vehicle platform got the bulk of R&D budget.