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The only platform that may warrant the continuation of a solid rear axle and leaf spring suspension is the 2500 series Surburban where heavy payloads may be worth the trade-off of passenger comfort for a handful of customers
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There a lot of owners of 100 series Suv's that modify and use there Suvs for off roading. There are a lot of enthusiast forums demostrating this. And the 100 series is the vehicle of choice in tougher climates hands down. Especially hot weather. In these types of environment I would take the 200 series . I honestly don't see and have seen many Sequioa owners doing to this. Especially enthusiast forums etc with Sequioa yet there are more Sequioas in the USA than 100 series LC. I know there are many 100 series owners that have never taking their Suv off road but I notice there a lot of more dedicated off road forums, forum members and magazines demonstrating the Land Cruiser abilities than there are Sequioa owners.
For the American market, the average middle class family is not what Toyota is selling the LC to. I have no doubt that if the average middle class family was looking for a full size SUV, with a average designed interior, terrible ergonomics that uses inferior materials, that can seat 7, haul the dog, hit the big interstate and stop at the camp yard than the Sequioa is the vehicle of choice... I have never said otherwise. Or if one needs to tow 10,000lbs by themselves the Sequioa can do it...and better especially because of the cost difference.
As for the Landcruiser. Just because Toyota has a full size SUV with an IRS does not mean the LC will die anytime soon. Yes sales will eventually determine what happens to the 200 series but sales are up 100 percet compared to 12% for Sequioa. LX570 has an 8 day on the lot sales time right now.. Not too bad for a SUV with an solid rear. Sequioa is not even close to that. I nor you really don't know how many Toyota Land Cruiser ever hit off road but I am sure Toyota Corp know the real number. Now if all important passenger family comfort is a priority I am sure most 200 series owners will have a luxury car to get them to the movies or grocery store which I doubt Sequioa owners will claim. Yet Toyota corp will likely know the stats.
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but because almost every manufacturer of SUVs on earth has improved their suspensions designs with IRS.
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Wrong! The 2008 Toyota Sequioa handles no better than a 1st generation Sequioa. Furthermore, the Range Rover with an IRS has a very poor .67 skidpad compared to the .71 5 link 1st gen Sequioa design. Also, the Range Rover went IRS but did not add a 3rd row seat.
For the Sequioa. A IRS was must to keep sales. For 200 series a solid axle was a must to keep sales. Going IRS on LC would of been a big mistake as many owners dont care about ride quality as much as they are happy with a firmer ride. Hence, AHC was deleted after 06-07 MY