Lol...well by that some logic, the Ram 2500/3500's, F250/350's and Silverado HD, as well as Wranglers and Gladiators shouldn't sell well either....they don't drive particularly well and, while they do offer some luxurious options, the majority of vehicles sold are rather basic and spartan.
And yet, somehow all of those vehicles sell quite well in the North American market.
A Toyota 79 series landcruiser would sell well enough in North America. Crash testing and emissions are the only real hurdles Toyota would have to clear.
But this idea that there is no demand for hardcore 4x4's in North America is laughable. LC 200 doesn't sell well because it isn't priced well.
Ttake the typical American consumer and put two rigs in front of them for $70k a 'midsize' LC and a full size Domestic with much more capacity, 15 cupholder, fancy nav, etc, which one wins? Conversely, comparing size, Wrangler/Gladiator vs LC.....one is $50k the other is $70k, which one wins?
The LC is awesome for what it is, a midsize vehicle that has good capacity but it rides harsh, lacking tech and is not anything special offroad with it's stiff suspension. I think that's cool, but what we think is cool sure as &%*# doesn't mean it's going to sell well. It's a niche vehicle, full stop.
*Edit - here is the closest proxy to a LC79 we have for $25k less and several thousands pounds of capacity more. Std cab, expo white, 4:30 diffs, 36 gal tank, rear locker, vinyl floors & seats and the new big block gas engines all for $40k or less:
Slap some 33-35's on it, front winch bumper, front locker and you got yourself a domestic LC....you'd likely even have $$ leftover for a FWC and a trip to Baja and back.
