The Toyota Land Cruiser LC300 has earned its reputation as one of the most iconic off-roading SUVs in the world. Known for its robust build, powerful engine options, and exceptional off-road capabilities, it’s a vehicle that has captured the hearts of adventure enthusiasts and off-road aficionados globally. Its popularity is so immense that in some regions, buyers have had to wait for up to four years to get their hands on one. With such widespread acclaim, it was almost inevitable that China, a country known for its automotive copycat culture, would attempt to replicate this automotive legend.
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Copycat Toyota Land Cruiser LC300 from Kuluze
Meet a compact SUV from an unknown company known as Kuluze. The images have pretty much left us bewildered, and not in a good way. The front-end of this SUV is an unabashed copy of the LC300. But it’s hard to ignore the stark contrast in size between the two vehicles. While the LC300 boasts a commanding presence and a front-end design that exudes power and strength, Kuluze’s attempt appears almost comical in comparison due to its diminutive dimensions.
Another peculiar aspect of this LC300 replica is the sheer lack of information available about Kuluze. It’s as if this Chinese clone emerged from the shadows, and even the vast expanse of the internet seems to have little knowledge about this SUV. This raises the question of whether this vehicle is a one-off experiment or some sort of a kit car. Regardless, the undeniable resemblance to the LC300’s front fascia leaves a sour taste in our mouths.
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Legacy of Land Cruisder
The Toyota Land Cruiser LC300 enjoys a pretty unmatched credentials. Built on Toyota’s GA-F platform derived from the acclaimed TNGA architecture, it retains the quentissential ladder-frame construction. Globally, the LC300 offers two potent engine options: a 409hp, 3.5-liter twin-turbo petrol V6, and a 305hp, 3.3-liter diesel powerplant. Both feature a 10-speed automatic transmission.
One of the standout features of the LC300 is its impressive off-road capabilities. It boasts a ground clearance of 230 mm and has a 32-degree approach angle. This ensures the SUV can conquer steep terrains with relative ease. The departure angle is equally impressive at up to 26.5 degrees. Complementing its 4×4 system is the Multi-Terrain Select system, which now includes Deep Snow and Auto modes. Additionally, the Multi-Terrain Monitor system works in harmony with an underbody camera, providing the driver with enhanced visibility in rugged environments.
The Replica from Kuluze
Meanwhile, the Kuluze LC300 replica can be best described as a half-hearted attempt. The blatant copying of the LC300’s front-end design is hard to overlook. While imitation may be a form of flattery, it seems that Kuluze’s attempt falls short of capturing the essence and grandeur of the original SUV. The size disparity, in fact, makes this clone look pretty malnourished.
What we think: While it was always expected that China would come up with a replica of the Toyota Land Cruiser LC300, the attempt by Kuluze is disappointment. With limited information available about the origins behind this clone, it leaves us wondering if it’s merely a one-off or a mass produced vehicle. Regardless, the legacy of the LC300, with its exceptional road-presence and unmatched off-road prowess, makes Kuluze’s attempt look like a joke in comparison.
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