Yesterday marked the exciting day I picked up my brand new 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser Heritage Edition from Ed Martin Toyota in Noblesville, Indiana. A huge thank you to @Eric Sarjeant for his invaluable help in locating this vehicle and for his continued support to the Land Cruiser community.
Let’s address the elephant in the room for those who question the Heritage Edition: Yes, I consciously chose to spend an additional $2300 for the Heritage trim, even though it technically offers less than the base model. And yes, the first thing I did was remove the very Heritage emblem I paid extra for, along with the MegaWarrior basket, opting instead to reinstall the OEM steps that were initially removed for the upgrade. Does it seem illogical? Perhaps, but it perfectly aligns with my vision for my ideal 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser.
For me, a significant part of the Land Cruiser’s appeal, particularly here in the Midwest, is its understated nature. It flies under the radar, unrecognized by many for the capable and legendary vehicle it truly is. Initially, I considered removing the Heritage badging altogether to further enhance this incognito vibe. However, both Eric and my wife persuaded me to keep it – at least for now.
As I mentioned in a previous thread, my test drive of a Land Cruiser a few months back was a significant moment. It was the first time I had been behind the wheel of one since 1977, when I humorously attempted to trade in a VW Scirocco for a 40 Series. The Land Cruiser has remained a vehicle I’ve admired and desired for nearly half a century. With the knowledge that this generation is coming to an end, I knew it was finally time to take the plunge and acquire one.
At 67 years young, I tend to keep my vehicles for extended periods. I fully anticipate that this 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser will be my last primary vehicle. While there might be room for a fun “toy” or two down the line – I already have a ’58 MGA Roadster for summer enjoyment – this Land Cruiser represents a significant and likely final automotive chapter. It’s quite remarkable to consider that this vehicle cost over 1000 times what I paid for my very first car!
Coming from a 2016 4Runner Trail Premium, I learned valuable lessons about vehicle modifications. My initial instinct with the 4Runner was to immediately install KO2 tires and rock sliders. However, the reality of how I actually used the vehicle differed from my initial plans. This time around with the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, I’m taking a more measured approach. I’m sticking with the OEM steps and may eventually explore tires that offer a better balance of all-around performance, comfort, and noise levels compared to the stock Dunlops or the more aggressive KO2s. The truth is, this truck is incredibly capable in its stock form, far exceeding the demands of most driving situations I’ll encounter. If I ever find myself in a situation requiring more, then I’ll consider further upgrades.
Midnight black 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser Heritage Edition parked in front of a Toyota dealership, showcasing its side profile and OEM running boards.
Configuration Details
Starting Point:
- 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser Heritage Edition
- Midnight Black Metallic
- Build Date: November 2, 2020
Dealer Installed Options:
- OEM Running Boards
- OEM Front Leveling Spacer
Initial Modifications and Customizations
Interior Additions/Changes:
- Husky WeatherBeater front row floor liners
- Cabin Filter Warning Sticker
- Canvasback Tailgate Cover
- KAON Roof Shelf
- Removed Rear Driver’s Side Seat and added Second Row Resistor Modification
Exterior Additions/Changes:
- Removed Yakima MegaWarrior Roof Basket
- Clear Door Edge Guard on top edge of the tailgate (Thanks @gaijin!)
- Swapped OEM Fog Lights with my Baja Design Squadron-R Pro Amber Wide Driving Lights
Close-up of the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's rear cargo area, featuring a Canvasback Tailgate Cover and modifications for storage.
Current Status and Future Enhancements
Suspension/Wheel/Tire Changes:
- Stock
Near Term Plans:
- 12V Power to rear storage area
- Probably some items from the “Under $100” thread on the forum
Dashboard view of the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, highlighting the interior and stock features.
Gear and Future Aspirations
Other Gear (Carried over from previous vehicles):
- Carista OBD2 Adapter
- MaxTrax Traction Mats
- Viair 450P Portable Air Compressor
- Recovery Gear
- MurderSpork
Possible Future Additions/Changes:
- Ceramic Coating
- Tires
- Red/White Underhood Lighting
- Red/White Liftgate Lighting
- Matte Black Window Trim
- Maybe Debadge V8 and Heritage Badge for a more incognito appearance
Wishlist:
- Additional Heritage Edition Wheel
- Long Range America Fuel Tank w/upgraded pump and fuel lines
Front view of the black 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser Heritage Edition, showcasing its classic design and swapped fog lights.
For my refrigerator/freezer setup, I have a National Luna 90 Twin fridge/freezer on a Tembo Tusk Jumbo slide. In my previous 4Runner, this was mounted on a DIY Goose Gear platform. I also utilized RIDGID storage boxes strapped down for gear instead of permanent drawers. In the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, I’ve opted to mount the fridge directly where the rear passenger seat was located, without the slide. This provides more flexibility in the rear for hauling larger items.
The ARB awning, Road Shower, and kayak racks from the 4Runner have been transferred to our Hiker squaredrop trailer. This setup eliminates the need for a roof top tent or an interior sleeping arrangement within the Land Cruiser itself.
Side profile of the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser Heritage Edition in a driveway, emphasizing its stock suspension and wheels.
I intend to continue updating this thread with more photos and stories as I embark on adventures with my 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser. This will be more of a chronicle of ownership and experiences rather than a traditional build thread. Thank you to everyone in this fantastic community for the inspiration and support!
(Just another bone-stock HE)
[EDIT] 1/28/21 Reorganized list of additions/changes [EDIT] 2/17/21 Removed “Corrosion Free Rust Preventative” as it is annual maintenance, not modification or changes. [EDIT] 2/28/21 Added Canvasback Tailgate Cover [EDIT] 4/25/22 Updated list [EDIT] 7/20/22 Updated list
