Toyota has been adamant about their approach towards electrification that they call “multi-pathway approach”. EVs are not the end-all, be-all of green mobility but instead, there are multiple ways to it. This is why they are not rushing towards having all their lineup become EVs. There are EV offerings, but they are taking their time improving their hybrid options as well. They are also studying other green options like hydrogen back in Japan.
Now this multi-pathway approach was recently extended to the customer experience. Instead of having a separate showcase for the current and would-be owners, Toyota Motor Philippines had them in one place. One that shouts “iconic” in the best way possible.
The Toyota Legacy Experience was held at the Eton City Square in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. It was a celebration of the brand’s two iconic models – the Hilux and Land Cruiser, as well as the owners, car clubs, and everything Toyota.
Past meets present
The main attraction of the event was the heritage showcase. Toyota lined up the models of the Land Cruiser and Hilux that goes back to the first generation for both! I’ve been aware of the LC’s 40 series from my childhood thanks to a neighbor who’s an offroader even back in the late 90s. They also had the first Prados, as well as my favorite LC200 and the crowd favorite FJ Cruiser.
What surprised me was seeing the first-gen Hilux RN10. It was my first time seeing it up close and I can’t believe there’s one here in the country. The Hilux crowd was also a bit more raunchy from the LC lineup. Most models showcased were already dressed for dirt.
In contrast to these are the first Toyotas you’ll see past the registration booth. There’s the Land Cruiser 300 HEV, the all-new Land Cruiser FJ that is a head-turner in any event, and the all-new current-generation Hilux. Just behind it is also the Hilux BEV 4×4. The great thing about this event is, you can test drive these both on and off the road.
A welcome drive
The Toyota Legacy Experience made itself distinct by not being another simple car meet. It allowed interested individuals to try out the all-new Land Cruiser FJ, all-new Hilux, and the Hilux BEV on paved and dirt roads that were made worse with rain. There was an instructor on board to guide you through the dirt patches and the horrendous mud, but the cars survived and were always ready for another round. The line for the test drive was long, but it was definitely worth the wait.
Something for everyone
Toyota prides itself by having a car for any individual with its robust 30 or so car lineup (last time I checked). Their Legacy Experience turned out the same, as you will definitely find something to do.
There are food stalls but they’re special too. They had Sarsa Kitchen and their Beef Pares empanada, Baguio Mountain Man curated a special “Hilux of the Highlands” boxed meal, and Decimal Coffee’s smooth Spanish Latte was among the many. There are also numerous food trucks that are housed in modified Toyota Tamaraws that were available at the event.
Kids will certainly have fun in the robust RC experience where toy models of the Hilux can be taken for a ride on an off-road track. Overland Kings also set up an off-road sim rig for those who’d like to play in the dirt but in a virtual space.
Of course, there are the aftermarket stalls that showcased their products, as well as some kitted out Toyota models. There’s also a dedicated tent for the builders who showcased their gnarly builds of the Hilux, Land Cruiser FJ, Land Cruiser Prado, Tamaraw, and more.
For decades now, Filipinos had this notion that Toyota cars are dependable, reliable, and tough. They are the default first car for many individuals and starting families, are inherited by kids, and those same kids buy another brand-new Toyota once finances permit. The Toyota Legacy Experience flipped this narrative around.
For the first time, Toyota let Filipinos know that they appreciate the value and trust they have put into the brand. Their showcase of customer-owned units for the heritage highlight is not only a show of power, but also that of appreciation to those who maintain these vehicles. Putting them almost side by side with the new models, even the electrified ones like the Hilux BEV, is a subtle statement that these new generation models will also be a future classic and will run beyond several hundred thousand kilometers.
