Toyota LandCruiser 300 Finally HERE

Since 1959, Toyota Land Cruiser has been one of Australia’s favourite cars. The story started when Sir Les Thiess imported 13 Toyota Land Cruisers to toil at the Snowy Hydro scheme. He loved them so much, he bought the importing contract to Queensland and New South Wales.

Since then, Land Cruiser helped Toyota become no.1 automotive retailer.

What’s new?

Stories of this being a heavy re-jig of the previous model is a nonsense, Toyota Land Cruiser 300 is a brand new car.

The TNGA-F body-on-ladder design has a new 227kw V6 turbo engine and other drivetrain improvements. More importantly, a new 10-speed automatic replacing the ancient 6-speed of the 200 series. On top of all that, the model range has increased from 4 to 6 models, with Sahara ZX and GR Sport added as range toppers.

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ABOVE: 2022 All New Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series

Testing:

The Australian team, led by Ray Munday, helped develop the Land Cruiser 300. TMC holds Australia in high esteem, harnessing the talent, and the landscape, to make the model even better, so they say.

As we all know, our roads range from fab, to foul. Australia has roads that represent 80% of the world’s driving conditions. Prototypes were tested in the conditions Land Cruiser 300 is expected to encounter, no matter where it is asked to venture.

Biggest developments.

Land Cruiser 300’s new body includes new suspension, with electronic KDSS in the top model. Steering has electric assistance, and ride and handling is helped by new actuators for the suspension.

Drive modes now includes a new DIRT programme, and the CRAWL mode switch is easier to get at. Narrower tyres give lower rolling resistance, yet keep the essential need for grip in the outback. It all works well to get you where you’re going, and back again. Although the V6 turbo has more power than the outgoing model, but will we miss that fabulous V8?

Land Cruiser 300 size and range:

Roughly the same dimensions as the old model, there are 3 different looks, including a distinctive look for Sahara ZX, and the range topping GR Sport.

Land Cruiser 300 Sahara ZX has 20” wheels while Land Cruiser 300 GR Sport has black highlights and a unique grille. Other models have 18” or 17″ wheels (depending on the model) for that off-road focus.

The Cabin:

Like the Kluger, the cabin quality is vastly improved. Switches are grouped, with driving controls close together on the console.

Top models get a 12” touch screen and 7” MFD, while GX and GXL have smaller LCDs. Seating is either 5 or 7 seats depending on model, with seat heating and cooling on top models. The 3^rd row is now electric, folding into the floor instead of to the sides.

The stiffer body makes ride and handling better. Not only that, dust resistance is improved, even in Australia’s super-fine bulldust.

The oily bits

Land Cruiser 300 has a 4-link solid rear axle and double wishbone front end suspension.

The Engine is a 3.3L twin turbo, a full 6.3% (8.9L/100k comb) more fuel efficient. Power is 227kw/700Nm, aided by a new 10-speed automatic.

The secondary turbo cuts in at 2600, while the primary operates alone at low speed. When the engine starts, the fan isn’t operating so is much quieter than its predecessor.

Towing capacity is 3,500kg with a 350kg downforce towbar limit.

The 10-speed automatic is all new offers a lower gear at the bottom end, and higher gear at the top end. It won’t use the top gears until you’re at highway speed, and 10^th won’t kick in until near 110kph.

Multi terrain select system is standard on top models and crawl control (low speed cruise control) operates up to 20kph.

A new camera system displays a 360° view, including one where the floor of the car is transparent, giving a view of the ground as if only the wheels and tyres were present. Wading depth is 700mm, and extensive water testing showed that even with parts of the engine lower in the engine bay, there was no ingress, and function was unimpaired.

The rough stuff is aided by an increased ground clearance, which is now 235mm.

Toyota drive and safety systems

Toyota safety is now included for the first time, in full morning glory. There is lane trace assist and active cruise control that slows down for curves, with Road sign Assist for good measure.

Some of modern gadgetry wasn’t possible in the 200 series,with aging architecture that didn’t allow for it. For example, the new electric actuated hydraulic steering allows for many of the handy gadgets you have in sedans and hatches. Think of it as the hydraulic system being given an electronic boost, in a hybrid-type setup that is a mix of hydraulic and electric assistance.

Servicing:

5 yr capped price servicing for $3750 with 6 mth service intervals. Toyota stresses that a vehicle taking as of a beating as a Land Cruiser, needs more loving. So, 10,000km/12mnth intervals won’t happen any time soon.

Other items:

Sahara ZX and GR sport are expected to make up 15% of all Land Cruiser 300 sales, while GX will be the mass market model.

Toyota is fully committed to a 100% carbon neutral future, so an electric, or part electric Land Cruiser may come later.

Contrary to comments out in the world, Land Cruiser 300 is 100% brand new. There is no Land Cruiser 200 in the all-new model.

Toyota currently has 500 cars available for demo and review. Sales stock supply is expected after November, but orders are now being taken.

All Land Cruisers have a Full Sized spare wheel.

As a side note: Toyota returned Job Keeper Payments in January

GX: $89,990
GXL: $101,790
VX: $113,990
Sahara: $131,190
GR Sport: $137,790
Sahara ZX: $138,790
Engine: 3.3L twin turbo diesel
Power: 227kw/700Nm
Trans: 10-speed automatic (torque converter-type) with drive modes
Drivetrain: Permanent AWD with Low Range
Econ: 8.9L/100k
Tank: 80L + 30L
CO2: 296g/km
Weight: (100kg lighters than old models) 2495kg to 2630kg