DESPITE SOME ISSUES WITH DELIVERY, Toyota has launched its all-new LandCruiser 300 Series, kicking off the next chapter in the legendary off-roader’s storied history.
Newly constructed from the ground up, the new 300 Series takes the capability, durability and reliability of the iconic LandCruiser nameplate to new levels, while also making advancements in safety, comfort, performance and technology.
Key upgrades include a new 3.3-litre V6 twin-turbo diesel engine, a bold new exterior design underpinned by the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, and advanced driver assistance technologies to provide superb on-road performance and unmatched off-road capability.
The LandCruiser 300 Series range also offers customers more choice than ever, with two new flagship variants – the luxury Sahara ZX and the off-road-focused GR Sport – joining the core GX, GXL, VX and Sahara range.
The Sahara ZX offers unmatched levels of comfort and style for LandCruiser buyers, while the GR Sport is the most off-road capable LandCruiser yet with its world-first electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (e-KDSS) stabiliser bar control system, and front and rear locking differentials as standard.
The LandCruiser 300 Series can be identified by its strong design language, combining trademark LandCruiser features with a new, powerful and emotive styling.
Inside, the LandCruiser’s cabin blends luxurious style with functionality, and increased space and flexibility, ensuring long and taxing journeys through the Australian wilderness are done in utmost comfort.
Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said the all-new LandCruiser 300 Series would further strengthen the reputation of the LandCruiser in the tough Australian conditions.
“Ever since it was imported into Australia to work on the Snowy Mountains Hydro Scheme in the 1950s, the LandCruiser has become synonymous with tackling the harshest conditions our country has to offer,” Mr Hanley said.
“Equally at home in the school car park or the middle of the outback, the new 300 Series LandCruiser takes the comfort, safety and off-road ability of our flagship SUV to new heights.”
“We fully expect this new generation to carry on the stellar legacy of the LandCruiser in Australia,” he said.
Underpinning the LandCruiser range is the first TNGA body-on-frame platform which delivers overall weight reduction and increased body rigidity, ride comfort and handling stability in all conditions.
All LandCruiser variants are powered by a new-generation 3.3-litre V6 twin-turbo diesel engine producing 227kW at 4000rpm and 700Nm from 1600-2600rpm, marking a 27kW/50Nm increase over the V8 it replaces.
The V6 engine is mated exclusively to a segment-first 10-speed torque converter automatic transmission that improves response and fuel economy while reducing noise, vibration and harshness.
Thanks to its new-generation engine, intelligent transmission and weight-saving measures, fuel economy has reduced by 6.3 percent on the combined cycle compared with the outgoing V8, to 8.9 litres per 100km.
Weight reduction has been achieved through a range of measures, including the extensive use of aluminium on the bonnet, roof, doors and rear hatch. Innovative spot-welding techniques and lighter, more compact components also contribute to weight reduction.
The 300 Series retains the LandCruiser’s 3500kg braked towing capacity, offering effortless towing thanks to a combination of greater torque, the sophisticated 10-speed transmission and a stronger, more stable chassis. A tow wiring harness is also now offered as standard, making the process of connecting a trailer easier than ever.
The lighter construction has also yielded an improvement in payload across the range by up to 90kg, depending on the variant.
Power is delivered to all four wheels, with a newly developed transfer case that reduces shift times between high and low range by 28 percent, and now sits 18mm higher to reduce the risk of off-road damage. A lockable centre differential is also standard across the range.
The 300 Series debuts the new-generation multi-terrain select (MTS) control system, featuring six different modes for off-road terrain – five in high range and four in low range – for ultimate traction in the harshest conditions.
Developed extensively in Australia, MTS offers dirt, sand, mud, deep snow, rock and new auto modes, the latter of which is able to intelligently sense the terrain underfoot and adapt the traction control systems accordingly.
Combining with MTS is the low-speed crawl control function and the multi-terrain monitor (MTM) system which provides 360-degree and underfloor views of the path and approaching obstacles.
The latest Toyota Safety Sense technologies include the autonomous emergency braking pre-collision safety system with new functionality for LandCruiser including daytime cyclist and oncoming vehicle detection, nighttime pedestrian detection, intersection turn assist and steering assist.
Active cruise control now offers curve speed reduction, while road sign assist, and on VX grades and above, lane trace assist with steering wheel vibration, have been introduced for the first time.
Other safety features on all grades include automatic high beam, reversing camera and 10 airbags. New Toyota Connected Services offers enhanced safety and security with automatic assistance in the event of an emergency, and vehicle tracking in the event the car is stolen.
As a flagship Toyota offering, the cabin of the LandCruiser has been designed to provide premium comfort and the latest multimedia technology.
LandCruiser VX grades and above feature a new 12.3-inch touchscreen with enhanced display quality, functionality and smartphone compatibility, paired with the new 7.0-inch multi information display (MID) in the instrument cluster.
Switches have been grouped according to their functions for more intuitive operation, highlighting the stylish but functional theme of the cabin.
Seating for up to seven occupants (GXL, VX and Sahara grades) ensures the whole family can travel in comfort, with the third-row seats now able to stow away into the luggage space floor.
Along with the significant upgrade in features and technology, the LandCruiser’s cabin has been extensively soundproofed to ensure occupants travel in quiet comfort at all times.
The LandCruiser 300 Series is covered by Toyota’s five-year/unlimited kilometre Warranty Advantage.
For the first time on LandCruiser, the Toyota Service Advantage has been extended from three years/60,000km to five years/100,000km, providing customers with capped-price servicing for their first 10 services at a cost of $375 each. Intervals are every six months or 10,000km, whichever comes first.
Owners will be able to extend their warranty on the engine and driveline to seven years by sticking to the service schedule.
LandCruiser 300 Series pricing
GX: $89,990
GXL: $101,790
VX: $113,990
Sahara: $131,190
GR Sport: $137,790
Sahara ZX: $138,790
All plus on road costs.