An Australian motoring icon since first tackling Snowy Mountains construction sites in the 1950s, the Toyota Land Cruiser enters an exciting new era with its recently launched 300 Series range. Ditching the familiar V8 diesel powerplant of its predecessor, an all-new 3.3L twin-turbo V6 now drives all four wheels through a 10-speed auto across six meticulously equipped grades.
Pricing spans from $92,681 for the base GX up to $141,481 for the flagship Sahara ZX, walking the line between workhorse simplicity and luxury appointments to suit varying needs. We cover the expansive features list, real-world performance, and formidable off-road hardware, proving why the LC300 remains king of the 4×4 jungle.
Pricing and Spec Overview
The Toyota Land Cruiser 300 adopts a typical tiered features structure:
- GX – From $92,681 – The affordable workhorse option offering proven off-road chops without lavish comforts
- GXL – From $111,381 – Family-focused 7-seater grade with added tech and comforts
- VX – From $124,081 – introduces uprated luxury features and safety tech
- Sahara – From $136,231 – Boosts luxury with leather trim, cooler seats and rear entertainment
- GR Sport – From $136,231 – Sports-themed variant blending luxury with bespoke styling
- Sahara ZX – From $141,481 – New flagship with adaptive suspension, larger displays and bolder presence
There are extensive choices, from worksite warrior to posh urban runabout. Most buyers should find an appealing balance of price, features, and intended purpose across the range. Let’s explore key virtues of this impressive 4×4 lineup.
Drivetrain Technology
The Land Cruiser 300 breaks new ground after decades of loyal service by retiring its iconic V8 twin-turbo diesel. In its place sits an all-new 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 paired with an intuitive 10-speed auto transmission.
Outputs stand at a strong 227kW and 700Nm – down on the V8’s 200kW/650Nm figures but hardly leaving buyers wanting.
Importantly, the new donk retains traditional Land Cruiser virtues of smooth, flexible power delivery, whatever the conditions throw its way. Generous torque bounds over obstacles off-road while prodigious grunt effortlessly hauls heavy loads.
Toyota claims combined fuel use of 8.9L/100km, representing only a modest increase over the thrifty V8’s 8.5L/100km claim.
Time will tell if the real-world economy lives up to that, but there’s little doubt the new powerplant enhances everyday tractability despite nostalgic V8 fans’ reservations.
Off-Road Technology
Maintaining the Land Cruiser’s legendary go-anywhere competency is a range of advanced hardware ensuring it dominates off-road. Key oily bits include:
Full-time 4WD – Permanently drives all four wheels with a lockable center differential for optimal traction.
Crawl Control – Allows ultra-low speed off-road cruising without touching the pedals via five selectable settings. Ideal for tricky obstacles.
Multi-Terrain Select – Automatically optimizes gearing/power delivery over sand, dirt, rock, and other surfaces for confident progress off-road.
Aided by class-leading 235mm ground clearance and minimum 32-degree approach/25-degree departure angles, few 4x4s can match the Land Cruiser’s rock-crawling, mud-plugging, and dune-surfing competence across the range.
Safety Technology
With Aussie farmers comprising a significant customer base doing rural mileage, safety is paramount. All 300 Series grades come equipped with:
Toyota Safety Sense – Comprising autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and other active safety systems.
10 Airbags – Including driver knee ‘bag, full-length side curtains, and front/rear side airbags.
Blind Spot Monitoring – Standard on GXL and above, alerts you to vehicles in adjacent lanes when changing lanes.
There are also reversing cameras, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors, plus the reassurance of proven Toyota build quality and durability – important for tackling remote adventures.
Interior Appointments
Much noise has been made about the controversial Land Cruiser interior overhaul, now orientated towards a more family-hauling role. Certainly, there’s lavish features lining up with its premium pricing:
5 or 7 Seats – Available second and third-row configurations suit varying passenger/luggage priorities
Quad-Zone Climate Control – Standard on VX upwards, enabling personalized temperature zones front and back
14-Way Electric Driver’s Seat – Electric adjustment including 4-way power lumbar support for personalized comfort
Heated & Ventilated Front Seats – Standard on Sahara grades, with heating extending through second-row outboard seats, too.
While the dash button count has been significantly trimmed in the name efficiency, ergonomics remain user-friendly with sensibly-located controls. And though some may deride its glitzier ambiance, there are few better cruisers for eating long highway miles in remote areas.
Infotainment & Connectivity
The 300 Series ushers in the latest Toyota touchscreen interfaces:
Entry GX & GXL grades get a decent 9-inch display controlling standard sat-nav, digital radio, and Bluetooth/USB inputs. VX grade steps up to an expansive 12.3-inch touchscreen, bringing integrated Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone mirroring.
Flagship Sahara models pamper second-row passengers with twin rear seat displays and a premium 14-speaker JBL sound system – making long family road trips more bearable.
Also handy is Toyota’s Connected Services telematics, enabling remote vehicle status checks and emergency assistance calls – adding peace of mind when off the beaten track.
Why Buy?
There are many good reasons this new Land Cruiser will continue the nameplate’s proud legacy:
Proven Off-Road Dominance – All running gear, clearance, and approach angles retained, ensuring it remains king off-bitumen
Tow 3.5-tonne+ – Strong new powerplant easily manages heavy caravans/horse floats/large boats – perfect for rural owners
5-Star ANCAP Safety – Comprehensive airbags and the latest driver assistance tech bring reassurance for family buyers doing remote mileage
So despite the V8’s demise, strong performance, go-anywhere composure, and latest mod-cons ensure Land Cruiser’s off-road icon status remains steadfast. There’s still no better 4×4 franchise for conquering the remote Australian landscape.
Equipped for Adventure
The Land Cruiser has purpose-built equipment ready for epic trips into the bush. Underbody protection shields vital mechanical components from rocks and debris, while beefy skid plates add further defense.
An elevated air intake enables deep water crossings up to 700mm deep. Integrated trailer hitches make quick work of hooking up boats or campers.
A heavy-duty alternator and auxiliary battery prepare the Land Cruiser for running accessories like fridges, air compressors, and lights off the 12V outlet.
The capacious cargo area swallows camping gear, while the roof rails accommodate cargo carriers. No matter how far from civilization your adventures take you, the Land Cruiser has you covered.
Next-Generation Safety Systems
In addition to superb off-road talent, the Land Cruiser 300 Series comes well-equipped with cutting-edge safety and driver assistance technologies.
All models get the Toyota Safety Sense package with autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and more. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, and parking sensors heighten awareness.
A surround-view camera system provides a top-down view of the entire vehicle, aiding tight parking situations. Nine airbags and a reinforced structure provide high levels of passive safety as well.
On-road and off, the Land Cruiser does an exemplary job looking out for those inside. It gives owners peace of mind when exploring far from modern healthcare facilities.
Lineup Offers Diverse Choices
The Land Cruiser 300 Series range provides options spanning basic to luxurious. The back-to-basics GX serves as the most affordable entry point. For family duty, the well-equipped GXL and VX models make good picks.
Those wanting maximum luxury will feel right at home in the comprehensively outfitted Sahara or Sahara ZX. The GR Sport turns up the visual aggression for added presence.
With seating for five or seven, there’s a 300 Series Land Cruiser ideally suited to any buyer. Even base models come generously equipped with the latest technologies.
Moving up the grades brings more upscale finishing and features. Regardless of budget, the Land Cruiser lineup holds wide appeal.
Conclusion
The comprehensively improved Land Cruiser 300 Series continues this Toyota icon’s reputation for mastery over the most demanding terrain. On-road, it delivers a civilized driving experience with the comfort and features of an upscale SUV.
Off-road, its formidable capabilities will get you deep into the wilderness in complete confidence. The new twin-turbo diesel provides strong performance while significantly improving efficiency.
