Australia’s number one carmaker has revealed all the secrets of the new version of the iconic four-wheel drive, which has finally landed Down Under.
Toyota Australia has officially launched the new LandCruiser 300 Series four-wheel drive.
The new LandCruiser 300 Series brings some major changes, including increased tech and luxury, a new powerful engine and an expanded range.
Keen customers will need to be patient, though, as supply problems mean Toyota Australia can’t confirm when buyers will receive their vehicles.
Customers are currently waiting up to nine months for super popular models such as the RAV4 and LandCruiser 70 Series.
Prices for the five-tier LandCruiser 300 Series range start at $89,990 (before on-road costs) for the base GX and rise to $138,790 for the top-spec Sahara ZX, a sizeable jump over the old version.
Two new models debut: the luxury Sahara ZX and the off-road focused GR Sport.
The new LandCruiser ditches the V8 diesel engine from the previous version in favour of a 3.3-litre V6 turbocharged diesel unit making 227kW and 700Nm – a rise of 27kW and 50Nm.
A 10-speed automatic transmission replaces the old six-speed gearbox, which will help performance and reduce fuel use.
Toyota claims the LandCruiser will drink 8.9L/100km of diesel, down from the previous version’s 9.5L/100km.
It maintains the 3500kg braked towing capacity of the 200 Series and has an increased payload of 90kg thanks to the vehicle’s lower overall weight.
The brand claims the 300 Series is extremely capable off-road and has the hardware to back it up.
Equipped with both high and low gears, the LandCruiser also has six driving modes for different terrains such as deep snow, dirt, mud, rock and sand.
A new automatic mode that detects the type of surface underneath and adjusts accordingly.
A low speed crawl function and a 360-degree monitor with an underfloor view allows for extra peace of mind when navigating tricky conditions.
Generous departure and approach angles give the LandCruiser added ability to tackle steep inclines and declines.
The cabin has had a significant makeover, too.
The instrument cluster is a mix of analog dials and a digital information display, but no hi-tech fully-digital instrument display found on most new cars.
GX and GXL grades get a nine-inch touchscreen that is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and digital radio. VX grades and above score a giant 12.3-inch unit.
The higher grades also get satnav, which is vital when venturing off the grid.
The VX and above get a CD player to keep the tunes flowing when out of reception.
All but the base GX grade get a wireless device charging pad.
There is a heap of standard safety equipment including auto emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, 10 airbags, reversing camera and vehicle tracking in case the car gets stolen.
The new LandCruiser no longer has an eight-seater option.
Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing and franchise operations, Sean Hanley says the LandCruiser is part of the Australian story after first being put to work during the building of the Snowy Hydro in the 1950s.
“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,” says Hanley.
“We fully expect this new generation to carry on the stellar legacy of the LandCruiser in Australia,” he said.
Australia played a vital role in the development of the new LandCruiser, which has been tested here as far back as 2014.
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