Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series 2022: what makes it a 4WD legend?

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The new Land Cruiser 300 Series is just around the corner, with first deliveries planned for the end of 2021. 

You can read all about the price and specs of the new car here, but for now we understand there will be plenty of changes over the outgoing 200 series model. 

One of the biggest changes is the new twin turbo V6 diesel engine which will replace the old twin-turbo V8. All variants of the new model will receive this engine and it will produce 227kW of power and 700Nm of torque. 

For those concerned about a lack of grunt, that’s a 27kW/50Nm increase over the V8 it replaces. 

One of the key benefits of the new engine is an increase in fuel efficiency, which when paired with the 10-speed automatic transmission, is 6.3 percent less thirsty than the outgoing V8. 

Land Cruisers are traditionally heavy beasts, but Toyota has put significant effort into reducing the overall weight of the Land Cruiser by utilising aluminium on the bonnet, roof, doors and rear hatch. It is still not a lightweight, averaging 2500kg across the range. 

The Land Cruiser now rides on an updated platform codenamed TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) which also underpins the new Toyota Tundra which is coming soon to the US market. 

Toyota says this new platform delivers weight reduction and increased body rigidity, better ride comfort and handling stability in all conditions. 

Two new variants will join the existing GX, GXL, VX and Sahara nameplates: a new luxury-tier Sahara ZX and the more rugged GR Sport. 

The GR Sport Land Cruiser is likely to be our pick for off-roading fun, with Toyota describing it as the “most off-road capable” version yet, utilising an electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and front and rear locking differentials. 

Caravan owners will rejoice with the fact that the new Land Cruiser has retained its 3500kg towing capacity, with a tow wiring harness offered as standard. 

A four-wheel driving icon

For those who want to go offroad, there are few better cars for the job than the Land Cruiser 300 series. 

A lockable centre differential is now standard on all models in the Land Cruiser range, along with a new multi-terrain select control system (MTS) which offers five different high range drive modes.

Developed for Australian conditions, the five modes are for dirt, sand, mud, deep snow and rock. 

The Land Cruiser also comes with a multi-terrain monitor (MTM) which provides 360 degree and under floor views when navigating obstacles. A crawl function is also built into the automatic transmission. 

The safest Land Cruiser so far 

The 300 series Toyota Land Cruiser now features new technologies such as autonomous emergency braking, oncoming cyclist and vehicle detection, nighttime pedestrian detection, intersection turn assist and steering assist. 

Active cruise control, road sign assist and curve speed reduction are all standard, with land trace assist and steering wheel vibration available on VX grades and above. 

Reversing camera, automatic high beam and 10 airbags are all standard across the range. 

More tech and seven seats

For VX grades and above, a new 12.3-inch touchscreen will be available as a central infotainment system. A new 7.0-inch instrument cluster will also be available for the first time, making the Land Cruiser as modern as ever. 

For big families, the Land Cruiser will once again be able to seat up to 7 people (on GXL, VX and Sahara grades). 

As always, the third row can be stowed away for additional luggage space.