LandCruiser 300 Series tested: The most anticipated new car this year

The 300-Series LandCruiser is the most anticipated new car of the year. Take a sneak peek at it before it officially hits Aussie roads.

Meet the car Toyota Australia managed to keep secret for six years.

It’s a camouflaged mule of the all-new LandCruiser 300 Series that hits dealerships later this year priced from a tick under $100,000 drive-away.

Toyota has been testing them in Australia since 2015.

“If it’s tough enough for Australia, it’s tough enough for the world,” says engineer Paul Diamandis.

The new Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series has been extensively tested in Australia.

“Australia is the spiritual home of the new LandCruiser”.

The secret testing prepares LandCruisers for life on outback stations, mines, desert tracks – and the city and suburbs.

“We’ve gone to the most remote regions,” says Diamandis.

Months before the LandCruiser was revealed, we were given a sneak peek at the 300 Series during testing at the Australian Automotive Research Centre in Anglesea, near Victoria’s Great Ocean Road.

It’s a vast network of roads and tracks used to develop everything from military machines to trucks and Toyotas.

It is better to drive on the road and just as capable off it than the previous version.

Security is tight. We were asked to sign confidentiality forms, while cameras, phones and computers were not allowed.

Journalists were allowed to drive the new and old LandCruiser back to back.

First impressions suggest plenty has stayed the same between the 200 and 300. The new Cruiser is about the same size as the old one, it rides on a ladder-frame chassis, has dual-range gearing and a bluff shape.

Dig deeper, though, and the evolution becomes apparent. Every panel except the back quarter panel around the rear wheels is aluminium, reducing weight by about 200kg. Steel is still used in that rearmost panel because it’s easier to repair in remote areas.

Lighter weight helps its fuel use and manoeuvrability.

Getting up to speed is a lot easier in the new model. The new 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 diesel is smooth and punchy, while the 10-speed automatic ensures the engine is in its sweet spot more often.

Those mourning the end of the V8 may get over it when the 300 Series storms past them.

The new auto is more relaxed, too. It allows the engine to hold lower revs on uphill stretches. Fuel use has dropped about 6 per cent, to a claimed 8.9 litres per 100km.

With a three-tonne trailer behind acceleration is more leisurely, but the V6 has no issues building pace.

From the outside, though, the V6 engine is unexpectedly noisy. That could be because our sole test vehicle was a development car, with tweaking still to be done.

On the bitumen, the new LandCruiser is a marked improvement. Its sharper to drive, while still delivering on refinement. Steering is more predictable and progressive and easier when manoeuvring.

The 2022 Toyota LandCruiser GR Sport has beefed-up styling.

You’re still aware you’re dealing with 2.5 tonnes of metal, but there’s better control on brisk direction changes. The 300 Series promises a big step forward on country roads, and even though tyres are 20mm narrower there’s still decent grip for a big SUV.

Less impressive is the firmer ride, something more pronounced from the back seats. Stiffer suspension helps the LC300 corner more adeptly but there’s more jiggling.

On gravel at upwards of 60km/h the 300 Series feels nicely composed. LandCruisers absorb big hits adeptly and the 300 is no exception. Our only issue was with multiple big hits, where the front-end could lumber. It may be lighter than before, but with an optional bullbar there’s lots to control.

Touring on sand or rough roads should be easier now that the Multi-Terrain Select system operates in high range. It optimises steering, throttle and traction control for various surfaces, making progress easier.

The LandCruiser maintains its boxy styling.

Off-road, too, the LandCruiser has stepped up. There’s more clearance and articulation, giving the wheels more chance to connect
with nature.

Even so, climbing a sloppy, rutted steep muddy track tested its limits of adhesion, our only option being to back down before successfully trying a different line.

During a brief muddy stint the LandCruiser performed effortlessly. Whereas the 200 Series graunches and groans as its electronics go about their business, the 300 is quieter, calmer and smarter.

With up to three differential locks on the new GR Sport – which sits at the top of the six-model line-up alongside the also-new Sahara ZX – there’s also the promise of more ability.

While there’s plenty more to learn, first impressions are that the new LandCruiser is a better beast on- and off-road, while engineers promise improved durability. Time will tell.

VERDICT 4/5

Iconic off-roader delivers better bitumen driving manners while retaining off-road prowess.

2021 TOYOTA LANDCRUISER 300-SERIES VITALS

Price: About $99,500-$152,000 drive-away

Warranty/servicing: 5 years/unlimited km, servicing costs not available

Safety: Ten airbags, SOS button, auto emergency braking and lane-keep assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic on all but base model

Engine: 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 diesel, 227kW/700Nm

Thirst:8.9L/100km (auto)

Spare: Full-size

Tow capacity: 3500kg

Originally published as LandCruiser 300 Series tested: The most anticipated new car this year