Review of Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series finds new V6 delivers more power and refinement

Rusted-on fans of Toyota’s hallmark off-roader were initially sceptical, now they’re lining up in droves for the 300 Series

From the first intersection there was an emphatic nod to the controversial new Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series.

Riding shotgun with a staunch 200 Series owner, debate surrounding the transition from a much-loved twin-turbo diesel V8 versus the new V6 disappeared.

“Wow, this has so much more power than my 200 Series,” he said.

Despite the V6 delivering more power and torque than the previous iteration, rusted-on Toyota fans were not convinced this new model would deliver.

Our family put it to the test to see how the 300 Series had evolved.

The 2021 model Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series GX.

WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

KEL: Basic and hard-wearing, the new LandCruiser felt more modern yet also old at the same time.

GRANT: Features and luxuries have not been high on the agenda in past entry-level models. We drove the base variant GX.

KEL: It’s a massive vehicle and I know your family have always been ’Cruiser fans.

GRANT: We’ve had everything from the short wheelbase Bundera through to the Troopy and 200 Series. The new 300 has maintained the heritage yet added refinement.

KEL: Where was the refinement of which you speak?

GRANT: It had electric windows. Some of my mates joked the GX would still have manual winders. Basic kit like keyless entry with a push-button start, dual-zone aircon, electric park brake and a 4.2-inch colour touchscreen with smartphone mirroring is mighty fancy by previous standards.

KEL: Perhaps I’ve been spoiled in recent times. I’m guessing this still requires a sizeable investment.

GRANT: Absolutely, the bare bones variant with white paint is about $95,800 drive-away. A top-shelf Sahara ZX is about $150k.

KEL: That’s well into prestige territory, but I certainly understand the off-road and towing appeal.

GRANT: Remember also the LandCruiser has near unrivalled resale. The 300 Series has a wait list of nearly a year on some models, but even in the past sellers are getting about 80 per cent of what they originally paid even with big kilometres on the clock.

The Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series GX.

WHAT DID YOU LIKE?

KEL: Given the external size, I wasn’t disappointed with the cabin space and the seats were really comfortable.

GRANT: There was enough space for a dinner party inside. A gigantic centre console and ample space for adults in both rows ensure it’s a genuine five-seater. Those chasing seven seats need to step up into the GXL.

KEL: This would surprise you, but I didn’t mind the vinyl floor and rubber mats. Given buyers would be hitting the beach and going to Woop Woop, it makes cleaning so much easier.

GRANT: Vacuuming out sand was simpler. Standard equipment also includes a snorkel so traversing rivers is within reach straight out of the box.

Kel and Grant Edwards.

WHAT DIDN’T YOU LIKE?

KEL: Once again my primary issue was the Toyota safety systems. The lane keeping functionality was too aggressive.

GRANT: We had the same observation with the HiLux recently. It really jams on the brakes to swing the Cruiser away from road lines.

KEL: While I accept the GX sits at the bottom of the tree, for the asking price I would expect heated seats. I love that functionality.

GRANT: Cabin design was simple and easy to navigate, but being vertically challenged my seat impeded squeezing bottles into the door holders. It could still be done, just needed some extra muscle.

Boot space is more than 1000 litres in the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series GX.

HOW WAS THE DRIVE?

KEL: While the Cruiser is massive, I was surprised how nimble it felt getting away from a standing start.

GRANT: The V6 twin-turbo delivers an extra 27kW and 50Nm compared to the outgoing V8 and it’s a lusty unit. Partnered to a 10-speed gearbox, it keeps things within the turbo sweetspot for linear performance.

KEL: I had to make adjustments in terms of parking, and I didn’t go into certain areas at the shopping centre as I knew it would be challenging for my abilities given the 5m length.

GRANT: Such a shame it didn’t deter you from not going there altogether. With a turning circle of less than 12 metres, that’s actually pretty good and better than most dual-cab utes which are insanely popular. I really liked the drive overall, there is still some typical Cruiser steering vagueness but it remains super strong and the cabin noise is muted although it maintains a nice exhaust note when pushing into the rev range.

KEL: What was the fuel consumption like?

GRANT: Our average was about 11 litres for every 100km with a fair bit of running around town. It dropped to eight on the highway. Servicing is cheap at $375 each visit to a Toyota dealer, but intervals are short at every 10,000km.

New to the 300 Series Toyota LandCruiser is a twin-turbo V6.

WOULD YOU BUY ONE?

KEL: I certainly understand the obsession. Although for families who don’t have towing or off-road intentions, it’s a big car and if you don’t use it properly it’s a big investment for a runabout. The ’Cruiser isn’t my kind of vehicle, although that would probably change if we had a caravan or wanted to go bush.

GRANT: When it comes to heading away from the cities and tackling the tough stuff, the LandCruiser remains king. There’s ample dealer support and Toyota has developed an outstanding reputation for longevity. The 300 Series is a massive step forward, even if the features list doesn’t match the price-tag.