Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series: The Return of a Legend

October 5, 2021

2021 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series range (L-R) VX, GX, GR Sport, GXL, Sahara and Sahara ZX.

Toyota has launched its all-new LandCruiser 300 Series, kicking off the next chapter in the legendary off-roader’s storied history.

Newly constructed from the ground up, the all-new 300 Series takes the capability, durability and reliability of the iconic LandCruiser nameplate to new levels, while also making advancements in safety, comfort, performance and technology.

Key upgrades include a new 3.3-litre V6 twin-turbo diesel engine, a bold new exterior design underpinned by the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, and advanced driver assistance technologies to provide superb on-road performance and unmatched off-road capability.

The LandCruiser 300 Series range also offers customers more choice than ever, with two new flagship variants – the luxury Sahara ZX and the off-road-focused GR Sport – joining the core GX, GXL, VX and Sahara range.

The Sahara ZX offers unmatched levels of comfort and style for LandCruiser buyers, while the GR Sport is the most off-road capable LandCruiser yet with its world-first electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (e-KDSS) stabiliser bar control system, and front and rear locking differentials as standard.

The LandCruiser 300 Series can be identified by its strong design language, combining trademark LandCruiser features with a new, powerful and emotive styling that is equal parts form and function.

Inside, the LandCruiser’s cabin blends luxurious style with functionality, and increased space and flexibility, ensuring long and taxing journeys through the Australian wilderness are done in utmost comfort.

Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said the all-new LandCruiser 300 Series would further strengthen the reputation of the LandCruiser in the tough Australian conditions.

“Ever since it was imported into Australia to work on the Snowy Mountains Hydro Scheme in the 1950s, the LandCruiser has become synonymous with tackling the harshest conditions our country has to offer,” Mr Hanley said.

“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.

“We fully expect this new generation to carry on the stellar legacy of the LandCruiser in Australia,” he said.

Underpinning the LandCruiser range is the first TNGA body-on-frame platform – which delivers overall weight reduction and increased body rigidity, ride comfort and handling stability in all conditions.

All LandCruiser variants are powered by a new-generation 3.3-litre V6 twin-turbo diesel engine producing 227kW at 4000rpm and 700Nm from 1600-2600rpm, marking a 27kW/50Nm increase over the V8 it replaces.

The V6 engine is mated exclusively to a segment-first 10-speed torque converter automatic transmission that improves response and fuel economy while reducing noise, vibration and harshness.

Thanks to its new-generation engine, intelligent transmission and weight-saving measures, fuel economy has reduced by 6.3 per cent on the combined cycle compared with the outgoing V8, to 8.9 litres per 100km¹.

Weight reduction has been achieved through a range of measures, including the extensive use of aluminium on the bonnet, roof, doors and rear hatch. Innovative spot-welding techniques and lighter, more compact components also contribute to weight reduction.

The 300 Series retains the LandCruiser’s 3500kg braked towing capacity², offering effortless towing thanks to a combination of greater torque, the sophisticated 10-speed transmission and a stronger, more stable chassis. A tow wiring harness is also now offered as standard, making the process of connecting a trailer easier than ever.

The lighter construction has also yielded an improvement in payload across the range by up to 90kg, depending on the variant.

Power is delivered to all four wheels, with a newly developed transfer case that reduces shift times between high and low range by 28 per cent, and now sits 18mm higher to reduce the risk of off-road damage. A lockable centre differential is also standard across the range.

The 300 Series debuts the new-generation multi-terrain select (MTS) control system, featuring six different modes for off-road terrain – five in high range and four in low range – for ultimate traction in the harshest conditions.

Developed extensively in Australia, MTS offers dirt, sand, mud, deep snow, rock and new auto modes, the latter of which is able to intelligently sense the terrain underfoot and adapt the traction control systems accordingly.

Combining with MTS is the low-speed crawl control function and the multi-terrain monitor (MTM) system which provides 360-degree and underfloor views of the path and approaching obstacles.

The latest Toyota Safety Sense³ technologies include the autonomous emergency braking pre-collision safety system with new functionality for LandCruiser including daytime cyclist and oncoming vehicle detection, nighttime pedestrian detection, intersection turn assist and steering assist.

Active cruise control now offers curve speed reduction, while road sign assist, and on VX grades and above, lane trace assist with steering wheel vibration, have been introduced for the first time.

Other safety features on all grades include automatic high beam, reversing camera and 10 airbags. New Toyota Connected Services⁴ offers enhanced safety and security with automatic assistance in the event of an emergency⁵, and vehicle tracking⁶ in the event the car is stolen.

As a flagship Toyota offering, the cabin of the LandCruiser has been designed to provide premium comfort and the latest multimedia technology.

LandCruiser VX grades and above feature a new 12.3-inch touchscreen with enhanced display quality, functionality and smartphone compatibility, paired with the new 7.0-inch multi information display (MID) in the instrument cluster.

Switches have been grouped according to their functions for more intuitive operation, highlighting the stylish but functional theme of the cabin.

Seating for up to seven occupants (GXL, VX and Sahara grades) ensures the whole family can travel in comfort, with the third-row seats now able to stow away into the luggage space floor.

Along with the significant upgrade in features and technology, the LandCruiser’s cabin has been extensively soundproofed to ensure occupants travel in quiet comfort at all times.

The LandCruiser 300 Series is covered by Toyota’s five-year/unlimited kilometre Warranty Advantage, affording peace of mind for owners on or off the beaten track.

For the first time on LandCruiser, the Toyota Service Advantage has been extended from three years/60,000km to five years/100,000km, providing customers with capped-price servicing for their first 10 services at a cost of $375 each⁷. Intervals are every six months or 10,000km, whichever comes first.

Owners will be able to extend their warranty on the engine and driveline to seven years by sticking to the service schedule⁸.

LandCruiser 300 Series pricing⁹

GX: $89,990
GXL: $101,790
VX: $113,990
Sahara: $131,190
GR Sport: $137,790
Sahara ZX: $138,790

¹ Achieved in test conditions for comparison purposes only. Actual fuel consumption varies depending on driving conditions/style, vehicle condition, load and options/accessories fitted. Source: ADR81/02 combined/urban/extra urban (L/100km) for manual / auto models.
² Towing capacity subject to regulatory requirements, towbar and vehicle design and towing equipment limitations.
³ Driver assist feature. Only operates under certain conditions. Check your Owner’s Manual for explanation of limitations. Please drive safely.
⁴ Not available outside Australia or if services are disabled or terminated. Dependent on 4G enabled DCM, GPS signal strength, mobile network coverage and other factors outside Toyota’s control which can limit the ability or functionality of the system. Check your Owner’s Manual for explanation of limitations. Please drive safely.
⁵ Driver assist feature only. Not a substitute for safe driving practices. Not available outside Australia or if service is disabled or terminated. Only activates if vehicle’s DCM detects airbag deployment or an impact sensor notification. Dependent on 4G enabled DCM, GPS signal strength, mobile network coverage, operational related components and other factors outside Toyota’s control which can limit the ability or functionality of the system. Check your Owner’s Manual for explanation of limitations. Please drive safely.
⁶ Not available outside Australia or if service is disabled or terminated. Dependent on sufficient battery power, 4G enabled DCM, GPS signal strength, mobile network coverage, operational related components and other factors outside Toyota’s control which can limit the ability or functionality of the system. Guest required to obtain police report. Vehicle location information, if available, only provided to Police. Vehicle recovery not guaranteed. For details, visit www.toyota.com.au/connected/faq-support.
⁷ Excludes government and rental vehicles. Other exclusions apply. Maximum 10 services
⁸ The Toyota Warranty Advantage Extended Engine and Driveline coverage is for 7yrs from delivery, provided your vehicle is properly serviced and maintained per its Warranty and Service Book. Excludes vehicles used for a commercial purpose, such as taxis, hire vehicles and vehicles transporting people or goods for payment including rideshare. See toyota.com.au/owners/warranty or your vehicle’s Warranty and Service Book for T&Cs. This warranty does not limit and may not necessarily exceed your rights under the Australian Consumer Law.
⁹ Manufacturer’s recommended retail prices provided for media purposes only. Statutory charges or other on-road costs not included. On road costs vary from State to State and can be found by contacting the relevant government authority. Optional colours or features at additional cost.