300 Series Landcruiser - The Crown Jewel of Toyota Australia

Toyota is a big brand out here in Australia, and some cars from their expansive line just resonate more with Aussie drivers than others. One of these cars is the legendary 2022 Toyota Landcruiser 300 Series. This vehicle has a massive reputation in Australia - it wouldn’t be a stretch to say many regard it as the crown jewel of 4WDs. If you’re wanting to drive off road, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better line up of vehicles to tackle the tracks with. 

We are going to take a look at the Toyota Landcruiser 300 series inside and out to bring you a comprehensive understanding of just how good this big Toyota is, what each model can offer you, and why it’s so beloved.

The 300 Series Landcruiser has a lot to offer, so before we go into depth on everything, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of this legendary vehicle!

Pros

• The new V6 diesel and 10-speed auto are great for the performance of the 300 Series.
• The cabin re-design is phenomenal. It’s spacious, well-thought-out, and modern.
• The off-road capabilities of this vehicle remain exceptional.
• The 300 Series Landcruiser is a comfortable driving experience. 

Cons

• The waiting period for any vehicle under the 300 Series LandCruiser can be excruciating but ultimately worth it.
• The wood trim is fake, and on higher-grade variants, it’s not great.
• It’s expensive, especially when compared to the 200 Series. 
• The base models aren’t great in terms of the key active safety features, which are missing many.

Let’s take a look at the various aspects of the 300 Series Landcruiser in-depth!

What is under the hood of the LandCruiser 300 Series?

The 300 Series LandCruiser has a lot going on under the hood. Toyota has completely parted ways with the engine of the 200 Series, which was the 4.5-litre twin-turbo V8 diesel engine and developed a V6 and new powertrain that knocks it out of the park. 

The 3.3-litre twin-turbo 6-cylinder diesel engine has been built from the ground up and boasts 227kW of power and a torque of 700Nm. It is better and more efficient, with a fuel economy of 8.9L/100km, and the CO2 emissions are 235g/km. That is not bad for an SUV of its size.

What is the LandCruiser 300 Series like to drive?

The big question is, how does this bad boy drive, and what does it feel like? 

Well, let’s just say these cars in the 300 Series perform far better than their predecessors, and the driving experience is phenomenal. It’s a smooth driving experience with little lag thanks to the car’s engine - its well-calibrated turbos, which maximise low-speed torque. It’s a rock-solid vehicle that’s been well constructed to weigh less than models in the 200 series, making it feel lighter and have better fuel efficiency. 

This also greatly improves its off road ability (not that it could get much better!) You’ll feel right at home behind the wheel of a 300 Series LandCruiser model. It won’t take long to adjust to these changes in the engine and the 10-speed auto transmission, which many have been concerned about.

What does the 300 Series Landcruiser look like?

The 300 series has a rough yet refined look to them. They’re all standard-looking SUVs, sure, but they also look like they can take a beating. Most of the models are have colour options in premium paint which include:

• White.
• Black.
• Pearl.
• Silver.
• Graphite.
• Red.
• Eclipse black.
• Blue.
• Bronze.

The colour options can modestly affect the cost of the vehicle overall.

What is the interior of the 300 Series Landcruiser like?

Each model in the 300 Series has a relatively similar interior design, with certain differences among them. Let’s start by considering seating. Here’s the capacity of each model in the 300 Series:

• Toyota LandCruiser GX : Five-seats
• Toyota LandCruiser GXL: Seven-seats 
• Toyota LandCruiser VX: Seven-seats 
• Toyota LandCruiser Sahara: Seven-seats 
• Toyota LandCruiser GR Sport: Five-seats 
• Toyota LandCruiser Sahara ZX: Five-seats 

The seats featured in the LandCruiser 300 Series are all high-quality, and comfortable, providing ample space for passengers. 

Toyota has taken the 200 Series and advanced it seven generations with this fully updated interior for the 300 Series. The new model features an impressive design and a fantastic array of tech features. The designers of this series designed these cars in such a way that you’ve got a comfortable layout using quality materials. At the forefront of their considerations are intuitiveness and usability. 

The steering wheel is another element of the 300 Series to look at. While most cars take some time to get familiar with, the steering wheel in the 300 Series vehicles is different. It’s intuitive to the point where you’ll understand it far quicker and likely better than any other vehicle you’ve driven. 

You’ll experience the adaptive cruise control settings with ease. With active cruise control, you’ll find the driving experience is even more comfortable and receptive. 

The driver’s instrument display is a mix of analog and digital, but it’s easy to read and comprehend. In the VX model onwards, you’ve got a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment centre. Overall, the interior of the LandCruiser 300 Series is one of its best features for sure. 

What is the cost of the 300 Series Landcruiser?

The 300 Series LandCruiser is made up of six vehicles in total. We’ve got the GX, GXL, VX, Sahara, GR Sport, and Sahara ZX. Naturally, the prices of these models differ. Here’s what you need to know:

As you’ll notice there’s roughly a $10,000 difference when you compare the 300 Series to the 200 Series models. Additionally, these prices don’t include on-road costs. 

What additional features should I expect in my new Landcruiser?

Some aspects of the 300 Series are seen across all the models in the series, and some are more specific to higher-end models. 

Every base model has the following:

• 3-year access to Toyota Connected Services (which includes vehicle tracking, automatic collision notification, SOS emergency call, etc.)
• 10 SRS airbags.
• 10-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode.
• Lockable centre differential.
• Twin turbo v6 Diesel engine.
• Reverse camera.
• Autonomous emergency braking.

The Base GX and GXL have the following features:

• Rear camera.
• Crawl control.
• Traction control.
• LED headlights, front fog lights and tail lights.
• Daytime running lights (DRLs).
• Dual zone climate control
• Stolen vehicle tracking.
• Downhill assist control/hill start assist.
• 17-inch steel wheels.
• One touch power windows on all doors.

The VX has the following features:

• Panoramic view camera.
• Heated steering wheel and front seats.
• Power adjustable steering wheel.
• Bi-LED headlights with headlight washers and auto-levelling.
• Multi-terrain monitor (four cameras).
• 12.3’ colour display (touchscreen).

The Sahara has the following features:

• 12.3’ colour display centre console (touchscreen).
• Dual rear entertainment system.
• Heated seats (1st and 2nd row).
• Head-up display.
• Sequential turn signals (Front & Rear)
• Multi-terrain select monitor (four cameras).

The Sahara ZX Toyota has the following features:

• 12.3’ colour display (touchscreen).
• Dual rear entertainment system.
• Heated seats (1st and 2nd row).
• Rear Torque-Sensing Limited Slip Differential (LSD)
• Drive Mode Select (5 modes).
• Adaptive High Beam System (AHS).
• Advanced Carbon steering wheel and door trim.

The GR Sport has the following features:

• 12.3’ colour display (touchscreen).
• Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS, or Adaptive Variable Suspension)
• Front and Rear Diff Locks.
• Drive Mode Select (5 modes).
• Adaptive High Beam System (AHS).

Yes. As such a large vehicle, it was important for Toyota to make sure their base landcruiser beat even the best cars to the top of the pile when it came to safety. That’s why numerous safety features are included in the 300 Series, which only gets more expansive with every model. Here are some of the most important safety features from the GX onwards:

• Active cruise control.
• 10 airbags.
• Rear parking sensors and automatic collision notification.
• Reversing camera.
• Lane-keep assisting.
• Road sign assist.
• Auto high beam LED lighting.

Further vx grades introduce the following safety features:

• Blind-spot monitoring (GXL onwards).
• Rear cross-traffic alert (GXL onwards).
• Lane trace assist (VX onwards).
• Four-camera multi-terrain monitor (VX onwards).

Is the new Toyota Land Cruiser 300 worth it? Absolutely, particularly when you compare the 200 series vs 300 series dimensions. The Land Cruiser 300 series showcases notable improvements over its predecessor, the 200 series, solidifying its worth.

While the 200 series Land Cruiser had its own merits, the 300 series takes it a step further. It's not just a simple reiteration; you could say Toyota has virtually enabled you to build your own Land Cruiser in Australia. From enhanced towing capacity to a generous fuel capacity, the Land Cruiser 300 offers impressive specs that cater to both off-roaders and city cruisers alike.

Yet, the upgrades don't stop there. The Land Cruiser 300 has been refined and perfected, resulting in a series of high-quality cars loaded with redeeming features. Whether it's a family road trip or an off-road adventure, this vehicle won't disappoint. Even when compared with rival vehicles like the Nissan Patrol, the Land Cruiser 300 holds its own.

Of course, the new Land Cruiser 300's wait time and price might be a little steeper than many would like. However, for those with the patience and the budget, it's an investment that will pay dividends. Plus, when considering the benefits of the previous model, the Land Cruiser 300 only amplifies these qualities, making it a stellar choice.

In essence, the 300 series is a testament to Toyota's commitment to continuously build upon their successes and create a vehicle that's truly worth it. So, if you're thinking about building your own Toyota Land Cruiser or upgrading from the previous model, the Land Cruiser 300 should undoubtedly be on your radar.

Regardless of which model you choose in the 300 Series LandCruiser, you’re picking a winner. So, are you ready to take a leap and get one of your own? With Driva, you can make your dream of driving a 300 Series Landcruiser a reality! Driva connects you with multiple loan providers in Australia to get you the best deal. So, what are you waiting for? Apply today, and let’s get you behind the wheel of your new car!

If the LandCruiser 300 Series isn’t for you, then check out our list of the best 4WD cars in 2022 to find something more your speed!

We’ve answered a lot of questions, but that doesn’t mean we’ve answered them all. Here are some of the frequently asked questions about the 300 Series LandCruiser:

How long is the wait for a 300 series LandCruiser?

You could be looking at a wait time of 12 to 18 months to get your hand on any model in the 300 Series. This is slightly better than some other models out there, like the RAV4, which can go up to 24 months. 

Which is bigger, LC200 or LC300?

The LandCruiser 300 Series is bigger and better in just about every way imaginable. It’s got a better engine and better interiors. Furthermore, it’s more comfortable, faster, and better designed. There’s no question the LandCruiser 300 Series beats the 200 Series. 

What engine does the 300 series LandCruiser have?

The LandCruiser 300 Series has a 3.3-liter turbo-diesel engine. These are newly developed and feature more power and torque. The power of the 200 Series is 200kW, while the 300 Series is 227kW. The torque for the 200 Series is 650Nm, while the 300 Series is 700Nm. Many questions how all of this gets put into a car that’s not that much more expensive than the previous series. The answer is simple yet frustrating, the 200 Series was overpriced while the 300 Series is true value for money.