See the New Toyota Land Cruiser's Coolest Details
The 300-series Land Cruiser goes on sale outside of the U.S. soon, and these are the new features we're missing out on.
Toyota will end the Land Cruiser's 60-plus-year run in the United States after the 2021 model year. But there is a new 300-series model that will be sold in global markets, and it's lighter, more modern, and has new engine options (one of which is expected to power the new Tundra pickup). There's also a new GR Sport model that makes us even more sad that the new one isn't coming to our shores. At least it's looking likely that we will get a version of the new Land Cruiser in the U.S. as the next-generation Lexus LX, so if that's the case, this is what we expect from the new body-on-frame SUV.
Land Cruiser 300 Series
The last time there was a new Land Cruiser was when the 200 series launched in 2007. This new model, dubbed the 300 series, has the same body-on-frame construction, but it's built on the new GA-F platform. It'll be on sale at the end of the month in GX, AX, VX, GR Sport, and ZX models starting at the equivalent of $46,679 in Japan.
New GR Sport Model
We'd argue that the new Land Cruiser looks best in its new GR Sport model. Toyota will enter the Dakar Rally starting in 2023 with trucks inspired by this model, which has unique grille and bumper treatments, including "Toyota" script across the grille, black trim, GR Sport badging, and 18-inch wheels. It's equipped with Toyota’s new Electronic-Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, which hydraulically controls the anti-roll bars allowing them to pivot in favor of more wheel articulation, along with front and rear electronically locking differentials.
New Twin-Turbo V-6 Engine
Replacing the old model's 381-hp 5.7-liter V-8 is a new twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V-6 engine that produces 409 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This engine is expected to power the new Tundra pickup truck, which could also offer a hybrid drivetrain using this engine. The Land Cruiser is also available with a twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V-6 diesel engine on the GR Sport and ZX models that generates 305 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, but this powertrain is unlikely to make its way stateside in the new Tundra or the Lexus LX. Both engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.
Lighter Chassis, Similar Suspension Setup
Toyota says that the new Land Cruiser is 441 pounds lighter than the 200 series, and it has a lower center of gravity since the powertrain is pushed slightly further back and lower than before. The 300 series has the same overall length (194.9 inches), wheelbase (112.2 inches), and approach (32 degrees), departure (24 degrees), and breakover angles (21 degrees) as the 200-series truck. It continues to use unequal-length control arms up front and a live axle with trailing arms in the rear. Adaptive dampers are available and come standard on the ZX and GR Sport models.
Improved Interior
Inside, there's an available 12.3-inch infotainment screen—a 9.0-inch screen is standard and was the size on the previous-gen model—that can display the truck's four exterior cameras including an underside view. A single dial is used to control the drive modes, downhill assist control, and crawl control, which acts like an off-road cruise control. Unlike the 200 series, which used a dial to engage four-wheel drive, the new truck uses a switch in front of the gear selector. There's also a 14-speaker JBL sound system and an available center console cooler.
GR Sport Interior
Land Cruiser GR Sport models feature a black and red interior along with faux carbon trim and GR Sport logos in the headrests and on the steering wheel.
Third Row Folds Flat
Unlike the 200 series, which stored the third row seats upright on either side of the cargo area, the new Land Cruiser's third row can fold completely flat. The second row also manually flips up to allow for maximum cargo space.
Sitting on the floor of the library and poring over issues of Car and Driver is one of Connor Hoffman's earliest memories. Choosing to attend the nation's top-ranked journalism school at the University of Missouri and graduating with a magazine writing emphasis was all part of chasing his dream of writing for Car and Driver. When he's not bragging about Mizzou having the best journalism program in the country, he's probably on a rant about Toyota trucks.
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