Review - Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series

Often used as the yardstick to which other rugged 4x4 platforms are tested, the LandCruiser has, for decades now, set the bar that its competitors like the Nissan Patrol, Land Rover Defender and the Ford Everest have had to match in order to impress buyers. 

The new generation has ushered in a number of significant changes. Replacing its platform, as well as the iconic V8 powertrain for the first time ever. 

Toyota has given the 300 Series a new twin-turbo V6 diesel unit, new equipment lists and a wide range of options for Australian buyers, which begs the question of which is the best LandCruiser model in the range? 

Starting Price: $89,990

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Toyota LandCruiser 300 (LC200 GXL) Specifications

For more details and other variants, check Toyota Landcruiser car page.

How Much Does It Cost?

The Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series range kicks off from $89,990 for the entry-level LandCruiser GX, with the GXL priced from $101,790. From here, the range moves to the LandCruiser VX variant, which is priced at $113,990, and up to the LandCruiser Sahara which is priced at $131,190. 

Opting for the LandCruiser GR Sport comes at a price of $137,790, while the range-topping LandCruiser 300 Series, the Sahara ZX is priced at $138,790. 

Keep in mind that these changes are subject to change, and do not include on-road costs. 

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What Features Does the LandCruiser 300 Series Have?

Toyota’s entry-level LandCruiser 300 GX comes riding on a set of 17-inch steel wheels, and receives a set of LED headlights and daytime running lamps, adaptive cruise control, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry & start, a reversing camera, a 9.0-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, all in a five seat layout with a one-piece boot. 

Upgrading to the LandCruiser 300 GXL adds a seven-seat interior configuration, as well as a set of 18-inch alloy wheels, wireless smartphone charging, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts and Toyota’s multi-terrain select off-road driving modes. 

Opting for the LandCruiser VX adds an upgraded 12.3-inch infotainment system, 10-speaker sound system and 7.0-inch driver’s display, as well as heated and ventilated front seats, while the LandCruiser Sahara receives a heated steering wheel and second row seats, head-up display, power-folding third row of seats and a 14-speaker JBL sound system. 

Moving to the LandCruiser GR Sport maintains a five seat cabin, while adding black 18-inch alloys, side steps, wheel arches and body finishes, locking front and rear differentials, adaptive suspension system and a special set of finishes for the interior. 

Finally, Toyota’s range-topping Sahara ZX comes packing 20-inch alloys, a hands-free boot lift, carbon elements, chrome grille, heated and ventilated seats in the front and rear, a unique front bumper and wheel arches and mudguards. 

Range Features: 

• 17-inch alloys 

• LED headlights & daytime running lamps 

• Dual-zone climate control 

• Adaptive cruise control 

• 9.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto 

• Reversing camera 

• Five seat configuration 

• 18-inch alloys (GXL) 

• Seven-seat configuration (GXL)

• Blind spot monitoring (GXL)

• Rear cross-traffic alerts (GXL)

• Multi-terrain off-road driving modes (GXL) 

• 12.3-inch infotainment system (VX) 

• Heated and ventilated front seats (VX) 

• Head-up display (Sahara) 

• 14-speaker JBL sound system (Sahara) 

• 18-inch black alloys (GR Sport) 

• Front and rear locking differentials (GR Sport) 

• Adaptive suspension (GR Sport) 

• 20-inch alloys (Sahara ZX) 

• Hands-free boot lift (Sahara ZX) 

• Heated and ventilated seats (Sahara ZX) 

LandCruiser 300 Series Colours 

The Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series is available in a range of colours, including Glacier White, Merlot Red, Eclipse Black, Saturn Blue, Dusty Bronze, Graphite and Silver Peal. 

Is it Comfortable to Drive? 

Getting behind the wheel of the LandCruiser 300, you can barely believe just how capable this vehicle really is. One of the first words that comes to mind is bullet-proof, the second is comfortable, and the third is powerful. 

The platform is built to conquer the Great Outdoors, but remains completely happy to bumble around city streets. Driving the LandCruiser 300 is the closest thing you’ll feel to being invincible, so in terms of its major design brief, Toyota has done well to ensure that the 300 Series remains the most rugged and ready vehicle in its lineup. 

The hardcore underpinnings extend to the suspension, which has been designed to soak up the worst of Australia's road conditions without a second thought, which makes the LandCruiser insanely comfortable to drive around town and on long distance road trips. 

As we mentioned earlier, Toyota has thrown out the V8 engine in favour of a 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 which actually increases power figures while radically improving overall fuel economy. Power now stands at 227kW/700Nm, offering drivers more than enough power to get the 2.5-tonne LandCruiser up to speed without any hesitation via the 10-speed automatic transmission that offers smooth shifts at highway speeds and while cruising around town. 

As a complete package, it’s impossible to fault the LandCruiser 300 Series. Toyota has taken a cutting-edge product, in the form of the previous LandCruiser, and made it more capable, while retaining its user-friendly hallmarks. 

Is it Practical and Spacious? 

The LandCruiser rides on an all-new platform that has taken an already massive amount of cabin space and improved upon it, while increasing the amount of entertainment and safety features. 

Up front, the driver and front passenger are treated to a high-riding position with a great view out of the front windshield. While there’s nothing too exciting about the interior design of the base model, it remains utilitarian and user-friendly, particularly for those with kids. Opting for higher-spec variants adds lashings of wood and even carbon elements if you’re looking for something special. 

Practical elements up front include a two-tiered glovebox, massive folding arm rest with storage inside, large door bins either side of the cabin and some storage for loose items in the central tunnel. All up, the cabin feels familiar, albeit with an updated and more premium aesthetic from Toyota. 

Move to the second row of the cabin and you’ll find a huge amount of space that can comfortably accommodate full-sized adults, meaning you won’t hear any complaints from kids and teenagers in the rear. There’s also a set of easily-accessible ISOFIX anchors in the second row of the cabin for those of you with a growing family. 

The third row of the cabin isn’t groundbreaking in terms of occupant space and comfort, however, there is enough room for small children, which is complemented by a huge amount of boot space. In a five-seat configuration, the LandCruiser has a 1,131L boot, which expands to a massive 2,052L with the second-row folded.

Opting for the seven-seat LandCruiser 300 brings boot space down to 175L with the third row standing, which increases to 1,004L with the third row folded, and up to 1,967L with the second row folded. 

One important thing to note, here, is that the entry-level GX and sporty GR and range-topping Sahara VX receive a five-seat configuration, while the GXL and mid-tier variants receive a seven-seat configuration. If this is an important issue for you, ensure you’re picking the right variant to match your family’s needs. 

Is the LandCruiser Capable Off-Road and While Towing? 

The LandCruiser 300 platform is designed to be put to work, whether it’s towing a caravan around Australia or making its way through some of the worst off-road conditions you can throw at it. 

In terms of off-road driving, the range offers 235mm worth of ground clearance, which translates to an excellent approach angle of 32-degrees and a departure angle of 25-degrees, combined with a centre locking differential as standard. 

With all that low-down torque and a hardcore platform to match, there’s few things that the LandCruiser won’t cruise straight over. It also features crawl control, an updated traction control and trailer sway control system. 

In terms of payloads, the base LandCruiser GX offers the largest payload of 785kg, which drops between 700-650kg depending on the variant you’re opting for. Gross vehicle mass is rated at 3,280kg across the range, while the LandCruiser 300 has a gross combination mass rated at 6,750kg, making it the ideal vehicle for long distance towing of large caravans and boats up to the 3,500kg braked towing capacity limit.   

Is it Safe? 

At the time of publishing, the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series is yet to be officially rated by ANCAP. 

We do know, however, that Toyota is packaging all LandCruiser 300 variants with autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection that works both in day and night-time conditions, as well as adaptive cruise control, a rear-view camera, lane-departure warnings with brake-to-steer assistance and 10 airbags. 

Stepping up to the GXL variant adds a blind spot monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alerts and a lane-trace assistance system. 

Is it Fuel Efficient?

Toyota’s updated powertrain not only increases overall power and torque figures, it has also given the LandCruiser 300 single-digit fuel economy figures. This means that the range is rated at 8.9L per 100km on a combined cycle, making it surprisingly fuel-efficient when you consider its size, power and off-road abilities. 

Our Verdict: Is the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series Worth it?

Toyota doesn’t update the LandCruiser range very often, so you can be sure that when it does release an update, the upgrades are more than skin deep. 

The latest generation LandCruiser 300 Series is a genuinely impressive evolution of an already established fan-favourite, further cementing the LandCruiser’s reputation atop the list of comfortable and highly capable family 4x4s. 

The new powertrain brings power increases while drastically reducing fuel usage, while the updated equipment and safety lists add to the overall value of the package, particularly for entry-level variants. 

Overall, it remains the yardstick that other 4x4s will be measured for quite some time, and as a result, we can’t help but recommend putting it atop your shortlist. On that note, if you’re in the market for a new car, you can get a free quote and see how much OnlineAuto can save you on your next car, or call us on 1300 719 925. 

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. Five-year, unlimited KM warranty; seven-years coverage for engine 
2. Twin-turbocharged V6 replaces V8 unit  
3. Five-seat layout in base model GX, GR Sport & range-topping Sahara ZX 
4. Seven-seat configuration available & GXL, VX, Sahara 
5. Towing capacity of 3,500kg; gross combination mass of 6,750kg

Pros 

• Unbelievable performance off-road
• Bullet-proof and exceptionally comfortable on-road performance
• Updated entertainment and safety features 
• New twin-turbo V6 is an absolute powerhouse 

Cons

• Blind spot monitoring & rear-cross traffic alerts reserved for GXL and above 
• Price increases 
• Growing waitlists 

OnlineAuto Rating: 9.5/10

Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series Competition