Toyota Land Cruiser enters local showrooms

Toyota’s Land Cruiser gains a Sport model for the first time as the new range of Land Cruiser 300 models make their local debut. 

The Land Cruiser 300 also introduces a new grade line-up, namely GX-R, ZX and GR-S. GX-R remains the utility-focussed model and serves as the entry point to the range, while the ZX replaces the VX-R as the luxury model. 

The GR Sport (aka GR-S) grade gains bespoke exterior styling and trim and 18-inch alloy wheels, while adopting an off-road-biased specification list - without skimping on any comfort or convenience. This model joins the other Gazoo Racing (GR) products, and expands the GR brand into Land Cruiser territory for the first time.  

The ZX model in turn takes on a more 'image-focused' persona, with 20-inch alloy wheels, chrome detailing and luxury-oriented interior trim.

 On the design front, the '300' features a different profile to Its '200' predecessor. While the design is unmistakably angular in execution, it has a greater dynamic presence, while inn profile the newcomer bears a passing resemblance to the 80-series of the '90's - keeping the classic two-box look. 

The rear features large trapezoidal taillamps with stylised light guides which are complemented by large Land Cruiser lettering and the Toyota Insignia.    

The '300' model is a 'ground-up' design, featuring an all-new TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform designated as TNGA-F. The F indicates the first ladder-frame execution of TNGA – a fact that should find favour with off-road enthusiasts. 

An all-new engine line-up propels the newcomer and buyers have the choice of a 3,5-litre V6 Twin Turbo petrol engine or 3,3-litre V6 Turbo-diesel. 

The petrol V6 offers 305 kW at 5 200 r/min with 650 Nm available from 2 000 r/min, while the new diesel delivers 225 kW at 4 000 r/min with 700 Nm available between 1 600 r/min and 2 600 r/min. Top speed is pegged at 210 km/h for both variants. The new engines are mated to a new 10-speed automatic transmission with low-range functionality.   

Fuel consumption figures are listed as 12,1 l/100 km for the Petrol and 8,9 l/100 km for the diesel - with CO2 emissions checking in at 291 and 238 respectively. 

All models boast a comprehensive specification level including LED headlamps with integrated DRLs, keyless entry with auto-door-lock, park distance control, an electric parking brake, climate control with rear zone, power driver-seat adjustment, Multi-Information Display (MID), built-in Navigation (with Tracks 4 Africa support on GX-R), multiple power outlets with charging port, Crawl Control and Drive Mode Select.

 The ZX and GR-S additionally feature power fold-down third-row seating, a power-operated back door with hands-free function, heated steering wheel with wood accents, JBL 14-speaker audio system with DVD playback and 12,3-inch screen, Multi-Terrain Monitor with Panoramic View, seat heating and ventilation for first and second-row passengers, a wireless charger and tyre pressure monitoring. All models have Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functionality. 

The ZX model adds a Wi-Fi enabled rear-seat entertainment system with wireless headphones, while the GR-S model features a high-tech E-KDSS system to maximise off-road capability. Both variants also feature additional drive mode select modes and a Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system for superior vehicle control. 

E-KDSS is an evolution of the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), which links the wheels via hydraulically-supported stabiliser bars – providing wheel articulation and body-roll control. The advantage of the E-KDSS system, is the ability to lock the wheels together for excellent on-road handling and then unlock the stabiliser bars when required to promote excellent wheel articulation (+30 mm versus the current model) for off-road use.  

Toyota Safety Sense is fitted to both the ZX and GR-S grades and offers a full suite of active safety aids with autonomous driving technologies such as Lane Trace Assist and all-speed radar cruise control. The usual supporting functions such as Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Lane Departure Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) with braking, and Adaptive High Beam are also included. 

Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Active Traction Control (ATRC) and Hill Assist Control (HAC), join Trailer Sway Control (TSC), Downhill Assist Control (DAC) and the obligatory ABS, EBD and Brake Assist (BA) driver support systems. 

The GX-R is available with two textile interior trims, Black or Neutral Beige. The ZX model offers buyers a choice of three interior colour schemes with Black, a Black and Dark Red combination or Neutral Beige being the options. The GR-S features GR-specific interior trim with a choice of either Black or a Black and Dark Red combo.  

Model Line-up

Land Cruiser 300 GX-R 3.3D     - R 1 283 200

Land Cruiser 300 ZX 3.3D          - R 1 765 500

Land Cruiser 300 ZX 3.5T          - R 1 797 100

Land Cruiser 300 GR-S 3.3D     - R 1 811 900

Land Cruiser 300 GR-S 3.5T      - R 1 842 900 

All LC300 models are sold with a 9-services / 90 000 km service plan with service intervals set at 12-months or 10 000 km (whichever occurs first). A 3-year/100 000 km Warranty is included across the board. Customers can also purchase service, maintenance plan and warranty extensions from their nearest Toyota dealer.

 New Land Cruiser breaks cover

Toyota has finally lifted the covers of the all-new Land Cruiser 300 that is build on a Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform that allows for a significant drop in mass to achieve greater efficiencies. 

As the successor to the ‘200-series’, the all-new flagship Land Cruiser 300 has new petrol and diesel powertrains. 

The exterior design shows a rectangular theme with a prominent front façade, while stylised light guides, alongside large horizontal slats with either black or chrome accents (model dependant), maximise the visual impact. 

The U-shaped front radiator openings form an integral part of the design and create a solid appearance. In the rear, trapezoidal LED lamps help enhance the athletic look. 

The two new engine options are a 3,5-litre twin-turbo Petrol V6 and 3,3-litre turbo-diesel V6. The petrol V6 is borrowed from the Lexus LS500 and delivers 305 kW of power and 650 Nm of tractive effort. 

Outputs from the diesel engine are quoted as 227 kW and 700 Nm - representing a 32 kw increase and 50 Nm hike (versus the outgoing 4.5 turbo-diesel V8). 

Both engine options are coupled to a 10-speed automatic transmission (with obligatory low-range included). 

By using key TNGA design traits, pioneering new welding techniques and reconfiguring the drivetrain placement, the Land Cruiser 300 offers increased torsional rigidity while also being significantly lighter compared to its predecessor. The development team focussed on not only improving off-road capability, but on-road performance and driving comfort too. 

Three grades will be offered locally; utility-minded GX-R, the urban-focussed ZX (replacing the VX-R) and off-road biased GR Sport. Each variant will feature a bespoke specification line-up, in accordance with usage and customer requirements. 

Local introduction is set for August 2021. Click here to view first-reveal video.