Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series just months away

The next-generation Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series will be revealed this year and available in Australia in 2021.

That's right, our sources reckon one of the most hotly-anticipated new model launches will break cover in Japan in the coming months, before it goes on sale in Australia next year.

Speaking to carsales, Toyota Australia sales and marketing chief Sean Hanley said the all-new Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series is still "some time away".

But when we asked when Toyota would announce more details, he said: "I'll let you guys know. I've got to have something to invite you to next year."

Pictured here with a tough new look courtesy of a render from Clicccar.com, the next-generation Toyota LandCruiser is expected to ditch its V8 petrol and diesel engines in favour of a new V6 turbo-diesel and a petrol V6 that will later form the basis of a hybrid powertrain.

We put a number of LandCruiser questions to Hanley, including the concept of engine downsizing and the iconic model becoming an all-V6 affair. While he wouldn’t divulge too many details, he was keen to allay fears the 300 Series might lose some of its legendary capability.

"I just say to the people who are watching this or reading this, be confident. LandCruiser is too important for us not to provide a very capable vehicle," said Hanley.

"I know media want to know tomorrow what that is, but at the right time we'll let you all know.

"Be excited, because let me tell you, it's truly spectacular," he enthused.

The 2021 Toyota LandCruiser is expected to be based on the same new TNGA-F ladder frame as the new 2021 Toyota Tundra full-size pick-up (which Toyota Australia also wants to bring here) and the next-gen Toyota HiLux coming in 2024,

The new platform architecture will provide the 300 Series with a range of new technologies inside the cabin and underneath the vehicle.

Infotainment and connectivity features along with luxury levels are expected to increase significantly, as is the number and capability of the big 4x4’s off-road systems.

As we’ve previously reported, our sources insist a six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine is a sure bet – most likely a V6 – as the current 4.5-litre turbo-diesel V8 (200kW/650Nm) is ditched due to emissions.

Along with the new diesel six, a petrol V6 and – later in its life cycle – a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain will also be offered.

Some sources insist the V8 will continue, but while Hanley wouldn't confirm any powertrain details for the next-generation Toyota LandCruiser, his tone appeared to be positive towards downsized engines.

"Of course V8 is very popular and we know the V8 in itself and in its make-up has a heritage and a loyalty in Australia, that's for sure. But I think as long as whatever we bring out is capable to do the things that LandCruiser owners expect, I think people will actually move to whatever that powertrain may be," he said.

History of Toyota LandCruiser

"I'm not in a position today to confirm what that will be, but go back in time and I can remember when Toyota launched four-cylinder front-wheel drive cars.

"Who's going to go from an eight-cylinder to a six-cylinder, down to a four-cylinder car? Have a look, Toyota was predicated on and built its strength on four-cylinder cars.

"People move if the vehicle they're driving offers them the capability, the agility and it can do the things they want it to do," he said.

New Toyota LandCruiser to be "as capable if not more so than the current one"

Powered exclusively by a diesel V8, the current Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series is an extra-large eight-seat SUV that can tow up to 3500kg and this won't change, says Hanley, who even hinted that the new model will offer improved performance in key areas.

"What I do want to say and I will say it again – and I know it's probably not the answer the audience wants to hear but it's the best I can give right now – is that, as we've said all along, the next LandCruiser you can be sure will as capable if not more so than the current one.

"Whatever the powertrain, it must be capable. People will move to whatever powertrain is available if it does the things they want it to do. And I believe in every sense that LandCruiser will be delivering that now and in the future."

Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series review

The Toyota LandCruiser has been selling strongly in Australia in recent times despite the challenging market conditions.

While its only direct rival, the Nissan Patrol, has increased its sales dramatically – by 17 per cent in 2020 – the LandCruiser has taken a 10 per cent hit to sales but is still still finding around 1000 buyers each month, compared to the Patrol's 190 monthly sales average.

Hanley says the key to the LandCruiser's success has been its rock-solid reliability, something that has flowed through to all Toyota models.

"LandCruiser is a very important model for us. It helped build the reputation that Toyota has for building trusted vehicles. And it allows for Toyota to bring in the high [sales] numbers that we see today because of that loyalty factor and that reputation.

"We have one of the largest markets right here in Australia for LandCruiser in the world. Our parent company understands this and has also been working very closely with us to make this model as good as it can be.

"It's just a little bit too early for us to be going into details while it’s still under development," added Hanley.

Although it’s also popular in Russia, Africa and the Middle East, Australia was the first export destination for the Toyota LandCruiser and remains one of its biggest markets today.

Once again, therefore, the new model has been undergoing secret development testing here to ensure it meets local expectations.

"I talked about launching cars at the right time, I talked about the importance of LandCruiser to the brand in Australia. It's in our Toyota DNA to make our cars better," said Hanley.

"I want to assure all of our loyal customers that we are playing a role right now in the local development of this car, and our Australian customers can be absolutely certain this will be every bit as capable if not more so than the current model, when it comes.

"We know the legend of LandCruiser and we would never mess with it. People want the confidence it can do the things I want it to do, and maybe a little bit better.

"That's important, that's what LandCruiser represents in the Australian market, and the loyal customers that buy them.

"I have no doubt that whatever we launch in LandCruiser, the key to it is, is will it tow my caravan? Will it do the things I want it to do off-road? Will I have the same comfort levels I've enjoyed?

"When we launch the new model LandCruiser, they will see that we have considered absolutely what this car stands for in this country," said Hanley.

Stay tuned for more details as we get them.