Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series prices announced

Full pricing and specs for the new six-variant 2022 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series model range have been announced and, yep, as we predicted, the first new ’Cruiser in 14 years will be a lot more expensive.

On sale now ahead of first deliveries from late 2021, the all-new 300 Series will be available in two new flagship versions – the off-road oriented GR Sport and the luxurious Sahara ZX – both priced close to $140,000 before on-road costs, making them the most expensive LandCruisers ever to be sold in Australia.

Four familiar badges carry over from the outgoing LandCruiser 200 Series – GX, GXL, VX and Sahara – with price rises between 5.6 and 11.3 per cent.

The entry-level GX is now the only LandCruiser wagon to be priced below $100,000, at $89,990 plus on-road costs. See below for new versus old pricing for the entire range.

The volume-selling GXL now breaks the $100K barrier at $101,790, with the VX priced at $113,990 and the Sahara $131,190. The GR Sport will cost $137,790 and the Sahara ZX $138,790.

Toyota is justifying the price increases on the basis the 300 Series is an all-new design from the ground up, including its new TNGA ladder frame, diesel V6 powertrain, suspension, technology and equipment.

We dealt with many technical fundamentals of the new LandCruiser when it had its global reveal in June and a bunch of key tech numbers for the Aussie market earlier this week.

“Impressive new or upgraded features and technologies across the all-new range represent remarkable value, taking LandCruiser SUV luxury to new heights while advancing the legendary model's rugged reputation as the king off the road,” Toyota Australia sales and marketing boss Sean Hanley said in a press statement today.

Toyota has also confirmed improved combined and extra-urban fuel consumption figures for the new LandCruiser 300 Series, but the urban rate has actually gone up.

The first all-new ’Cruiser wagon since 2007, the 300 Series replaces the old 200kW/650Nm 4.5-litre turbo-diesel V8 and six-speed auto with a 227W/700Nm 3.346-litre turbo-diesel V6 and 10-speed auto that continues to power all four wheels.

Official combined fuel economy drops from 9.5L to 8.9L/100km, while the extra-urban rating is 7.6L/100km (down from 8.5) and the urban average is 11.3L/100km (up from 11.2L/100km).

Toyota has confirmed the lab-tested increased urban rate – which if it pans out in reality is not good news for LandCruiser commuters – and we’ve asked for an explanation. We’ll let you know if we get one.

Even if we go off the improved combined consumption rate the range of the 300 Series doesn’t improve because of a drop in fuel tank capacity from 138 to 110 litres. Theoretical range is still beyond 1200km so that Simpson desert crossing isn’t threatened

A fuel economy improvement was expected because of the already-touted reduction in kerb weight. Toyota firmed up the numbers today, revealing the 300 Series GX chops 170kg from its 2640kg 200 Series equivalent to reset at 2470kg.

The biggest improver is the GXL at 2505kg, which is 235kg lighter than its 2740kg predecessor. But that figure might not stand up to scrutiny because the 200 Series GXL is listed as the same weight as the VX and Sahara, which should be heavier because of extra equipment.

The 300 Series VX and Sahara are listed at 2560kg, a saving of 180kg. The Sahara ZX weighs 2570kg and the GR Sport is the heaviest at 2580kg.

While Toyota has today also officially confirmed the new LandCruiser’s 3280kg gross vehicle mass (GVM) and 3500kg braked towing capacity, gross combined mass remains unconfirmed.

At least we know the lower kerb weights and only slightly reduced GVM (from the 200’s 3350kg) will increase payloads.

Toyota has also confirmed the 300’s ground clearance at 235mm – up 10mm over the 200 Series. All models come with a 2850mm wheelbase, 1667mm front track and 1668mm rear track, bar the GX which is 20mm wider at both ends.

The front overhang is 920mm for the four carry-over badges, 935mm for the GR Sport and 945mm for the Sahara ZX. Rear overhang is 1210mm for all models bar the Sahara ZX at 1220mm.

Overall length is 4980mm for the carry-over badges, but the GR Sport measures up at 4995mm long, which is 20mmm shorter than the Sahara ZX. At 1990mm, GR Sport is 10mm wider than all other models bar the GX, which is 2000mm wide when fitted with a snorkel. All models are 1950mm high.

Overall, the 300 Series is the first LandCruiser wagon generation not to grow in size and the first to decrease in weight.

The new GR Sport is intended to exploit the rising global profile of Toyota’s Gazoo Racing motorsport and performance brand.

“Our new GR Sport is the absolute expression of the LandCruiser DNA – the ultimate 4WD that is specially equipped for owners who truly love driving on rough trails and in off-road rallies,” said Hanley.

Enhancing its off-road credentials will be front and rear differential locks in addition to the centre diff lock fitted to all models. A claimed world-first e-KDSS (electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System) independently – and now electronically – locks and frees the front and rear suspension stabiliser bars, enabling a flatter ride on-road and more wheel articulation off it.

The GR Sport is distinguished externally by bold Toyota lettering in the grille, a black pack comprising the mesh grille, 18-inch wheels, wheel-arches, side steps, door handles, mirror casings and window surrounds. The front and rear lower bumpers are unpainted.

Accompanying a profusion of GR Sport badges, the interior can be had in the choice of two leather-accented trims – black with carbon-like ornamentation or contrasting red-and-black treatment with black applied around the instrument panel.

“The graceful styling of the Sahara ZX adds an even more prestigious and advanced high-quality image for customers who use their LandCruiser primarily for urban driving and holiday getaways with their families,” explained Hanley

Toyota lists key Sahara ZX external distinguishing features as its chrome grille, “sleek” headlights, new tail-lights and remodelled tailgate. It also gets a unique 20-inch wheel, front bumper, body-coloured wheel-arch mouldings, illuminated side steps, front-door scuff plates, rear mudguards and chrome ornamentation on the thick rear bumper.

Although not explained, it also has a much poorer approach angle than every other 300 Series model at 24 degrees; all the other variants are rated at 32 degrees. All models have a 25-degree departure angle.

The leather-accented interior trim is offered in black, beige or red-and-black, as well as carbon-like highlights on the steering wheel, centre console and door trims.

Equipment shared by the GR Sport and Sahara ZX includes five driving modes, adaptive variable suspension, adaptive high beam and carbon trim.

Equipment included in Sahara ZX includes four heated and ventilated seats, hands-free tailgate with a kick sensor, and a torque-sensing limited-slip differential on the rear axle.

Emphasising the importance of towing for LandCruiser owners, all 300s are equipped with a trailer wiring harness. They also come with Toyota Connected Services including automatic collision notification, an SOS button, and stolen-vehicle tracking.

The latest Toyota Safety Sense package is standard and includes autonomous emergency braking as part of a pre-collision system that can detect pedestrians (day and night) and cyclists during the day.

It also features all-speed active cruise control, auto high beam, lane-keeping technology that steps up to lane-trace assist with steering-wheel vibration in VX and above.

All 300 Series vehicles get AWD Integrated Management that Toyota says harmonises steering assist, brake and throttle control, shift pattern and drive torque distribution “for precise handling and stability”.

Also as we reported previously, the range will be split between five-seaters (GX, Sahara ZX and GR Sport) and seven-seaters (GXL and Sahara), with no version offering eight seats as the previous GXL did.

The base GX is now fitted with a single-piece tailgate and adds dusk-sensing LED headlights, keyless smart entry and ignition, two-zone automatic air-conditioning, steering-wheel controls, a 9.0-inch display (was 6.1 inches), reversing camera, one-touch power windows for all doors, smartphone integration, road-sign assist, dusk-sensing headlights, electric park brake and downhill assist control.

The GXL adds 18-inch alloy wheels, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitor, Qi wireless phone charger and auto-dimming rear-view mirror. It also includes multi-terrain select for the first time, which regulates wheelspin for improved traction.

The VX includes a 12.3-inch multimedia display screen, 10 speakers (was nine speakers), a 7.0-inch colour multi-info display (was 4.2 inches), four-zone automatic climate control (was two-zone), eight cupholders (was six), remote power windows, power-adjustable steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, rear parking support brake and panoramic view monitor.

It’s the cheapest model in the range to be fitted with Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management that links traction control, electronic stability control, electric steering and other systems. Toyota claims this improves performance, responsiveness to driver input and safety.

The new Sahara adds features new to LandCruiser including a 14-speaker premium JBL audio, head-up display, heated steering wheel, easy-access ventilation for the heated second-row seats, power-folding third-row seats, and easy-access seats.