Toyota LandCruiser: carsales Car of the Year 2021 finalist

A new generation of Toyota LandCruiser is a rare and eagerly anticipated event for fans of the 4x4 icon.

For that reason alone the new 300 Series LandCruiser is deservedly on the list of candidates for the 2021 carsales Car of the Year, proudly presented by Bingle.

The fact it is drastically overhauled compared to its 2007 predecessor, the 200 Series, just adds to the justification for its nomination.

The only problem now, thanks to the semi-conductor shortage, is being able to find one to buy.

From the TNGA-F ladder-frame platform upwards, the 300 Series is new. New exterior, new interior, new tech, new safety gear, new suspension.

Forebodingly for some, there’s a new 3.3-litre V6 twin-turbo diesel engine and 10-speed auto across the range replacing the tried-and-true V8 and its six-speed transmission. The new engine has more power and torque and is claimed to be more frugal everywhere except on the urban test cycle.

This is the first LandCruiser not to increase in size and it also drops in kerb weight up to 235kg.

And as you’ll read below, there are also new models and gobsmacking new pricing that tops out north of $150,000 on-the-road.

The Toyota LandCruiser appeals to a surprisingly wide cross-section of the Aussie community considering it’s a circa-2.5-tonne heavy-duty 4x4.

’Cruisers are used on the school run, they’re used as around-town commuters, you’ll find them towing a big caravan or horse float (3500kg braked towing capacity) as well as negotiating a corrugated desert track or engaging 4x4 low-range for a gnarly mountainous climb.

All that means the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series has to deliver a lot of different capabilities to a lot of different audiences.

Which explains the way the new models have been more obviously defined into different streams. There is the fleet- and work-oriented GX, versatile private buyer GXL and VX, premium Sahara, the new GR off-roader and on-road luxury Sahara ZX.

In essence, Toyota has tried to make the new 300 Series more suited to on-road and city driving, while not compromising its renowned off-road mountain-goat ability.

Australia has played a key role in developing the character and behaviour of the new ’Cruiser. Toyota engineers have been working locally on the 300 program since 2014.

There’s no doubt the new Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series makes you pay for all its new tech and added capability.

Only the entry-level GX still starts under $100,000 at $89,990, then come the GXL ($101,790), the VX ($113,990), the Sahara ($131,190) and the new GR Sport ($137,790) and Sahara VX ($138,790). All pricing is before on-road costs.

The latest Toyota Safety Sense package is standard on all 300 Series LandCruisers and includes autonomous emergency braking (AEB) 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 LandCruisers also get 10 airbags.

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.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is standard across the range, while the GX is the only model to miss out on alloy wheels and one of three (along with the GR Sport and Sahara ZX) that drops out the two third-row seats that grow maximum capacity from five to seven people.

The LandCruiser VX we’re assessing as part of 2021 COTY is the first model in the range to gain some luxury touches such as the new 12.3-inch touch-screen atop the dashboard.

The GR Sport is the only model with front and rear as well as centre diff locks to maximise off-road capability. The new e-KDSS electronic active stabiliser bar system is another key off-road aid.

The Sahara ZX is more on-road focused. It gets 20-inch low-profile rubber, and the approach angle is reduced to 24 degrees by a different bumper from the 32 degrees of other models. It’s also the only model with a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, which is a handy on-road aid.

So far we have had a preview drive of a Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series prototype at the Anglesea proving ground, sampled the range at the national launch, road tested the GR Sport and compared it against its most traditional rival, the Nissan Patrol.

At the prototype drive, Bruce Newton came away cautiously impressed, having briefly driven the vehicle on- and off-road and towed a 3000kg caravan.

“For now the signs are promising. Anyone with concerns about the swap from V8 to V6 power should try the new engine before jumping to conclusions. And there’s also little doubt how improved the driving experience is,” he said.

After driving all six models, Toby Hagon described the VX as a “sweet spot” in the LandCruiser range: “It’s not eye-popping expensive like the GR Sport and Sahara ZX (just plain old expensive), but you at least feel like you’re driving something special.”

Sam Charlwood tested the GR Sport for three days on- and off-road and came away ready to hit the open road: “The LC300 isn’t cheap, and other models miss out on the luxury wares fitted to the GR Sport tested.

“But as far as jumping behind the wheel and taking off into our beautiful Aussie landscape, it’s hard to think of a better package.”

Charlwood then backed up for the comparison test, pitting the GR Sport against the Y62 Patrol Ti-L. Of course, the Nissan came with a huge price advantage and a big 5.6-litre V8 petrol engine.

But the new-age Toyota triumphed over its ageing opponent.

“While it’s not perfect, the 300 Series has clearly raised the bar. Just two caveats remain: affording the lofty purchase price, and actually finding one in stock.”

The Toyota LandCruiser is also now in the thick of a fresh test – lining up against the rest of the best new models in contention for carsales Car of the Year 2021, proudly presented by Bingle.