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Toyota Land Cruiser gets a major refresh in its 70th year
- New V6 Twin-Turbo Diesel engine adds more power and torque
- New 10 Speed automatic improves the driving experience and adds fuel efficiency
- GAZOO Racing adds Land Cruiser to the GR Sport portfolio
Globally launched today, the new Land Cruiser 300 epitomises the quality, reliability, durability, and safety that customers have come to expect of the Land Cruiser badge, in an all-new modern package.
In New Zealand’s rugged terrain there are times when you just need a big strong diesel engine, a ladder chassis, and a terrific four-wheel drive system. The new Land Cruiser 300 has all those attributes and more.
It remains the benchmark for a go-anywhere, conquer-anything four-wheel drive. It marries that extreme functionality with a premium interior fit-out, contemporary exterior styling and the latest in driver assistance technology.
The new Toyota Land Cruiser 300 (LC300) is the next evolution of the iconic Land Cruiser brand; the finer details add a modern edge to the 4WD off-roader, which will be sold exclusively with a 225kW 3.3-litre twin-turbo diesel V6 mated to an all-new 10 speed automatic transmission when it arrives in New Zealand.
The LC300 has exceptional towing capability - towing a 3,500kg braked trailer load with ease.
Steve Prangnell, Toyota New Zealand General Manager of New Vehicle Sales and Product Planning says die-hard fans of the Land Cruiser will not be disappointed with the upgraded model as the legendary capabilities of the Land Cruiser have not been lost.
“Land Cruiser has a huge heritage. In fact, this year we celebrate 70 years since the first Land Cruiser wowed four-wheel drive enthusiasts. This latest 300 series performs, drives, and tows as you would expect of a Land Cruiser,” Steve says.
“You cannot really overstate the reputation of the Land Cruiser brand as a tremendously capable off-roader matched to a premium and spacious cabin. These vehicles can really tackle anything, and their reliability is unsurpassed. It’s not uncommon to see 40 and 50-year-old Cruisers still going strong,” he says.
Replacing the former 4.5L V8 diesel with a V6 has not reduced the LC300’s power. The 3.3-litre twin-turbo diesel V6 is rated to provide 225kW and 700Nm – a healthy power increase over the former model's 200kW/650Nm.
“Amazingly, the engineers have extracted more power from less. We have lost two pistons but have gained power and torque,” Steve says.
The 2021 Land Cruiser 300 will appear in a standard VX model, higher specified VX Limited and, for the first time, a GR Sport version.
The 5-seat GR Sport LC300 has the same new V6 engine but adds an Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, Adaptive Variable Suspension, four new Drive Mode options (Sport S, Sport S+, Comfort and Customise), and lockable front and rear differentials.
The LC300 GR Sport will be the only Land Cruiser available in Arctic White, which will stand out with Matte Grey alloy wheels, a blacked out exterior trim, and GR inspired front end design.
Boasting a bluff, upright front-end with a bigger ‘floating’ polished chrome grille and slimmer, sleeker LED headlights, the new Land Cruiser has a more rugged and aggressive front-end.
Other improvements to the LC300 include an upgraded alarm, with intrusion and slant sensors.
The VX and GR Sport ride on 18” wheels while the VX Limited has 20” wheels. VX and VX Limited are on Chrome Metallic rims. The VX and GR Sport are shod with Dunlop Grand Trek AT30 265/65R18 tyres, while the VX Limited has 265/55R20 Dunlop Grand Trek AT30 Touring rubber.
When the road runs out, Land Cruiser 300 has the total 4x4 capabilities. Land Cruiser 300 boasts a wading depth of 700mm*, ground clearance of 235mm with an approach angle of 32° and a departure angle of 25°.
All three variants of the new 2021 LC300 will be equipped with Toyota’s advanced Safety Sense technologies designed to help prevent or mitigate collisions across a wide range of traffic conditions.
Head-up display is a new feature to all variants in the 2021 LC300 line-up, in addition to a 12.3” touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionalities. The whole family can keep their devices charged with no fighting over the USB ports, of which there are six, two in the front, and four in the rear. Smart Key Entry and Push Button Start are standard across the LC300 range.
Care has also been taken across the new range to ensure frequent touchpoints have a high-quality feel, with a leather steering wheel and shift knob trim.
There are four exterior colours available across the full range: Graphite, Ebony, Eclipse, and Merlot Red. The VX and VX Limited are also available in Crystal Pearl, Silver Pearl, Avant Garde Bronze and Deep Sea Blue.
The VX model has black synthetic leather upholstery, while the VX Limited has two interior options – black or sandstone accented leather. The GR Sport has the option of black accented leather, or a combination black and dark red accented leather interior can be ordered.
Toyota New Zealand is taking orders through Toyota Stores, with delivery expected from October 2021.
*preliminary figures only. Final figures may change slightly.