TOYOTA LANDCRUISER 300

ALL-NEW OFF-ROAD ICON READY FOR A WIDE BROWN LAND

- EVAN SPENCE

IN AN INDUSTRY where a typical model generation may run to around seven years, an innings of double that – 14 – is pretty remarkable. But for the outgoing 200 Series LandCruiser, launched in late 2007, that’s exactly what it achieved.

So now in comes the 300 Series, one of the most highly anticipated new four-wheel drives of the year. It boasts an all-new platform, single powertrain choice in the form of a 3.3-litre twin-turbo-diesel V6 teamed with 10-speed automatic, and is offered across a six-strong model lineup spanning $89,990 to $138,790.

Our introductory drive, due to COVID restrictions, meant limited time to evaluate all six variants of the LC300. Never mind. We began with an on-road cruise from Sydney down to the Toyota LandCruiser Club’s property of Willowglen, about 40 minutes from the town of Goulburn. This would be followed by two fairly demanding off-road loops.

I started in the GR Sport, and did score seat time in the GX, GXL, VX, and Sahara, which provided a solid insight to the new LandCruiser. There were two different off-road loops on the day, comprising of rocks, mud, ruts and water crossings. The number of test vehicles with damaged sidesteps highlights how challenging the terrain was. There was also a towing component, where we hitched up a Kedron caravan weighing close to 3000kg, and used the 300 Series to lug said van up hills, on rural roads and on dirt.

PLUS

Off-road ability is right up there; comfortable and willing on-road

MINUS

Ground clearance in extreme off-road situations; cost of higher-end models

Model Toyota LandCruiser 300 GR Sport