You might think that Toyota Prado is all you will ever need from an SUV since it is spacious, capable off-road and dependable, but no. On the top of Toyota’s SUV food chain, there is an even more iconic and sought after model. Its name is Land Cruiser 300, and Toyota just released a brand new model. The appearance of the all-new Land Cruiser is huge news since the last one has been around since 2007. However, the new J300 (as it is internally called) brings us all-new design, technology and engines but retains a specific look, quality and keeps the tradition alive. So, let’s see how the 2022 Land Cruiser stacks up and will it keep its position on the market.
While models like Rav4 have dozens of competitors, full-size Land Cruiser has just a few real classmates like Nissan Patrol, for example, which makes its position on the marker very unique. It is the largest SUV Toyota is offering, and it is a flagship model and keeper of Land Cruiser tradition at the same time.
What Is New For 2022?
Practically everything and for the LC300 model, Toyota revised its body-on-frame platform and made it lighter but stronger than on the predecessor. Interestingly, Toyota’s engineers managed to reduce the weight by 200 kilograms which are significant savings and also to lower the centre of gravity, improving the handling and driving dynamics. But structural improvements, as substantial as they are, are only the beginning. The new LC300 Land Cruiser got an all-new design, interior, suspension tuning and finally, a new engine and transmission. Toyota is well aware that there is a burning performance SUV market and the standard models, including a special GR Sport version that will be attractive to enthusiasts. Let’s explain the essential features and changes one by one.
The Engine and Transmission
The 2.8-litre which is used in Prado (and Hilux), might be a dependable unit, but it is not as powerful as market demands, so for 2022 Land Cruiser, Toyota presented a brand new, 3.3-litre, twin-turbo, V6 diesel with 227 kW and massive 700 Nm, needed to move this 2.6 tones beast. Interestingly, Toyota states that the average fuel consumption is 8.9 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres which are a fantastic value knowing the displacement and power output of this unit. Again, the fuel tank is 110 litres, with 80 litres as the main and 30 as the auxiliary.
The excellent fuel economy is somewhat improved by the brand new 10-speed automatic transmission and on-demand 4×4 system, which is standard on all LC300 Land Cruisers. The previous models had outdated 6-speed automatic, and the new 10-speed is a more than welcomed addition.
The Suspension
Along with the new chassis, Land Cruiser LC300 got a new suspension all around. The front suspension is independent with a double-wishbone design to improve the steering and comfort, while the rear is a rigid axle with a four-link setup. We saw that models in this segment are moving towards rear independent suspension, trying to improve the ride quality. Still, Toyota stayed true to the concept of an off-road capable SUV and retained the rear live axle, which is excellent for towing purposes. That being said, the tow ratings for the new Land Cruiser are 750 kilograms without the trailer brakes and up to 3500 kg with one.
Since this is an off-road capable model, apart from a well-proven 4×4 system, the new Land Cruiser has numerous electronic systems which are designed to turn this luxury SUV into a proper desert runner. Some versions have front and rear differential locks, 4-camera terrain monitor, active traction control and various driving models regarding the type of surface you are on.
The Interior
One of the biggest complaints about the outgoing models was the interior, and although it was well-constructed and ergonomically correct, it looked old and not very upscale. The 2022 Land Cruiser is miles ahead in design, layout and materials. Again, the dashboard design is simple and easy to use, and the driver is faced with two round dials as well as an instrument display. As with all vehicles of this segment, the central console is dominated by a large infotainment display which is 9.0-inches in size on lower-trim grades and 12.3-inches on upper trim models. Interestingly, the 2022 Land Cruiser seats five people in base trim, while seven seats are standard in middle grades. The higher trim levels and GR version also sit five.
The 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser Models
The LC300 lineup consists of six distinctive models, starting with base GX, followed by GLX and VX as a mid-spec model. The Sahara and Sahara ZX are the luxury models, while GR Sport is a performance oriented version, although it has the same engine and transmission as the rest. The base grade comes equipped with LED headlamps but cloth interior and two-zone climate control. As you climb up through the grades, leather interior, three-zone climate control, sunroof, exterior details, bigger wheels (up to 20-inches), and a host of other luxury features became available. The GT Sport model, as most interesting, is equipped with unique interior and exterior trim pieces, with a different grille and badging. As expected, Toyota prepared an extensive safety package for all Land Cruisers, which means that Toyota Safety Sense, Automatic Collision Notification, reversing camera and ten airbags are standard on all models.
The Conclusion
We know that the buyers were eager to see a brand new Land Cruiser LC300 and see how Toyota had improved the formula, which many consider the best full-size SUV in the world. Just by looking at the stats and data, it is easy to see that the new Land Cruiser really is a competent, spacious and practical vehicle. It can tow boats, cross the desert, carry the whole family, and be a stylish luxury SUV or even a performance-oriented model. There is rarely a vehicle that can do so much and appeal to so many types of owners. However, there is a downside, and you probably know what it is—the price. The new 2022 model in base trim costs over $80,000, while the Sahara ZX is over $138,000. Pretty significant sum but again, very accomplished and impressive vehicle the new Land Cruiser 300 is.