Toyota LandCruiser has been synonymous with safe and reliable off-roading since 1951. It’s not surprising that more than 10 million units have been sold in the world. The LandCruiser is a favorite in Australia, thanks to the vast outback. However, there are plenty of them in cities as well. LandCruisers are the go-to choice for those who want a reliable, comfortable off-roader. What’s new about the model? To find out, we tested the 2022 Toyota LandCruiser 300 series GX.
The entry-level GX will likely be a popular choice for rural buyers, even though many LandCruisers are found in big cities like Sydney. The GX is priced at $10,000 less than its next-up model, the GXL. Its basic equipment list, vinyl flooring, and low price make it the ideal LandCruiser for buyers in mining, farming, and other industries.
Price and Equipment: 6/10
The entry-level GX variant is priced at $89,990 plus the on-road cost (around $98,000, depending on where you are located).
The GX is an entry-level LandCruiser 300 Series and has a basic level of standard equipment. The GX comes with automatic LED headlights and 17-inch steel alloy wheels. It also has a snorkel and dual-zone climate controls, as well as keyless entry, start, and electric folding mirrors.
The safety equipment includes ten airbags. It also has auto emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection (AEB), trailer sway protection, adaptive cruise control, stop-and-go functionality, lane departure alert with active braking, a reversing cam, automatic high beam, and speed sign recognition.
LandCruiser 300 Series base model is missing out on many features that could make it more appealing, such as automatic (or intermittent!) wipers. Wipers, heated mirrors, and automatic folding mirrors. More than two USB ports in the cabin.
The next step-up GXL adds a wireless charging station, LED front foglights, two additional seats (with curtain airbags for the third row), a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, 18-inch wheels, and side steps, all for about $110,000. We think it’s worth the upgrade.
The GX is available in a variety of colors, including free ebony and glacier white. For $645 more, buyers can select a ‘Graphite,’ ‘Merlot Red,’ ‘Eclipse Black,’ ‘Dusty Bronze,’ or our test car, a sliver pearl. Black cloth is the only interior option available for the GX.
The main competitor of the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series, the Nissan Patrol, is equipped with a 298kW/ 560Nm V8 petrol engine and a 7-speed automatic transmission. It has a similar 3,500kg towing capacity, excellent off-road capability, and can seat up to seven people.
Entry-level Patrol Ti starts at $82,160, plus on-road charges (about $90,000 to drive away). It includes more kits than LandCruiser GX, including leather upholstery and larger wheels. There is also more safety equipment like blind-spot monitors, auto wipers, and tri-zone climate controls, as well as more USB ports. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and other features are available on the Toyota, but they’re not enough to make up for its shortcomings.
Performance and Economy: 9/10
It’s the fact that the V8 diesel engine from the LC200 is no longer available in the LC300. The new engine is a 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 diesel ‘F33A’ that produces 227kW at 4,000rpm and 700Nm between 1,400 and 2,600rpm.
The engine is matched with a new ten-speed automatic transmission. It is generally excellent, but occasionally it gets stuck mid-corner. A quick boot of the accelerator fixes that. This car proves to us that ten gears are not too many. We were worried about this before we drove it. The gearbox, like the engine, is smooth and predictable in every driving situation.
The new engine is amazing. It is grunty and powerful but also surprisingly pleasant to the ear. Plus, it is surprisingly fast. It’s an improvement over the V8 diesel. Why did many LandCruiser buyers cry when the V8 diesel was retired? But now that the V6 is more powerful, refined, and fuel-efficient, why are they still crying? We hope that this engine will be used in other Toyota products.
Toyota claims the LandCruiser 300 Series uses 8.9L/100km in a combined cycle. We achieved 10.2L/100km, mostly in urban driving. This is not bad for a large SUV weighing 2,410kg. The 110-liter tank will allow a range of approximately 1,100 km based on fuel consumption.
Ride & Handling: 9/10
The LandCruiser 300 Series now rides on Toyota’s TNGA platform. This is also the basis for a variety of new Toyota models. For us, the biggest improvement has been an increase in driving dynamics. It’s not a sports car, but it is more confident and stable on the road compared to the 200 Series. The suspension has been improved, and the steering is more responsive. Overall, it feels much more normal and car-like than the 200 Series.
The 300 Series is much more stable than previous LandCruisers. Body control has improved significantly. It is a little firmer, but it’s still a lot better than before. It was a breeze to drive in a variety of conditions during our week-long test. It’s also pleasing to note that the car is no longer cumbersome in city traffic. It’s not small but feels much more like a car than its predecessor. It will be easier to sell to a wider range of buyers.
Toyota says that LandCruiser 300 Series tows up to 3,500kg braked and has a gross vehicle mass of 3,280kg. The LandCruiser 300 Series has a ground clearance of 245mm. Its maximum wading is 700mm.
The LandCruiser GX performed well in light off-roading, despite its lack of fancy off-road technology like Toyota’s Kinetic suspension and front- and rear-locking differentials. These features are only available on higher-end LandCruiser models.
Interior & practicality: 8/10
The interior of the LandCruiser 300 Series, even in the entry-level GX version, has improved compared to the 200 Series it replaced. It’s more ergonomic, with better controls and technology. The fit and finish are excellent. It’s a farmer/miner spec car, but the soft-touch materials, leather steering wheel, and metal inserts give it a quality feel.
The interior of the LC300 GX is a basic one, with vinyl floors, cloth seats without lumbar support or electric adjustment, and a lot of blank buttons.
The 2022 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series cabin features a 9.0-inch touchscreen, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wired in and digital radio. Satellite navigation is not available until the mid-spec VX. The system works well and is similar to other Toyota products. It’s easy to use, has a good screen, and is an upgrade over other entry-level Toyota audio systems. The car only has two USB ports.
LandCruiser 300 Series GX cabin offers practical storage but is not as clever as Volvo or Skoda. The glovebox and door bins work well, but the armrest box in the middle is enormous. There are also cup holders and a tray that fits perfectly a smartphone next to the gearbox.
The LandCruiser’s rear seat is spacious and comfortable. However, it lacks many features, including map pockets, a charging port, armrests, heated seats, and window shades.
The 2022 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series has a huge boot. It measures 1,131 liters when the seats are upright and 2,052Lwhen the rear seat is folded and tumbled. A full-size spare is located under the car, and a 220V outlet is found in the boot.
Service and Warranty: 7/10
The 2022 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series GX, like other Toyota models, comes with a 5-year/unlimited-km warranty. Roadside assistance is not included. The LandCruiser 300 Series has a service interval of every six months/every 10,000 km, depending on which comes first. For the first five service years (or ten services in total), the cost is $375 for each service. The warranty for the engine and drivetrain will be extended by two more years if you service the vehicle at a Toyota dealership during the first five-year period.
Nissan Patrol comes with the same warranty of five years/unlimited kilometers and five years of roadside assistance. The Nissan Patrol’s service intervals have been shortened to once a year/every 10,000km. Its cost for five years/50,000km of $2,594 ($519 for each service) is a lot more affordable.
The 2022 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series DiscoverAuto rating: 7.8/10
The 2022 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series, even in its entry-level GX version, is an obvious improvement over the 200 Series that it replaced. It is quieter, more comfortable, and more efficient. It has a higher level of high-tech, is better equipped, modern, and more enjoyable to drive. This is in addition to LandCruiser’s usual traits, such as excellent off-road capability, comfort all day, good towing capacity, and a lot of practicality.
It’s certainly not perfect, and its high price is the biggest problem. It’s hard to justify paying almost $90,000. Plus, on-road fees for a car that is very basic by 2022 standards and does not have parking sensors or automatic wipers. A Nissan Patrol offers a better value. The new LandCruiser 300 Series, despite its high price tag, is an upgrade over the previous model. It’s no wonder that you have to wait over six months!
