The new Land Cruiser feels like a tank on the road. An efficient, powerful, easy to drive and hugely comfortable tank. Always ready to tackle any trip, we headed north to the Milima Big Five Lodge near Phalaborwa.
The Toyota Land Cruiser needs no introduction. Revered in the motoring community for its outstanding reliability and impressive performance, the big SUV has such a cultlike following worldwide, that when the new LC300 was officially introduced in 2021, it almost broke the Internet overnight. Talks of the latest designs and mention of new engines had hardcore fans nervous about whether the new Cruiser would still have the winning formula of the outgoing model.
Although we have spent time in the LC300 GR-S before, enjoying it on test for an extended period highlighted why this car is so popular, especially with larger families.
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The new Cruiser comes with the model’s first new chassis in 14 years, allowing the designers some additional creative liberties. Visually, there is no mistaking the new model for the old. There is an old-school boxiness to the design, which departs from the softer rounded edges of the predecessor. The new front-end design is especially imposing, further emphasised by the massive grille with bold TOYOTA lettering, new headlights with a distinct DRL signature, and a sweeping channel on the bonnet for better forward visibility.
The new Cruiser is offered in three grades: GX-R, the practical option for those looking for a work mule; the ZX, which focuses on styling and luxury; and the Gazoo Racing Sport (GR-S) for sheer off-road performance.
In GR-S spec, our tester came with 18” alloys, black trim accents, and GR badges, giving the car a sporty aesthetic.
SUPERIOR CABIN CONSTRUCTION
Successfully combining luxury and utility is one of the Cruiser’s best attributes. As the brand’s flagship, the Land Cruiser 300’s cabin is decked out with soft leather and soft-touch materials to the point where it exudes a feeling of luxury from the moment you enter.
The application of tech in the cabin is intentionally restrained, and we are convinced that the car is better for it. A simple 12.3” infotainment system with smartphone connectivity provides an interface for the vehicle’s multimedia and 360 cameras. While many modern luxury vehicles have substituted physical buttons for digital interfaces, the Cruiser is intentionally more analogue, providing better access to functions such as the heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated seats, built-in navigation, and four-zone climate control, to mention a few.
The LC300’s large dimensions naturally translate to a spacious cabin that can comfortably seat five adults. However, this car is a fully equipped seven-seater, with the third row concealed flush within the rear cargo area until it is summoned electronically via buttons in the rear compartment.
The changes continue under the hood, where the V8 options of the Cruiser’s predecessor have been retired in favour of two new V6 options. Before you lament the downsizing, rest assured that the new engines are substantially more capable and efficient than the dinosaurs they replace. There is a 3.5-litre V6 turbo petrol suitable for 305 kW at 5,200 rpm and 650 Nm at 2,000 rpm, and a 3.3-litre V6 turbodiesel that churns out 225 kW at 4,000 rpm and 700 Nm between 1,600 and 1,600 rpm. Both engine options are mated to a 10-speed torque converter automatic which delivers power to the Cruiser’s all-wheel-drive system.
LIVING WITH THE LC300 GR-S
The new Cruiser was an immediate hit with my family. With four kids, sitting arrangements tend to be an incendiary issue, especially with the last born’s car seat taking up much space. However, the jostling went out the window during our family trip, thanks to the LC300’s large cabin and three-row seating. As with previous Land Cruisers, the cabin is high quality and hard-wearing, so you know it can survive almost any assault from young kids.
Driving the new Cruiser around town was a mixed bag. The visibility is excellent, and you tower over everything, bakkies and SUVs, get called “Meneer” at every parking lot…such is the life when you live in the East of Pretoria. The steering is also light enough to pilot this elephant on wheels safely.
That said, the car’s dimensions can be intimidating on narrow lanes or tight parking lots where you must always be aware of the vehicle’s extremities. Thankfully, 360-degree cameras come in handy in tight situations.
Towards the end of December, the LC300 safely carried us to our family getaway at the five-star Milima Big Five Lodge in Phalaborwa, via the N1.
On the road, the performance gains over the predecessor were immediately apparent. While purists might be sceptical about the new V6 engines, I found the turbodiesel more than up to the task.
The Cruiser will shift its 2.6-tonne heft with absolute ease, with the engine remaining quiet and refined even under load. Reaching cruising speeds was always drama free, and overtaking was effortless.
To mitigate body roll, the Cruiser is equipped with Toyota’s Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS), electronically controlled through the car’s dynamics module to optimise wheel articulation for off-road adventures and body roll by employing hydraulically supported stabiliser bars.
Ride quality was also compliant and forgiving, despite the lack of Toyota air suspension (not specified for the GR-S). NVH levels were also low and never competed with the crisp 14-speaker JBL audio system.
As expected from travelling during the holiday seasons, what was supposed to be a five-hour journey took nine hours. We were all fresh and fatigue-free when we arrived at our destination, which is a testament to the Cruiser’s polished highway manners.
LAST WORD
Given how impressive the predecessor was, there was little chance of Toyota getting it wrong with the big new Land Cruiser. All that was necessary was to improve on a well-performing and well-received vehicle. Also, having spent a good chunk of time living with the Cruiser, I understood why I had seen many more of its predecessors out in suburban areas instead of the wild – the refinement and comfort levels are so good that one can easily use the LC300 as a daily driver, once you are familiar with its imposing dimensions.
Judging by our reluctance to let the Cruiser return to Toyota after our holiday, the entire family loved this car, as will yours.
Report & Images © BRYAN KAYAVHU
