2022 Toyota Landcruiser 300 Series revealed twin-turbo V6 power and will arrive this year

Toyota has unveiled its first all-new Landcruiser in 14 years, with the much anticipated 300 Series due to arrive in Australia later this year.

Celebrating the iconic off-roader’s 70th anniversary this year, the global media event in the Middle East confirmed what we already knew: the legendary V8 engine will be replaced by twin turbo V6s.

While some diehards may clutch their pearls, Toyota calls the 300 Series the most capable Landcruiser ever — and the six-cylinder units boast superior outputs to the units they replace.

In Australia, we’ll get a 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 diesel — the first twin turbo oil burner from the brand — offering 227kW and 700Nm compared to the V8’s 200kW and 650Nm.

Despite the performance boost, Toyota says the new LC is more fuel efficient than the outgoing 200 Series, thanks to a 10-speed automatic transmission rather than a six-speed — however it hasn’t revealed any official figures.

Also helping fuel economy — and acceleration — is the Cruiser shedding more than 100kg of weight across the range thanks to using Toyota’s TNGA-F platform.

Towing remains at 3500kg.

Overseas markets will have access to a twin turbo V6 petrol engine offering 305kW/650Nm, but it’s unlikely for Australia.

Interestingly given the brand’s recent activity, there’s is no mention of a hybrid version — yet — but this could change in the future.

Many will be pleased to know the V8 will continue in the Landcruiser 70 Series, at least for the time being.

Provided images reveal one of the variants adorned with Toyota’s GR performance badge, likely to be dubbed the GR Sport.

However, there is no idication as yet it will boast any additional performance above the other variants.

A new electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, or e-KDSS, further helps out in the rough stuff by providing a larger suspension stroke by effectively disabling the front and rear stabiliser bars.

Other firsts for a Toyota include a new Multi-Terrain Monitor which displays obstacles as viewed from the driver’s viewpoint, and the adoption of a Multi Terrain Select function whic automatically judges the road surface and selects the best driving mode.

Toyota says the 300 Series’ dimensions such as length, width, wheelbase and departure and approach angles are very close to the outgoing model, depending on the variant.

Features such as the bumper shape and placement of lighting components have been designed to help avoid damage while off-roading.

Safety tech will include autonomous emergency braking with day and night pedestrian detection and daytime cyclist detection, plus intersection assist.

An emergency steering and crash-avoidance function, which assists with steering and lane-keeping, is triggered when the driver performs a steering manoeuvre to avoid collision.

Though the Landcruiser was already well on its way towards moving upmarket — it’s one of the models most affected by luxury car tax in Australia — Toyota Australia vice-president of sales Sean Hanley said the 300 Series continues this push.

“The new LandCruiser range brings improved design and advanced new technologies that advance its performance in all conditions while enhancing its comfort, convenience and safety as a luxury vehicle,” he said.

“Incredibly reliable and capable, LandCruiser enabled Toyota to establish its foothold in the world automotive market, evolving from a basic 4WD utility into an upmarket SUV.

“It is an indispensable tool that supports our customers lives and livelihoods by enabling them to travel almost anywhere — and return — in safety and comfort.”

The Landcruiser has long been an Australian favourite, with the 1.12 million vehicles sold here accounting for 10 per cent of its global sales.

This is especially true in WA, where it was the second-highest selling vehicle last year.

It received a significant boost in popularity in the past year, with the COVID pandemic seeing holidaymakers forced to explore domestically due to international and interstate border closures.

It saw used 200 Series vehicles costing up to $20,000 more than new models, as punters didn’t want to wait for delivery.

Mr Hanley said the Landcruiser’s popularity Down Under was considered when creating the 300 Series.

“In our quest to make LandCruiser tougher and more capable than ever, we have taken feedback from customers from around the world,” he said.

“This includes extensive input from Australian owners who have experience in some of the world’s harshest environments.”

We’ll have further local pricing and specification details closer to the 300 Series Australian arrival.