New Models
New Models

2022 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series and GR Sport revealed, due in showrooms this year, no mention of hybrid

The first new Toyota LandCruiser in 14 years – one of the longest stretches between new models in the 70-year history of the nameplate – has been formally unveiled with twin turbo diesel V6 and twin turbo petrol V6 power instead of a V8. Hybrid option likely due between now and 2025 alongside Lexus LX.


The 2022 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series has been formally unveiled globally early this morning Australian time – at a live event in the Middle East, one of the major markets – after weeks of spy photos of examples being shipped around the world.

Ending years of speculation – including from CarAdvice which published a story outlining the demise of the V8 in June 2019 – Toyota has confirmed a twin-turbo diesel V6 will replace the twin-turbo diesel V8 that powered the LandCruiser 200 Series since 2007.

For the tech heads, the twin-turbo diesel V6 in the 2022 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series is an all-new design – indeed, it is Toyota’s first twin-turbo diesel V6 – with a capacity of 3.3 litres and an output of 227kW and 700Nm versus the outgoing twin-turbo diesel V8’s output of 200kW and 650Nm.

The 2022 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series will be backed by a 10-speed automatic rather than the six-speed in the 200 Series, designed to boost acceleration and improve open-road fuel economy.

The decision to downsize to a V6 is in line with the global shift to smaller capacity engines to meet stricter emissions targets. 

Even though Australia has less stringent emissions standards than overseas markets, car companies develop powertrains for global use rather than individual countries, which would be too costly. 

CarAdvice understands the decision to not continue to offer the twin-turbo diesel V8 as an option in certain markets such as Australia was driven by the need to package one engine configuration in the new model.

The 2022 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series will be sold in other countries with twin-turbo V6 petrol power (305kW/650Nm), also backed by a 10-speed auto. Toyota showed graphs (pictured above) of the power and performance difference between the diesel and petrol V8s versus the V6s.

There was no mention of hybrid power, however CarAdvice understands that option could eventually make its way to Australia some time between now and 2025 close to the arrival of the LandCruiser-based Lexus LX.

As some consolation for V8 fans, Toyota last week confirmed the single-turbo V8 will remain in production for the time being for the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series, though it too is expected to switch to TDV6 power eventually.

The photos show the 2022 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series will be available with a broader model range, heading more upmarket at the top end – using Range Rover as a benchmark – and a sporty model for the middle of the range, dubbed GR Sport.

In the meantime, examples of the runout Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series twin-turbo V8 continue to be advertised above retail prices.

While Toyota did not outline exact dimensions of the LandCruiser 300 Series, it said this is an all-new frame and body structure (known as TNGA-F), despite the familiar appearance.

“Vehicle dimensions including length, width, wheelbase and departure and approach angles are very close to the outgoing model, depending on the variant,” said a statement from Toyota Australia. “Features such as the bumper shape and placement of lighting components have been designed to help avoid damage during off-road driving.”

Toyota says the LandCruiser 300 Series has a more even weight balance front to rear versus its predecessor, and graphics showed the engine is positioned 28mm lower and 70mm rearwards to help provide a lower centre of gravity.

While Toyota did not list kerb weight, it said the LandCruiser 300 Series is 200kg lighter than its predecessor in petrol guise and about 100kg lighter in diesel guise. Most examples of the LandCruiser 200 Series diesel tip the scales at 2740kg.  

The predecessor’s 3500kg towing capacity has been retained and Toyota says the twin-turbo V6 diesel pulls stronger than the previous twin turbo V8 diesel, aided in part by the 10-speed rather than six-speed auto.

Toyota also outlined new construction methods; the frame is laser welded which saves weight while at the same time improving strength. More details will follow closer to the vehicle’s launch.

The LandCruiser 300 Series has redesigned suspension geometry with more upright angles (as shown in the graphic below), and Toyota says the new model has increased wheel articulation, to better handle off-road obstacles.

In what Toyota claims is a world first, an optional new electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (e-KDSS) improves off-road performance via a larger suspension stroke “achieved by effectively disabling the front and rear stabiliser bars”.

Borrowing an idea from Land Rover’s playbook, the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series will be available with a front camera that can be used to better navigate tricky off-road terrain.

“The adoption of a multi terrain select function … automatically judges the road surface and selects the best driving mode,” says Toyota.

The new model will also come with the full suite of advanced safety aids including radar cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind zone warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and speed sign recognition across all variants. On the LandCruiser 200 Series, a selection of advanced safety tech is only available on the dearest models.

Toyota Australia dealers are due to be briefed today on further details and timing on the 2022 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series.

Pricing is not due to be announced until closer to the on-sale date, but Toyota dealers have told CarAdvice they expect the price to increase by $10,000 to $15,000 depending on the model.

The 2022 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series is due in local showrooms between October and December (inclusive) this year, though some dealers remain hopeful the first shipments could arrive sooner because the current model is almost sold out. Production and shipping plans, however, will likely dictate arrival timing.

While 14 years is a long time in the making for the new model, during development Toyota went to extra-ordinary lengths to conceal the appearance of the LandCruiser 300 Series, testing early prototypes underneath then bodywork of LandCruiser 200 Series 4WDs. You can read how Toyota kept the LandCruiser 300 Series under wraps here.

CarAdvice will bring more news on the 2022 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series as it comes to hand.

Above: The twin turbo V6 diesel for the 2022 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series.

Above: The twin turbo V6 petrol for the 2022 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series to be sold in international markets.

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Joshua Dowling

Joshua Dowling has been a motoring journalist for more than 20 years, spending most of that time working for The Sydney Morning Herald (as motoring editor and one of the early members of the Drive team) and News Corp Australia. He joined CarAdvice / Drive in 2018, and has been a World Car of the Year judge for more than 10 years.

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