The 2023 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series is the latest edition in the long line of these popular and rugged trucks. The 300 Series debuted in 2021 and was redesigned for weight reduction and increased rigidity, thanks to its body-on-frame (GA-F) platform. The new Land Cruiser is 441 pounds lighter than the 200 Series. Toyota also lowered the center of gravity and improved the suspension for a more powerful truck. If you’re interested in the Land Cruiser 100 Series, find out more here.
Is the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 sold in the US?
Unfortunately, it is not sold in the United States. Toyota announced the discontinuation of the Land Cruiser in the US markets after the 2021 Land Cruiser. Toyota pointed Land Cruiser lovers to the equivalent Lexus model, but LC fans weren’t interested. It only took a year before they reversed that decision, and the Land Cruiser will reappear on the market in the United States with the 2024 models.
While there are no 2023 Land Cruisers in North America, the Land Cruiser 300 is available in many other markets, especially Australia, where they are among the most popular vehicles.
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Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Price
As of February 2024, the 300 Series price range in Australia is from 105,800 to 157,282 AUD, equivalent to about 68,600 to 102,100 USD. Here are the price tags for different models:
- GX: 105,800 AUD (Approx. 68,600 USD)
- GXL: 118,190 AUD (Approx. 76,700 USD)
- VX: 131,242 AUD (Approx. 85,200 USD)
- Sahara: 149,302 AUD (Approx. 96,900 USD)
- GR Sport: 156,232 AUD (Approx. 101,400 SD)
- Sahara ZX: 157,282 AUD (Approx. 102,100 USD)
*Prices are sourced from toyota.com.au
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Specification of Toyota Land Cruiser 300
All six of the models are powered by a 3.3L diesel paired with a 10-speed automatic based on Aussie specs.
- Engine: 3.3L Turbo V6 Diesel
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic 4WD
- Fuel: Diesel
- Horsepower: 304 HP
- Torque: Up to 516.29 lb-ft
- Towing Capacity: Up to 7,716 lbs
- Built in Japan
| Model | Seating | Length/Width/Height inches |
|---|---|---|
| GX | 5 Passengers – Fabric | 196/79/77 |
| GLX | 7 Passengers – Fabric | 196/78/77 |
| VX | 7 Passengers – Synthetic | 196/78/77 |
| GR Sport | 5 Passengers – Leather Accented | 196/78/77 |
| Sahara | 7 Passengers – Leather Accented | 196/78/77 |
| Sahara ZX | 5 Passengers – Leather Accented | 196/78/77 |
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Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Performance
Even though Toyota took away the V8 when they brought out the 300 Series, the 3.3L V6 turbo cranks out enough power to keep you from missing a V8. With a new 10-speed automatic, you’ll experience the power being sent to all four wheels simultaneously. A low range and locking center differential (in all models but the GR Sport, which has a front and rear locking differential) gives you total control no matter what terrain you’re driving through or what you’re towing.
3.3L V6 twin-turbo diesel engine on the Land Cruiser 300
Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Engine Specs
While the Land Cruiser 200 was equipped with 4.7 liters and 4.6 liters V8 engines, the Land Cruiser 300 is equipped with 3.5 liters and 3.3 liters V6 engines, downsizing its engine capacity to improve fuel efficiency and environmental performance. Additionally, the diesel engine has made a comeback for the first time since the Land Cruiser 100.
The two types of engines on the Land Cruiser 300 feature twin-turbocharging to enhance maximum output. Firstly, the V35A-FTS 3.5-liter V6 gasoline twin-turbo engine produces a maximum output of 415 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and a peak torque of 650 Nm between 2,000 and 3,600 rpm. It runs on premium gasoline, and its fuel efficiency is approximately 7.9 to 8.0 km per liter in WLTC mode. This engine follows Toyota’s “TNGA” philosophy, inheriting the traditional reliability of the Land Cruiser while incorporating features like multi-hole direct injection with D-4ST equipped with a multi-hole direct injector to suppress carbon emissions, long-stroke design, and optimal valve angle configuration for high-speed combustion and efficient twin-turbo, resulting in robust low-speed torque and excellent turbo response.
3.3L V6 twin-turbo diesel engine on the Land Cruiser 300
On the other hand, the F33A-FTV 3.3L V6 twin-turbo diesel engine produces a maximum output of 309 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and a peak torque of 700 Nm between 1,600 and 2,600 rpm. It runs on diesel, achieving a fuel efficiency of 9.7 km per liter in WLTC mode. The engine’s structure, including the piston combustion chamber, intake port, and injector, has been optimized to balance the maximum torque of 700 Nm with excellent fuel efficiency. The newly adopted variable-nozzle 2-way twin-turbo realizes supercharging performance, which provides exhilarating acceleration in various driving scenarios. In the low-speed range, it achieves powerful acceleration with the high responsiveness of a single turbo, while in the high-speed range, it realizes smooth acceleration with the large air intake of the twin-turbo.
The transmission paired with both engines is the Direct Shift 10-speed automatic transmission, designed to extract the performance of the V6 twin-turbo engine. The lock-up is activated almost throughout the entire range except during startup, delivering a responsive driving experience. The multi-stage design enables cross-linking of gear steps, widening the overall gear ratio range, achieving a rhythmic and pleasant driving rhythm, improving high-speed fuel efficiency, and enhancing both startup acceleration and off-road performance.
Furthermore, the driving force characteristics and shift timing are optimized according to the characteristics of each engine. For the gasoline engine, it aims to bring out a pleasant acceleration with a smooth torque up to high rpm, while for the diesel engine, it utilizes the torque that builds up from low rpm.
As for the drivetran, the Land Cruiser 300 is equipped with a full-time 4WD system. It adopts a Torsen LSD in the center differential, allowing optimal control of torque distribution between the front and rear wheels based on road conditions and driving status. Under normal driving conditions, it is a front 40: rear 60 torque distribution, but during turning acceleration, it shifts power to the rear, showcasing excellent cornering performance. Additionally, in case of slippage on either the front or rear wheels, it instantly redistributes torque to the other, contributing to the vehicle’s stability recovery.
Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Economy and Fuel Economy
Regardless of the model, the twin-turbo 3.3L diesel engine powers the Land Cruiser 300 Series to around 26 MPG with a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds braked and 1,653 pounds unbraked. Its 29-gallon fuel tank means you should be able to travel better than 750 miles a tank.
Regarding fuel economy, the aforementioned V6 engine delivers significantly improved power performance, surpassing the V8’s 4.6L gasoline engine in the 200 series. Additionally, the transmission features the newly developed Direct Shift-10AT (10-speed automatic transmission), combined with the lightweight design of the new engine and body. This greatly enhances drivability compared to the 6-speed transmission in the 200 series, resulting in improved fuel efficiency.
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Ride and handling of Toyota Land Cruiser 300
The GR Sport and Sahara ZX models have adaptive suspension, which means you’ll get better control over the handling when choosing a Sport or Sport+ mode; those modes firm up the damping and make the throttle more aggressive. The gearbox gives the engine the ability to keep lower gear ratios longer.
Even in the other models, the steering is responsive, and the ride is smooth. Toyota has quieted the cabin, so you don’t notice outside noises and 18-inch tires take the brunt of large bumps. It has unequal-length control arms in the front and trailing arms on a live axle in the rear.
The Land Cruiser 300 which a FLEX staff in Japan took for a test drive
When a FLEX staff member test-drove this car in Japan, he conveyed that the characteristic of the new Land Cruiser’s ride can be summed up in one word: high tranquility and a flat ride quality. The impression is more akin to a flagship sedan than an SUV, providing an exceptionally comfortable ride. The second-row seats not only offer outstanding comfort but also feature a spacious glass area, creating a sense of openness. The newly developed suspension functions exceptionally well, effectively filtering out inputs from uneven road surfaces on paved roads, controlling inputs when overcoming obstacles, and settling quickly.
Moreover, considering the size of its body, you might expect the front part of the vehicle to tilt forward when applying strong brakes, causing noticeable pitching. However, the Land Cruiser handles this movement quite well, resulting in minimal front and rear pitching. The new Land Cruiser not only boasts high driving performance on and off-road but also elevates its luxury. Its top-notch driving performance puts it on par with luxury SUVs like the previously mentioned Range Rover, even surpassing them in certain aspects.
Toyota Land Cruiser 300 interior
While the 9-inch screen is standard, an available 12.3-inch infotainment screen upgrade is available. You can see all four cameras – including the underside camera – from the screen with a glance. The mode select knob is a simple dial that gives you control over the drive mode, and the crawl control keeps you moving off-road. The 300 has a switch on the gear selector to put it in 4WD.
In upgraded models, the sound system consists of a 14-speaker JBL system, and there is an available console cooler to keep your drinks cold.
The GR Sport model features two-tone sport seats.
The 300 Series has a fold-flat third row instead of the being like the 200 Series where the seats are stored upright. You can flip the second row up to open up the maximum cargo space of 1,967L to the roofline. The legroom in the third row is spacious, but to achieve this, the second row has a little less legroom.
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Toyota Land Cruiser 300 exterior
When it comes to tough, the Land Cruiser 300 Series has no competition. It is still the work vehicle at heart, so it is designed to take you over the harshest ground. That means all of the exterior is built to face the elements head-on.
Owners say they miss the split tailgate of the 200, but the single tailgate in the 300 serves to keep the interior dust down. Power rear gates with a kick sensor are available in the Sahara and GR Sport models.
All models above the GX (17-inch steel wheels) have 18-inch wheels.
Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Colors
| Model | Colors |
|---|---|
| GX | Glacier White, Silver Pearl, Graphite, Ebony, Merlot Red, Saturn Blue, Dusty Bronze, Eclipse Black |
| GLX | Glacier White, Crystal Pearl, Silver Pearl, Graphite, Ebony, Merlot Red, Saturn Blue, Dusty Bronze, Eclipse Black |
| VX | Glacier White, Crystal Pearl, Silver Pearl, Graphite, Ebony, Merlot Red, Saturn Blue, Dusty Bronze, Eclipse Black |
| GR Sport | Glacier White, Crystal Pearl, Artic White, Graphite, Ebony, Merlot Red, Eclipse Black |
| Sahara | Glacier White, Crystal Pearl, Silver Pearl, Graphite, Ebony, Merlot Red, Saturn Blue, Dusty Bronze, Eclipse Black |
| Sahara ZX | Glacier White, Crystal Pearl, Artic White, Silver Pearl, Graphite, Ebony, Merlot Red, Saturn Blue, Dusty Bronze, Eclipse Black |
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Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Comparison with similar cars
Range Rover and BMW XM
If you’re wondering about the difference between these three vehicles, we’ve compiled a key component comparison chart. Since they are all SUVs, the difference lies mainly in the price; although the Land Cruiser 300 Series is the smallest of the group, it is still taller than the other two.
| Land Cruiser | BMW XM | Range Rover SE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6 3.3L Diesel | Mild Hybrid V8 Petrol | 3.0 FV8 Diesel |
| Horsepower | 308 @ 4,000 | 483-577 @ 5,400 -7,200 | 350@ 4,000 |
| Torque | 516 @ 1,600 – 2,000 | 590 @ 1,600 – 5,000 | 516 @ 1,500 |
| Transmission | 10-speed Automatic | 8-speed Automatic | 8-speed Automatic |
| Drive | AWD Integrated | 4WD | AWD |
| Turbo | Twin | – | – |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbone | Adaptive M | Electric Air Suspension |
| Rear Suspension | 4-Link Rigid | Adaptive M | Electric Air Suspension |
| Length/Width/Height | 184/78/76 | 202/78/68 | 198/86/74 |
| 2023 Starting Price | GX – $94,301 | $159,00 | $122,8000 |
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Pros & Cons of Toyota Land Cruiser 300
Here are some pros and cons of the Toyota Land Cruiser 300:
Pros
- Powerful powertrain
- Improved performance
- Updated technology
- Spacious cargo area
- Off-road capabilities
- Towing capacity
- New body-on-frame architecture
- New engine and transmission
- Lighter and more fuel-efficient
- 5-Star ANCAP rating
- 83/100 reliability score
Cons
- Better options for the price
- Limited rear-seat room
- Not budget-friendly
- Lack of split tailgate
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Impressions of Toyota Land Cruiser 300
Overall, the 2023 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series meets and exceeds the LC fan’s expectations. Australian enthusiasts have found that there is a wait time to get a new Land Cruiser. Some wait times exceed three years for the top-end models, but most waits are between 12-18 months.
If you’re wondering about the Aussie’s affection for the Land Cruiser, the following numbers speak volumes about their love affair with it. Since the first SUV hit their shores, they have made up 10.6% of the global sales of Land Cruisers. To put that in hard numbers, 1.065 million Land Cruisers were purchased.
Like Japan, North America, and all of the other international destinations, the Land Cruiser is sought after by Australians due to its durability, quality, and reliability. The 300 Series carries on that workhorse tradition, and we expect the North American 2024 Land Cruisers to do the same.
How to get a Land Cruiser in the U.S.?
As aforementioned, the Land Cruiser 300 will not be available in the U.S. However, there are some other alternatives to it.
Buy a Land Cruiser 250
Waiting for the Land Cruiser 250 is one option. However, given the anticipated lengthy wait time or the possibility of being unable to secure one due to limited production, you might want to consider the Lexus GX 460 for a combination of luxury and overlanding capabilities.
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Buy a Lexus GX
The Lexus GX is available in greater numbers since it was designed for the U.S. market, but if you’re looking for more of a retro look, as promised in the LC250, you may want to take a different approach to buying your Land Cruiser. You can always buy an older model Land Cruiser and have it retrofitted to get the look you want while equipping it with the latest technology and upgrades available on the market. FLEX Automotive can do that for you.
Import a Land Cruiser Prado
Although the Land Cruiser 300 is not available in the U.S., past models are, each with its own charm. FLEX Automotive is the leading Land Cruiser dealership from Japan, located in San Diego, CA. You have access to JDM models like The Land Cruiser Prado either in their inventory or to import from our dealerships in Japan.
