TOYOTA Australia will launch two dramatically contrasting flagship LandCruiser 300 Series variants when the all-new 4WD range goes on sale in the fourth quarter of this year, with the introduction of the GR Sport and Sahara ZX.

Brace yourself though, as pricing for the two new variants sits at $137,790 plus on-roads for the GR Sport and $138,790 plus on-roads for the Sahara ZX. Both offerings are priced above the familiar LandCruiser GX, GXL, VX and Sahara grades.

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All six variants feature an all-new platform, a more powerful and efficient powertrain, and new equipment and technologies that improve the 300 Series LandCruiser’s capability in every dimension. The price of the core variants has risen too.

in the case of the GR Sport, it’s all about sportiness and off-road character, with prominent TOYOTA lettering displayed across a gloss-black mesh grille, with its signature honeycomb pattern.

GR Sport badges adorn the grille, as well as the doors, tailgate, steering wheel, front-seat headrests, ignition button and within the multimedia screen at start-up. Black 18-inch alloy wheels sit within black wheel arches.

Also black are the side steps, door handles, mirror casings and window line. The unpainted front bumper and lower rear bumper emphasise the model’s off-road DNA and outstanding capability.

The GR Sport’s interior offers the choice of two leather-accented trims – a powerful and sporty black with carbon-like ornamentation, or an aggressively contrasting red-and-black treatment with black applied around the instrument panel.

Fittingly, the 300 Series GR Sport comes standard with front and rear differential locks and the technological innovation of the world-first e-KDSS (electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System).

It enables advanced control of LandCruiser’s suspension by independently locking and freeing the front and rear stabiliser bars. This results in two seemingly contradictory achievements: optimum road holding and wheel articulation in off-road environments.

Equipment shared by the five-seat GR Sport and Sahara ZX includes five driving modes, adaptive variable suspension, adaptive high beam and carbon trim. The latter features a bold chrome grille, sleek headlights, new taillights and remodelled tailgate.

The Sahara ZX is further distinguished by unique 20-inch alloy wheels, unique front bumper, body-coloured wheel-arch mouldings, illuminated side steps, front-door scuff plates, rear mudguards and chrome ornamentation on the thick rear bumper.

The leather-accented interior trim is offered in black, beige or red-and-black, as well as carbon-like highlights on the steering wheel, centre console and door trims. Stand-out equipment includes four heated and ventilated seats.

You’ll also find a hands-free tailgate with a kick sensor, and a torque-sensing limited-slip differential on the rear axle. The entire range features a rigid, yet lightweight, TNGA body-on-frame construction that ensures stability and ride comfort across all terrain.

The efficient, V8-beating, 227kW/700Nm twin-turbo V6 engines in the 300 Series, together with the new 10-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, deliver high performance with enhanced fuel efficiency that customers will appreciate.

Newly developed independent front and four-link rear suspension systems make on-road dynamics smooth and refined, with excellent vehicle dynamics. The new range incorporates AWD Integrated Management too.

This harmonises steering assist, brake and throttle control, shift pattern and drive torque distribution for precise handling and stability. The latest Toyota Safety Sense package is standard across the range as well.

Autonomous emergency braking kicks off a long list as part of a pre-collision system that can detect pedestrians (day and night) and cyclists during the day. It also features all-speed active cruise control, auto high beam and lane-keeping technology.

Every 300 Series LandCruiser is equipped with a trailer wiring harness and maximum 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity, plus the security and safety of Toyota Connected Services with automatic collision notification, an SOS button, and stolen-vehicle tracking.

Other new features include a 9.0-inch display screen on GX and GXL, expanding to 12.3-inch on VX and above, smartphone integration, road-sign assist, dusk-sensing headlamps, electric park brake and downhill assist control.

The new range kicks off with the GX, which gains a single-piece tailgate, LED headlamps, keyless smart entry and ignition, two-zone automatic air-conditioning, steering-wheel controls, reversing camera and one-touch power windows for all doors.

Pricing starts at $89,990 plus on-roads for this variant, while the popular seven-seat GXL grade scores 18-inch alloy wheels, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitor, wireless phone charging and auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

Priced from $101,790 plus on-roads, the 300 Series GXL is equipped for the first time with multi-terrain select, which helps drivers tackle challenging road conditions with confidence by regulating wheelspin for improved traction.

For the VX LandCruiser, premium features now include the 12.3-inch multimedia display screen, 10 speakers, a 7.0-inch colour multi-info display, four-zone automatic climate control, eight cupholders, and remote power windows.

It also adds a power-adjustable steering wheel, and heated and ventilated front seats, along with rear parking support brake, panoramic view monitor and Toyota’s Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management.

This links traction control, electronic stability control, electric steering and other systems to improve performance, responsiveness to driver input and safety. It hits the tarmac at $113,990 plus on-roads.

At the top of the core grades, the Sahara adds 14-speaker premium JBL audio, head-up display, heated steering wheel, easy-access ventilation for the heated second-row seats, power-folding third-row seats, and easy-access seats. All for $131,190 plus on-roads.

Alongside the new 300 Series, Toyota will mark the 70th anniversary of the LandCruiser name with a special edition of its 70 Series model. Just 600 examples will be available, and each one features a suite of unique touches to mark the occasion.

The special-edition model – available in single-cab, double-cab and wagon variants – features bold styling enhancements that complement LandCruiser’s rock-solid off-road reputation and ability to conquer some of the harshest terrain on the planet.

Just 600 examples of the 70th Anniversary LandCruiser will be produced – 320 double cabs, 200 single cabs and 80 wagons – available in three colours, French Vanilla, Merlot Red and Sandy Taupe.

Arriving in dealerships in September 2021, the Anniversary models are based on the GXL grade, and are priced from $80,050 (single cab), $82,600 (double cab) and $78,500 (wagon) – all plus on-roads.

Externally, it is distinguished by the black heritage grille with ‘TOYOTA’ lettering, matching the black front bumper and wheel arch flares. The stealthy treatment continues with darkened 16-inch alloy wheels and headlamp bezels.

Front foglamps and daytime running lights have been upgraded to LED units. Marking the anniversary is a ‘Heritage’ LandCruiser badge above the front wheel arch, as well as a ’70th Anniversary’ emblem.

Inside, the special-edition LandCruiser features seats clad in premium black upholstery, while black leather-accented trim has also been applied to the steering wheel and gear shifter. A woodgrain-look trim and instrument panel also feature.

Silver accents for the air vents and black treatment for the switch trims on the doors have been added, as well as a newly designed black centre console, complete with two additional 2.1-amp Type A USB chargers and a pair of cupholders.

All versions are powered by the strong and durable 4.5-litre turbo-diesel V8, producing 151kW/430Nm and teamed to a five-speed manual transmission, low-range gearing, 3500kg braked towing capacity, and front and rear differential locks.

A raised air intake and 130-litre fuel capacity complete the package.

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