Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series ready to tow

Fourteen years in the making, the 2022 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series has finally been unveiled on the eve of the vehicle's 70th anniversary.

Scheduled to launch in Australia late this year, the new-generation Toyota LandCruiser made its hotly anticipated world premiere in Dubai overnight in an event that was livestreamed to an international audience.

After a string of leaks, much was already known about the sixth generation of Toyota's iconic 4x4 off-road wagon – excluding the original BJ of 1951, which became the 20, 40 and then 70 Series – following the 200, 100, 80, 60 and 55 Series.

But Toyota has now confirmed the 300 Series LandCruiser will be lighter, more rigid and more powerful than the diesel V8-powered LC200 it replaces, and that it will maintain its 3500kg towing capacity despite downsizing to V6 engines.

Like the 200 Series, the 2022 LandCruiser was was developed both here in Australia and globally, and while it's roughly the same size as its 4990mm-long and 1980mm-wide predecessor, the kerb weight of the new model has dropped by up to 200kg on some models, despite being vastly higher-tech.

The new 300 Series is kitted out with a more luxurious interior and all the latest safety, driving and connectivity technologies, which will make it an even more expensive proposition than the outgoing 200 Series – although local pricing and specs are yet to be announced.

When the new Toyota LandCruiser does arrive here – just in time for Christmas – Australian buyers will only be offered an all-new 3.3-litre twin-turbo diesel V6, which will replace the existing 4.5-litre V8.

There is, however, plenty of cause for optimism with confirmation the new V6 oiler will deliver 227kW of power and a stump-pulling 700Nm of torque.

Toyota says the new 305kW/650Nm twin-turbo petrol V6 to be available in most other markets is not off the table for Australia completely, but it seems unlikely for local release given the lack of demand for the now-discontinued V8 petrol 200 Series.

Toyota's new flagship 4WD also shows off a tough new look that retains its predecessor’s rugged, blocky shape while introducing a few contemporary design touches, such as more advanced and powerful LED headlights.

The Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series will also brandish improved suspension and advanced new electronic systems to increase its performance both on and off-road.

Of the two new twin-turbo V6s announced for the 2022 Toyota LandCruiser, Australians will only be offered only the 3.3-litre diesel that’s also expected to work its way into the new Toyota Tundra pick-up – and perhaps the Toyota GR HiLux ute in a few years’ time.

For LandCruiser, the 3.3-litre oiler produces 227kW of power at 4000rpm and 700Nm of torque over 1600-2600rpm.

These figures represent increases of 27kW or 13.5 per cent, and 50Nm or 7.7 per cent over the current 4.5-litre diesel V8 in the 200 Series.

The engine we aren’t getting is a new 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 that will be the weapon of choice in the LandCruiser’s largest market, the Middle East. Toyota says it will propel the big SUV from 0-100km/h in an impressive 6.7 seconds.

A development of the engine found in the Lexus LS limousine, the biturbo V6 generates a healthy 305kW at 5200rpm and 650Nm over 2000-3600rpm, but it won’t match the diesel V6 in terms of fuel consumption and therefore range.

Both engines will be paired to a new 10-speed automatic transmission with both high and low ratios, while a dedicated Multi-Terrain Select system will allow the driver to choose between different off-road modes.

At this stage Toyota says the new LandCruiser will bring "noticeably lower fuel consumption and emissions", but it's not yet clear whether the lighter, more fuel-efficient 4WD will continue to offer long-range twin fuel tanks.

In addition, there will be a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain option in the not-too-distant future, while a hydrogen fuel-cell version of the LandCruiser hasn’t been ruled out either.

All 2022 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series models ride on a new steel ladder frame named TNGA-F and underpinned by independent suspension all round, including a four-link rear-end.

Toyota says the new suspension structure delivers a "giant leap forward in 4WD performance" thanks to increased wheel articulation, making it "the most capable LandCruiser ever".

Despite offering improved body rigidity, the 300 Series is not only lighter but brings better weight distribution and a lower centre of gravity thanks in part to an aluminium roof but mostly the smaller engines.

Also improving performance both off-road and on, range-topping model grades will offer an upgraded version of the 200 Series’ KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System), now called eKDSS. The livestreamed launch even also showed a new GR Sport model which appears to have off-road tyres and a increase ground clearance and is expected to get the advanced suspension eKDSS as standard.

The system is understood to ditch its hydraulics for an electronic set-up that can disconnect the vehicle’s sway bars to increase wheel articulation off-road and improve on-road dynamics.

In addition to torque-sensing limited-slip differentials, diff locks and adaptive dampers, high-series models will come with 360-degree cameras and a 3D Multi-Terrain Monitor.

GR Sport models also appear to have a different front bumper to improve approach angles, and more serious off-road tyres too.

As Toyota Australia’s most expensive model, the 2022 LandCruiser 300 Series will offer vastly increased levels of safety, luxury and connectivity.

Lane keeping and autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with day and night pedestrian detection and day-time cyclist detection are new and Toyota’s new anti-theft vehicle tracking tech is expected to be offered via the Toyota Connected Services app.

There's also improved seat comfort, a bigger central touch-screen infotainment system and loads of entertainment options for second- and third-row passengers – including a Wi-Fi-enabled 11.6-inch rear entertainment touch-screen.

High-grade models will get a big 12.3-inch touch-screen infotainment system, 14-speaker JBL audio system, woodgrain trim and a small in-car fridge.

Including Prado and 70 Series commercials, Toyota has sold more than 10 million LandCruisers across 170 countries in the past 70 years, with Australia accounting for 1.12 million or more than 10 per cent of them.

Perhaps the most important thing we know about the 2022 Toyota LandCruiser is that pricing will go up compared with the 200 Series, which ranged from $80,996 for the base GX to $131,896 for the top-shelf Horizon SE (plus on-road costs).

But because stocks of the 200 Series are almost exhausted, owners are asking record prices for used vehicles and dealers are charging well above the manufacturer’s retail list price.

So there's no doubt the new 300 Series will be the most expensive LandCruiser ever, but tonight's long-awaited world debut confirms it’s shaping up to be better than ever, too.