Toyota LandCruiser gets safety boost

The 200 Series Toyota LandCruiser has been upgraded with more equipment designed to make the giant five-metre-long off-road SUV safer and easier to drive.

While range-topping Toyota LandCruiser Sahara ($119,930 plus on-road costs) and entry-level GX grade ($77,890) remain unchanged, the popular mid-spec GXL ($83,200) and VX models ($93,410) get plenty of new goodies at no extra cost.

The LandCruiser GXL is the most popular variant in the range and now gets added equipment like front and rear parking sensors, a new steering wheel and upgraded instrument cluster with a digital trip computer.

The latter adds visual alerts on the new compact screen, along with audible warnings if you get too close to objects when parking. There are also new leather accents on the LandCruiser GXL’s steering wheel, along with extra stereo and phone controls.

Standard features on the GXL that carry through include dual-zone climate control, a rear cooler, reversing camera, sat-nav, twin 12-volt sockets, a 220-volt socket in the boot, keyless entry and push-button engine start.

Carryover exterior features include 17-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, roof rails and aluminium side steps. Both petrol and diesel V8 engines are offered with the GXL.

Related reading:
Cruiser vs Cruiser
Tow test: 2017 Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series

The up-spec Toyota LandCruiser VX adds features previously only offered on the range-topping Sahara mode grade, including driving aids such as a blind-spot warning system and rear cross-traffic alert, which warns you when reversing if vehicles are approaching.

The LandCruiser VX also gains a four-camera multi-terrain monitor designed for serious off-roading. Providing an extra pairs of eyes, it includes a wide-angle front-facing under-vehicle view and shows the direction of the front wheels to improve navigation in challenging off-road situations.

The vision from the surround-view camera system is displayed on a large 9.0-inch infotainment screen and can also provide bird's-eye views around the vehicle.

Standard equipment on the VX models comprises dusk-sensing and auto-levelling LED headlights plus LED front fog lights and daytime running lights. It rides on 18-inch alloy wheels and features a moon roof, leather accented seat trim, rain-sensing wipers, black side steps and faux woodgrain interior accents.

All models are fitted with a six-speed automatic 4WD transmission with low- and high-range ratios. Except for the entry-level GX, which is diesel-only, every Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series model grade is available with both petrol and diesel V8 engines.

The 4.5-litre turbo-diesel V8 continues to pump out 200kW and 650Nm, while the 4.6-litre petrol V8 still bangs out 227kW and 439Nm. With up to eight seats, the Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series is a big unit and can tow up to 3500kg when fitted with a genuine towbar kit, making it a firm favourite among owners of large caravans.

Toyota offers a three-year/100,00km warranty, which is below average these days, and servicing costs $220 every six months or 10,000km for the first three years – less than the 12-month intervals demanded by most other vehicles.

Toyota Australia sales and marketing chief Sean Hanley said the LandCruiser has been an "Australian favourite" since it was introduced here and that the upgrades will add more appeal.

With more than 10,000 sales so far this year in Australia (up 8.4 per cent), the Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series is more than 10 times as popular as its only direct rival, the petrol V8-only Nissan Patrol (1010 sales to September, 2018).