V6 diesel grunt for next Toyota LandCruiser

When the long-awaited new Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series makes its global premiere later this year, it’s almost certain to be revealed with just one engine option – and it won’t be a tow-happy diesel.

However, reports that diesel engines are off the table are wide of the mark, with Australian buyers almost certain to be offered a diesel-powered Toyota LandCruiser 300 from launch late this year.

Big overseas markets for the LandCruiser, such as the Middle East and Japan, are expected to get a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

According to Japanese website Best Car Web, the LC300 will makes its global debut in September with just the V6 petrol engine.

But caravancampingsales understands that the LandCruiser’s Aussie launch will see a new six-cylinder twin-turbo diesel engine under the bonnet – most likely as the sole offering.

Toyota Australia discontinued the petrol 4.6-litre V8, which is still sold in overseas markets, back in August 2019 due to slow sales.

Simply put, Aussie buyers prefer their Toyota LandCruiser with the towing and touring improvements that diesel power brings.

The boosted petrol V6 engine in the still-to-be-revealed new LandCruiser is expected to be a development of Lexus’ high-output 3.5-litre powerplant found in the LS flagship sedan, which can generate around 300kW/600Nm – but will likely be detuned for the big 4x4 off-roader.

Towing capacities look set to be around 3000kg for the new eight-seat petrol LC300, but the new diesel will offer a similar 3500kg (if not better) towing capacity as the current LandCruiser 200 Series, which uses Toyota’s now highly sought-after and potentially last-ever turbo-diesel V8.

Indeed, sales of the current Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series have surged in recent months on the back of unprecedented demand for the ‘last’ diesel V8 engine (200kW/650Nm) in the ’Cruiser wagon.

Prices for the new LC300 are also expected to rise in accordance with the higher levels of technology in the vehicle, pushing up towards $150,000 for the flagship model grades. The current model is priced between $81,000 and $132,000.

Loyalty rates for the LandCruiser are around 90 per cent, which means current owners are expected to stick with Toyota if they decide to upgrade.

The Toyota LandCruiser’s arch-rival, the petrol-only Nissan Patrol, has also enjoyed a strong sales uptick as Australians spend more time exploring their own backyard due to COVID-19-related international travel constraints.

“Forced to scrap international holidays, many Australians who would normally be travelling to Europe, Bali or elsewhere are instead relying to explore their own backyards,” said Toyota Australia president and CEO Matthew Callachor.

“And many of them are buying new vehicles to ensure the family road trips are as comfortable and safe as possible.”

The new LandCruiser will usher in a range of advanced technologies – applied to everything from connectivity to safety and even a new 4x4 system – as the brand migrates from its ageing (but reliable) 14-year-old underpinnings to an all-new TNGA-F platform architecture.

Also expect to see several special editions and spin-off versions of the new LandCruiser as Toyota seeks to expand its Rugged X and GR sub-brands to combat the upcoming Nissan Patrol Warrior.

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