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4 August 2021 · Our Blog - Read The Latest Articles

LandCruiser 300 Series: Latest in a Long Line of Legends

Dominating the motoring industry for the last 70 years, the 4x4 LandCruiser has taken the lead as Toyota’s longest-running series. The iconic SUV has made a name for itself around the world as an off-road ally for a smooth ride across rough landscapes, built to withstand the toughest conditions. Produced in a range of body styles, from convertibles to hardtops, station wagons and cab chassis, the LandCruiser has come a long way from its origins in the 1950s. Now, the revolutionary Toyota LandCruiser 300-series is set to take the wheel as the latest LandCruiser model, due for release in October 2021. Here, we take a look at the transformation of the comfort-oriented models from the J50 to the J300.

LandCruiser J50

The first comfort-oriented LandCruiser, the J50 was produced in 1967 and paved the road for the station wagon body style. This passenger-friendly car came about to steer away from the previous off-road oriented models and toward improving the comfort of the interior. With a 16-inch-longer wheelbase, the 50 series included a 3.9L engine that boosted the SUV’s ability to cruise along at highway speeds.

LandCruiser J50

LandCruiser J60

This front-engine, 4D wagon van launched in 1980 and combined the rugged off-road features of the earlier LandCruisers with characteristics made for comfort, such as air conditioning and an upgraded interior. This new, savvy design executed a J-Turn on the concept of 4WD vehicles, taking them from a reliable heavy duty vehicle to a luxe RV. As for the new 3F-type 4.0L engine, its power and torque figures jumped to 155 horses and 220 lb-ft.

LandCruiser J60

LandCruiser J80

Launched in early 1990, the LandCruiser 80 series was nicknamed the Burbuja (Bubble) in South America thanks to its round body style. This new iteration hit a lot of motoring milestones, including introducing driver and passenger airbags, anti-lock braking systems and a fuel injected version of the 3F engine into the Australian market. In 1993, Toyota turned up the heat by giving the 80-series a new 1FZ-FE-type 4.5L engine.

LandCruiser J80

LandCruiser J100

The LandCruiser 100-series replaced the J80 in 1998. Aside from relatively flat wheel design, the major differences in this newer version were mainly underneath. A new 230-hp 4.7-liter V-8 engine was installed, while independent front suspension was added and structural rigidity increased by 50%.

LandCruiser J100

LandCruiser J200

Unveiled in 2007, the LandCruiser 200-series was leaps and bounds ahead of its predecessor in cosmetic style, safety features and upgraded capabilities such as driver assist technologies. The new off-road electronic elements meant that this mean machine could cruise over any terrain, no matter how tough, with a 381-hp 5.7L V-8. Plus, in 2016 Toyota revamped the 200-series to include an eight-speed automatic transmission, meaning the SUV could hit 60mph in as little as 6.7 seconds. Kapow!

LandCruiser J200

LandCruiser J300

Set to be released in October 2021, the LandCruiser 300 can handle a wide range of roads, from the rocky Australian outback to smooth ocean drives. With a frame designed to reduce the weight of the vehicle by 200kg while improving rigidity and suspension structure, this sleek new model packs a design punch and promises even more power, torque and capability. What’s more, the impressive LandCruiser 300 sports a new 3.3L Diesel twin-turbo engine and 10-speed transmission across all grades.

LandCruiser J300

Evolve With Downtown Toyota

As a proud dealer of LandCruisers, Downtown Toyota can’t wait to get a hold of the new and improved 300-series. Keep an eye out on our social media accounts and website for nearly everything you need to know Brisbane about the new LandCruiser for a spin as soon as it hits our showroom floor.

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