New Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series spied

The biggest news story to come out of Japan in 2021 will not be the new Nissan 400Z or even the Tokyo Olympics – it’ll be the reveal of the all-new Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series mid-year.

Thanks to some savvy spy photos from Russia courtesy of Autospot, the exterior design and, importantly, the all-new interior of Toyota’s incredibly popular 4x4 off-roader has become clearer.

As we’ve reported, prices of second-hand and ex-demo Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series models have soared by up to 70 per cent this year, and new models are flying out of showrooms each month, as buyers brace for major change – and more expensive prices – with the incoming LC300.

There’s strong demand as international travel restrictions prompt Australians to turn to domestic holidays, but also concerns raised over the likely absence of a V8 diesel option and even the possible adoption of four-cylinder engines.

Despite being covered in pre-shipping plastic, we can see from the leaked images that the new LandCruiser’s exterior design will include a bigger, bolder and squarer front grille, flanked by Lexus-like triple-element LED projector beam headlights that will no doubt eclipse the current LC200’s capabilities.

Eagle-eyed readers will also be able to pick out the new LED tail-light cluster in a photo of the rear-end, and while the overall appearance is far more modern than the current model, it appears the basic shape and profile won’t be hugely different.

The spy pics also suggest the flagship SUV will push further upmarket with a Lexus-like interior fit-out, and most off-road modes appear to be simplified via push-button controls.

We can see there’s a bigger central touch-screen infotainment system, a turn assist button, various other semi-autonomous drive mode functions on the steering wheel (including lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control), a high- and low-range selector switch, and centre diff lock and crawl mode toggles – all of which points to plenty of advanced new tech and continued off-road capability in the new ’Cruiser.

There’s also switchgear for various other drive modes and Toyota’s multi-terrain system, but no sign of any hybrid or EV mode.

There’s also nothing to confirm reports the engine ignition button will include a fingerprint scanner as Toyota attempts to future-proof the LandCruiser against more advanced newcomers and possibly EVs like the Rivian R1S and GMC Hummer.

The speedo and tacho instrument gauges appear to be analogue, bisected by a digital screen.

Toyota is yet to confirm powertrain details, with various reports from Japan and Russia suggesting the vehicle will be launched with a 3.5-litre turbo-petrol V6 (300kW/600Nm) with a petrol-electric hybrid version of that same block to follow.

The tachometer in the images shows an almost 6000rpm redline, suggesting this vehicle is packing the turbo-petrol V6.

However, it’s understood different global markets will launch with different powertrains to suit local tastes and the Aussie launch will almost certainly see the LandCruiser 300 Series offered exclusively with Toyota’s all-new V6 turbo-diesel engine.

This new oil-burner will displace between 3.3 and 3.5 litres and should easily eclipse the current V8 diesel’s 200kW/650Nm without breaking a sweat.

Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia’s head of sales and marketing, told carsales the new model will at least match the current model’s legendary go-anywhere capabilities.

“LandCruiser is a deeply important brand in the Australian market. It has a legendary following, it has a loyal following,” he said.

“Every LandCruiser we have brought out has always been better than the previous one. I have no doubt that will continue.”

Toyota Australia has had plenty of input into the new LC300 and is considering developing a locally-engineered Rugged X model to combat the upcoming Nissan Patrol Warrior.

Hanley confirmed that Toyota’s conversion centre in Melbourne is well equipped to create an even more capable version of the incoming new LandCruiser.

“Toyota [Australia] has a conversion centre, we have capability going forward and the capability to expand that if we need to as well,” he said.

“Certainly it’s something we will continue to study in the future and you’d never rule anything out in that area, given the popularity of that market segment.”

An icon in Australia since the 1950s, the LandCruiser is pivotal to Toyota’s reputation of reliability, making the new LC300 model a crucial vehicle that has big shoes to fill.