The 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser sits on an all-new platform, comes with two powerful twin-turbo V6 engines, and weighs 441 lbs less than the predecessor.
If you had to choose only one vehicle to take you anywhere in the world and bring you back safe and alive, the chances are that the answer would be a Toyota Land Cruiser. Almost synonymous with reliability, durability, and top-notch performance for over seven decades now, the Land Cruiser has been a people’s favorite since its introduction in 1951.
Following decades of success, Toyota seeks to build on the SUV’s legacy by unveiling the new 300 Series Land Cruiser. The Japanese giant inherited all good traits from the older 200 Series and evolved them further to produce the best luxury off-roader possible.
Featuring new looks, seriously overhauled powertrains, and a new platform, the 2022 Land Cruiser seems like the ultimate creation from the Japanese company. Toyota seems to have left no stone unturned to provide the same old feeling of safety and power of a Land Cruiser in a newer and improved package.
Not wishing to meddle with the Cruiser’s signature frame structure, Toyota redesigned and evolved it to perfection. By adopting the new GA-F platform based on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), Toyota has reduced the vehicle’s overall weight by 441 lbs. Moreover, the new platform lowered the center of gravity, allowing a more even weight distribution and improved on-road handling.
Not wishing to compromise on comfort and ease of driving, Toyota went the extra mile and subjected the 2022 Land Cruiser to a series of test drives by in-house testers and Dakar Rally racers. The test outcomes led to some big improvements in the suspension system and adorned the SUV with cutting-edge technological advancements. For instance, the multi-terrain monitor gives the driver a better view of the obstacles around the SUV. Meanwhile, the implementation of the multi-terrain select enables the Land Cruiser 300 to judge the road surfaces and immediately adopt a driving mode best suited for the terrain.
Furthermore, two all-new V6 twin-turbo engines, 3.5-liter gasoline, and 3.3-liter diesel make the 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser unstoppable. The performance and driveability of the gas V6 twin-turbo engine far exceed the previous 200 Series model’s V8 engine while producing 10% less CO2 emissions. The gasoline engine generates 409 HP and 476 lb-ft of torque, very healthy numbers for an off-roader.
However, the all-new diesel might be even more interesting for global buyers. The 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 produces 304 HP and a massive 516 lb-ft of torque, providing the driver with unmatched pulling power. Both engines will pair with a new 10-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system.
Toyota also announced a GR (Gazoo Racing) version, although it didn’t share any information. Still, the images show that the front end has a sportier look with a higher approach angle, meaning the focus will be on better off-road abilities. Hence, expect reworked suspension, slightly more powerful engines, and possibly a tweaked AWD system.
All models will come with the E-KDSS (Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System) as standard for added off-road ability. The system allows for more wheel articulation than the already impressive 200 Series while also improving on-road stability. It would be interesting to see how the Land Cruiser 300 Series handles both.
As for the interior, it’s good to see that Toyota has stuck to the basics and hasn’t completely done away with buttons and switches. However, to keep up with modern times, Toyota has incorporated a large infotainment screen into the dash center. It’s 2021, after all.
Still, the gauge cluster has actual physical dials, a welcome break from the digital instrument panels that seem commonplace nowadays. Besides, the Land Cruiser’s customer base is more conservative, so this might be the right approach. Nonetheless, a JBL sound system, heated and ventilated seats, and inductive charging ports mean that you don’t have to forgo luxury.
The best thing about the 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser is that it is a simplistic, robust, and utilitarian SUV that can get you anywhere and everywhere. No road would be too difficult for the new Land Cruiser to tread on, and you can coast home easily no matter how rugged the terrain might be.
Unfortunately, it won’t be going on sale in the States though Americans can expect a similar Lexus LX version.
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