2021 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series Review
The Toyota Land Cruiser has earned respect and admiration from car enthusiasts since its debut in the 19th century. The Land Cruiser offers owners a spacious interior, advanced features, reliability as well a premium feel. In Kenya, the Toyota Land Cruiser is a status symbol favored by the high and the mighty. The Land Cruiser rivals the Land Rover Range Rover, Lexus LX 570, Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, Nissan Patrol, and Mercedes Benz GLS.
Detailed Review
The Toyota Land Cruiser was first released in 1951 after drawing inspiration from the American Bantam Jeep.
It was called the Toyota “Jeep” BJ but was renamed the Land Cruiser in 1954 after the Willys Corporation claimed trademark infringement.
Toyota has divided the Land Cruiser into three models. The ‘Heavy Duty’ series is the most basic, with practicality, durability, and off-road capability taking precedence over comfort or technology. Toyota’s heavy-duty vehicles include the BJ, FJ, 20, 40 and 70 series.
In 1960 the 20 series was renamed J40 and replaced by the 40 series. The J50 series was introduced seven years later. It was the first Land Cruiser to feature a fully enclosed box frame. From 1980 to 1990 the J60 series was produced. It is a four-door car with seating for five to eight people. The 60 had many creature comforts such as air conditioning, a rear heater, and a redesigned interior.
In 1984 the J70 made its public debut. It featured a four-wheel coil-spring solid axle suspension to improve ride quality. The Land Cruiser J80 series was introduced in 1990. This base model was later upgraded with cloth upholstery, standard air conditioning, and a motorized driver’s seat.
The J100 Land Cruiser was introduced in 1998 to replace the J80 series. The 100 series is divided into two models, the 100 and the 105. Although the two models look identical, there are significant differences under the skin. Despite their differences and official model names, the 100 and 105 are sometimes referred to collectively as the 100 Series. The J100’s suspension system is a combination of Active Height Control and Toyota Electronic Modulated Suspension (TEMS).
The Lexus LX 470, also known as the Toyota Cygnus in Japan, was based on the 100 series. The 100 series was produced until the end of 2007, with minor improvements such as headlights, taillights, front grille, rear spoiler, and specification tweaks.
The J200 series replaced the 100 series in 2007 and is still in production today. The 200 series improved on the previous model in a number of ways, including visual changes to the body and interior.
The 200 series improved on the previous model in a number of ways, including visual changes to the body and interior.
Toyota released an upgraded facelift version of the J200 Land Cruiser in 2015. In addition to the original 5.7L V8 petrol engine, the new model features an 8-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, larger front disc brakes, and a higher axle ratio.
The J300 series debuted in 2021. The frame has been modified to reduce weight while increasing the rigidity of the body-on-frame platform. The new 300 series is a complete redesign of the 200 Series, which launched in 2007.
The 2021 Land Cruiser 300 series is equipped with two powertrains; the 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo petrol engine and the 3.3-liter V6 twin-turbo diesel engine. The two engines are mated to a direct shift 10-speed automatic transmission.
2021 Toyota Land Cruiser Grades
The 2021 Land Cruiser 300 Series is available in 5 grades in the Japanese Domestic Market that is: AX, VX, GX, GR Sport, and ZX.
In Australia, it is available in six grades: GX, GXL, VX, Sahara, GR Sport, and Sahara ZX while in the Middle East, it is available in six grades: GX, EX-R, GX-R, VX, VX-R, and GR Sport.
2021 Toyota Land Cruiser Interior, Legroom & Space
The 2021 LC 300 has an updated interior with the positioning of the front seats, second-row seats, and rear seats revised to increase passenger comfort.
The first row seats are comfortable providing ample legroom and headroom for the driver and the front passenger. The second row seats are also spacious while the third row seats are tight and best suited for kids.
The front and second-row seats are heated and have ventilation on the ZX and GR Sport grades. It boasts soft-touch leather which is neatly stitched and spread out across the doors and dashboard.
The 2021 LC 300 also comes with a standard 12.3-inch widescreen touch display that shows navigation, audio, air-conditioning, and off-road performance data. All models have Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functionality.
Other features include; Five USB-c charge points, 14-speaker JBL audio, Crawl Control, and Sat Nav with SUNA traffic info.
This SUV can also memorize up to three settings such as driving position, interior settings, and display settings enabling multiple drivers to conveniently select their own settings preferences.
The climate-control settings can be adjusted either through the infotainment touchscreen or the buttons placed just below it. Passengers in the second-row seats are also availed of dual-zone climate control.
Cabin Storage
Everything in the Toyota Land Cruiser is meticulously organized. From the first to the third row, there are plenty of storage compartments. These are useful for storing items such as smartphones, drinks, handbags, etc. For the first row, there are 4 cup/bottle holders, door panel storage, dashboard storage, a glove box, and a cool box. For the second row, there is storage in the front seat jacket pockets and door side pockets. For the third row, there are storage compartments on each side.
Boot Space
The 2021 Land Cruiser has a boot capacity of 621 litres. This is enough to accommodate a few items such as bags, groceries, etc.
It also features a Hands-Free tailgate, which allows drivers with a Smart Key to open and close the tailgate automatically by simply placing their feet under the rear bumper.
2021 Toyota Land Cruiser Exterior
The 2021 Land Cruiser 300 series exterior design has been reworked and now has a boxy shape. The design is however very stylish and is sure to attract eyes on the road. The front end now has the grille and the headlights are positioned high up. There is also a large depression in the engine hood to improve frontward visibility.
The rear of the LC300 features the bold Land Cruiser badge and Toyota badge. The rear lights have stylized light guides and the rear is clean and functional with a large power-assisted tailgate.
The 2021 LC 300 comes with standard 17 to 18-inch wheels, depending on the trim level.
Color options to choose from include; Precious, White Pearl, Attitude Black, Dark Red Mica Metallic, Dark Blue Mica, and Super White.
Toyota Land Cruiser Safety Features
The 2021 Land Cruiser 300 comes with a Toyota Safety Sense active safety package which includes a Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, and Automatic High Beams. There is also an emergency steering assist function, Parking Support Brake, Blind Spot Monitor, and SRS Airbags.
2021 Toyota Land Cruiser Fuel Consumption
- 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo petrol engine consumes 8.6 km/l on average.
- 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo diesel engine consumes 11.2 km/l on average.
2021 Toyota Land Cruiser Acceleration
- 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo petrol engine accelerates from 0 to 100 in 6.7 secs
- 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo diesel engine accelerates from 0 to 100 in 6.5 secs
2021 Toyota Land Cruiser Fuel Tank Capacity: 110L
Ground Clearance: The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser has a ground clearance of 8.9 inches.
Service Intervals
Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil.
Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil.
Spare Parts and Availability
Spare parts for the Toyota Land Cruiser are much more affordable compared to the Range Rover and the Nissan Patrol. In the long term, it’s the cheaper car to own. On average, body parts and sensors are expensive and some are not readily available in the market. Service parts are well-priced and available in all major towns across the country.
Performance, Stability, And Handling
The 2021 LC 300 has dropped the V8 engine for the 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo petrol engine and the 3.3-liter V6 twin-turbo diesel engine. The 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo gasoline engine has a maximum output of 305 kW (415 PS) and a maximum torque of 650 Nm.
On the other hand, the 3.3-liter V6 twin-turbo diesel engine has a maximum output of 227 kW (309 PS) and a maximum torque of 700 Nm. Both powertrains are mated to an all-new 10-speed automatic transmission system.
On the road, the 2021 LC 300 delivers a smooth and comfortable ride thanks to its well-tuned suspension system that absorbs bumps and other road imperfections. For a vehicle of its size the 2021 LC 300 handles rather well with minimal body roll coming when cornering.
The 2021 LC 300 comes standard with a 4WD system across the range which enables it to drive comfortably offroad. There is a Multi-Terrain Select that allows the driver to choose from six off-road modes: Auto, Dirt, Sand, Mud, Deep Snow, or Rock. Each setting subtly adjusts drive torque, suspension, and brake hydraulics to optimize performance for the terrain and obstacles ahead.
The LC 300 is also equipped with front, center, and rear locking differentials and traction control to help you navigate snow, gravel, and mud.
Reliability
The Toyota Land Cruiser has established itself as a reliable SUV that can serve you for a long period without any major issues.
Since its introduction, the Toyota Land Cruiser has undergone many changes to become the dependable SUV it is today. Toyota uses high-quality materials and advanced manufacturing techniques to ensure that every Land Cruiser is built to last.
Read the Toyota Land Cruiser buyer’s guide for a thorough reliability report. We also urge that you always follow the instructions in the 2021 LC 300 owner’s manual.
Resale Value: Good
Toyota Land Cruiser Competitors: Land Rover Range Rover, Lexus LX 570, Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, Nissan Patrol, and Mercedes Benz GLS.
What we like about the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser
- Off-road capabilities
- Spacious Interior
- Good Performance
- Advanced features
What we don’t
- Poor fuel economy
Conclusion
The Toyota Land Cruiser is an SUV to choose if you are in the market for a reliable vehicle that offers performance, safety, and the ability to tackle any road. The 2021 LC 300 comes with two new engines, giving it plenty of power for everyday driving. The interior offers a premium feel and is equipped with a range of features including JBL audio to fill the cabin with high-quality sound.
Where to buy the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser in Kenya
If you are looking to either import or buy the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser locally at a reasonable price, we can help you with this process. Over the years we have developed a network of trusted dealers in both Kenya and Japan who supply us with exceptional vehicles. Just give us a call or send us a message at +254 722 469360 or email us at [email protected] and we’ll get you the right car at the right price. Cars from Japan take between 45 and 60 days, while those from South Africa take as little as a week.
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