Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series debuts – Super King drops V8 for V6, now with Dakar rally input

A new Toyota Land Cruiser flagship comes around every decade, and this is it. Christened as the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series, it is built on Toyota’s new TNGA-based GA-F platform and replaces the 14-year-old 200 Series model (which East Malaysians will know as the 'Super King').

Just as our spy shots have revealed, the 300 Series’ design is more evolution than revolution, however, there are some serious technical changes underneath. 

What is new in the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series?

For starters, the 300 Series’ frame is lighter and more rigid, which enables a 200-kg weight reduction, a lower centre of gravity, better weight distribution, and improved suspension structure. 

According to Toyota, the 300 Series’ ride and handling both on- and off-road is improved, with development input from “in-house drivers with advanced or master-level technical skills” and Dakar Rally drivers. 

With off-road performance being key to the Land Cruiser name, the 300 Series boasts an all-new E-KDSS (Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System) and a better suspension geometry that improves wheel articulation. 

Not much information is given on the E-KDSS, though it appears to be an electronically-actuated version of the standard hydraulic-based KDSS that adjusts the sway bars – that is normally used to improve on-road handling – to allow for better off-road axle movement. 

V8s out, V6s twin-turbos feature in the Land Cruiser 300 Series

Malaysians who are interested in getting the 300 Series will be pleased to hear that its prohibitively expensive V8 engines are gone. Discontinued for environmental targets. 

Instead, the 300 Series will be available with a 415 PS / 650 Nm 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol, and a 309 PS / 700 Nm 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 diesel. 

Both engines are more powerful than the outgoing V8 and will be paired with a ten-speed DirectShift-10AT automatic transmission for extra efficiency gains.

That said, Toyota says that some markets will receive a lower-spec naturally aspirated V6 engine with a six-speed automatic option. 

While the 300 Series range also features a dressed-up GR Sport variant, don’t expect it to be a fired-up Dakar-ready performance SUV. There is no mention of any performance tweaked variants in the 300 Series line-up, for now. Instead, it looks to be a trim option for drivers with an intent for the path less taken. 

Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series interior, tech, and features 

Inside, the 300 Series receives a more driver-centric interior with a rising centre console, whereas its third-row seating now folds flat into the floor – instead of folding towards the sides – for better luggage capacity. 

On the tech feature front, the 300 Series will come fitted with a Multi-Terrain Monitor system that displays obstacles that are obscured from the driver’s viewpoint, Multi-Terrain Select automatic driving mode selection function, and the latest Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) active safety package with additional functions. 

These additional functions include an intersection pedestrian and vehicle detection system, an emergency steering and crash avoidance function, and a Parking Support Brake that helps drivers avoid blind-spot incidents when parking. 

Will the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series be available in Malaysia?

Historically, UMW Toyota Motor has never offered the flagship Land Cruiser to private customers in Malaysia. Most Land Cruisers in Malaysia are here through independent importers or via government procurement. 

However, considering Toyota’s recent efforts to reclaim its top-spot among non-national brands, and the 300 Series’ use of more cost-friendly V6 engines, you never know, the Super King might make a surprise entry.