Launched in August 1951 as the Toyota BJ, the Toyota Land Cruiser is one of the longest-running nameplates in the world. With off-road credentials that have been proven on some of the world's harshest terrains, it is no wonder that more than 10 million units have been sold worldwide.
Seventy years on, Toyota has introduced the latest generation (300 Series), which is the most advanced and the most powerful Land Cruiser ever. Based on the new GA-F platform, it weighs less than the outgoing 200 series and boasts a first-of-its-kind suspension system. By bringing together innovative technology and quality craftsmanship, Toyota has created a secure SUV that you can drive easily on any terrain without tiring. There are speculations that production of the top trims is being hindered by a shortage of parts. Nevertheless, as we await its arrival on the roads, here is what we already know about the 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser.
10 Upgraded Interior
Designed for comfort and convenience, the interior of the L300 is fitted with features that are easy to monitor and control in various driving conditions. For easy usage, switches are grouped according to functions while a single strategically placed dial is provided to select Drive Mode, Crawl Control, Multi-Terrain, etc.
Features provided for comfort include heated and ventilated seats, a cool box for food and drinks, and a Panasonic air purification system. The new Land Cruiser can also be configured to remember your favorite driving position and vehicle settings.
9 Plenty Of Safety Tech
To keep you and your passengers safe while protecting your new Land Cruiser from damage, Toyota has provided a long list of safety/driver-assist features. With the latest Toyota Safety Sense package, the pre-collision system can now detect oncoming traffic at intersections and provide emergency steering assistance.
It also has a Parking Support Brake that applies the brakes when it detects objects in front or behind the vehicle while driving at low speeds. There is also a Camera Wash Function that cleans dirt off the rear camera to keep it working at its best.
8 It's Quick On Its Feet
Despite its imposing size, the new Land Cruiser is no slouch as it can match the speeds of similar sized or much smaller vehicles. Courtesy of the 409 hp 3.5-liter V6 engine and a 441 pounds reduction in weight compared to the 2021 model, it accelerates quicker.
From rest, it can hit 62 mph in 6.7 seconds, while the 2021 model hits 60 mph in 6.8 seconds. In comparison, the 2021 Ford Edge does it in 6.8 seconds, too, while the Lexus LX570 does it in 6.9 seconds and Mazda CX-9 in 7.1 seconds.
7 First-Ever Electro-Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System
The new Land Cruiser is designed to deliver a comfortable ride quality regardless of the terrain it is driven on. To improve steering and ride comfort, an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) is provided to control the damping force on each shock absorber.
Standard on the GR Sport is the world's first Electronic-Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) that electronically controls the front and rear stabilizers. While other models have it as an option on the rear, the GR Sport has an electronic differential lock in front and at the rear.
6 New Eco-Friendly Power Options
Toyota has ditched the 5.7-liter V8 engine for a duo of potent but more environmentally friendly power plants for the new generation. The first is a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 gasoline engine that produces a maximum output of 409 hp and a maximum torque of 479 lb-ft.
Also available is a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 diesel engine that churns out 305 hp and 516 lb to deliver excellent fuel economy. Both engines send power to the four wheels through a direct shift 10-speed automatic transmission that brings out the best in both engines.
5 Starts At $44,701
With the MSRP pegged at $44,701, the new Toyota Land Cruiser is one of the most affordable large luxury SUVs on the market. The most expensive gasoline versions are priced at $67,490, while the most expensive diesel versions cost $70,120.
In comparison, the 2022 Range Rover costs $93,800, the 2022 Cadillac Escalade $76,295, and the 2022 BMW X7 costs $74,900. Compared to last year's model that went for $87,030-89,240, the new Land Cruiser is a good buy.
4 Five Exciting Trims
Toyota is offering the new Land Cruiser in five very desirable flavors: the base GX, the AX, VX, GR Sport, and ZX. While all five trims get the gasoline powertrain, only the GR Sport and the ZX get to ride the diesel powertrain.
Of the gas-driven models, the AX, VX, GR Sport, and ZX will seat seven, while the GX and the diesel models will seat five. Developed based on feedback from Dakar Rally drivers, the GR Sport gets the complete treatment that makes it an all-terrain superstar.
3 It'll Be Difficult To Steal
Toyota has made the new Land Cruiser a tough car to steal by making fingerprint authentication a condition for starting the vehicle. The first Toyota vehicle to have one, the L300, has a fingerprint sensor right in the middle of the start/stop button.
Equipped on all but the base trim, the system requires the fingerprints of all the potential drivers to be registered. After that, to start the vehicle, press the brake pedal while having the smart key on you and touch the fingerprint sensor.
2 Multi-Terrain Select/Monitor
To bolster the new Land Cruisers off-road credentials, Toyota has equipped it with features that allow the driver to check the condition of the terrain. Using cameras placed on the four sides of the car, the Multi-Terrain Monitor offers the driver images of obstacles lying in blind spots.
The Multi-Terrain Select helps prevent loss of traction when off-roading by controlling the drive torque and brakes depending on the mode chosen by the driver. Activating the auto mode allows the system to access the prevailing road conditions and control torque delivery without input from the driver.
1 Based On A New Platform
The new Toyota Land Cruiser rides on an all-new platform(the GA-F platform) in the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) family. While retaining the trapezoidal frame structure, which is the backbone of the Land Cruiser's reliability, it has however been redesigned to be lighter and more rigid.
Using aluminum and high tensile steel extensively, Toyota achieved a 20% increase in rigidity and a 441 pounds reduction in weight. Other vehicles that share the GA-F platform with the new Land Cruiser include the latest Lexus LX and the 2022 Toyota Tundra.