Toyota Land Cruiser 300. First impressions

What does it look like

The car looks many times better in real life than in official photos. White color definitely doesn’t suit the “three hundred”. In it, the Land Cruiser looks like a refrigerator with wheels, but the gray in which the test copy is painted looks very good. The massive radiator grille no longer seems so big, and the compact headlights don’t look bad. And from the side and three-quarters of the rear, the Land Cruiser is especially good.

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LED headlights and DRLs in all versions of Land Cruiser. But basic cars still have simpler optics

LED foglights are included in all versions except the basic one

The wheels of the Land Cruiser 300 are now secured with six bolts instead of five

Land Cruiser 300 has lost one of the signature features of its predecessor. The rear door is now solid. On all cars with a 3.5 engine it is equipped with an electric drive

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It is worth recognizing that part of the appearance in our case is created by the tires. Instead of standard road tires, the Kruzak was fitted with “toothy” Yokohama Geolandar M/T sized 275/55R20 - a kind of cheating on the part of Toyota representatives. But since we had to drive only off-road, it’s possible to understand them in general.

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For the test, the Land Cruiser was fitted with “toothy” Yokohama Geolandar tires of a non-standard size for an SUV. Their width is 275 mm versus 265 for the Bridgestone Dueler tires that the model is equipped with from the factory.

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However, design delights also have a downside. The ventilation holes on both sides of the radiator grille are so huge that a large pebble can slip through them without any problems. Everything would be fine, but the heat exchangers are hidden right behind them. I think that not a single one of the “three hundred” cars in Kazakhstan will leave the car showroom without a protective mesh or grille, which will definitely appear on the list of dealer “add-on” options.

It's easy to see the heat exchanger behind the holes in the bumper. It should definitely be covered with a protective net

Options and prices

It is unlikely that anyone will be surprised to learn that the new Japanese car Land Cruiser 300 2021 will cost more than the previous version. Buyers will be offered 5 different trim levels, available with diesel and gasoline engines. There is no exact information about the Russian version yet. Some experts believe that the price of the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 will vary within 6 million rubles.

However, unfortunately, dealers may begin to increase the price tag from above. They began accepting orders in March 2021 and the first models may appear as early as this year. However, the car will reach the domestic market either at the end of this year or already in 2022. The SUV has a good list of basic equipment. It has:

"climate";
multimedia center with touchscreen;
music system with MP3;
leather interior;
electric drive, ventilation and position memory of the front seats;
rear camera;
parking sensors;
heated seats, steering wheel and external mirrors;
electric drive of side mirrors;
starting the engine using a button;
keyless entry;
aluminum “skating rinks”;
10 airbags;
ESP;
tire pressure sensor;
light and rain sensor;
assistants for ascent and descent from the mountain;
"fog lights";
"cruise"
telephone hands free and Bluetooth;
all-wheel drive, reduction gear and central differential lock.

Toyota Land Cruiser 300 is offered in 5- and 7-seater versions. But the first option comes only with a gasoline engine, and the second only with a diesel power plant.

What's in the interior?

The interior of the model, in my subjective opinion, has reached a new level, but not in terms of finishing materials and design, but in ergonomics. During everyday use of the predecessor Land Cruiser 300 in the city, many of the convenience issues are unnoticeable. Indeed, in most situations, drivers get behind the wheel of a 200, start the engine, click the Auto button on the climate control, at the same time the phone automatically connects to the multimedia system and starts playing their favorite music, then the gearbox selector is moved to D - and that’s it, it’s time to go path.

Toyota Land Cruiser 200 interior

However, as soon as you go off-road, questions arise. For example, who thought of placing the lowering switch to the right of the machine lever? It’s inconvenient to reach for her. I agree that the off-road functions are used by a minimum of Land Cruiser owners, however, in the LC300 everything is made much more convenient.

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Due to the massive center console, the interior of the 300 seems cramped, but there is enough space in the front

Land Cruiser 300 gets more compact door handles inside. Those that stood on the “200” were clearly made for giants

The engine start button is equipped with a fingerprint scanner. I would like to believe that the additional level of protection will cool the ardor of hijackers

To the right of the automatic transmission selector there is a wireless charger for a smartphone; on the left you can see the parking brake button. Yes, the handbrake of the 300 is now electronic

An interesting feature of the cool box between the front seats is its lid. It reclines towards both the driver and the passenger. The latch can also be opened from the end side. Convenient for those sitting in the back

Only the simplest Land Cruiser 300 lacks electric seat adjustments. In the most expensive versions, a memory of settings is provided for the driver’s seat

The steering column is also electrically adjustable and can remember several positions

A pair of displays on the backs of the seats is the lot of only the most expensive versions of the SUV

Passengers in the second row now have not only their own separate climate control and heated seats, but also ventilation of the latter. Also on this panel you can find a couple of USB ports, a 12V socket and an HDMI input

Illuminated with anniversary version logo

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There is now only one switch and it is right at hand. Rotate it and choose between the Eco, Normal, Comfort, Sport and Sport+ settings. When you press the MTS button below, it also changes coverage types. If you activate the Crawl Control or DAC systems, the “thumb” controls the speed. And the lowering gear is now turned on by a convenient “rocking chair”. As before, before selecting L4 mode, you need to put the box in neutral, otherwise you will hear a nasty squeak.

The selection of driving modes, surface and speed with activated Crawl Control, as well as DAC, is now carried out with one switch. Comfortable

I'm glad that the Japanese have not succumbed to the fashionable trend of transferring everything possible to touch panels. Air conditioning, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel and windows are activated using convenient keys. Below there is a row of buttons for controlling the media system, including volume and switching tracks, which is convenient for the passenger. No need to point your finger at the screen. By the way, it is 12.3 inches. Such a system is the prerogative of expensive versions. The cheap ones have a 9-inch screen, like on the updated Toyota Camry.

Under the multimedia complex control buttons you can see a slot for CDs. An interesting move by the Japanese. I wonder if anyone will take advantage of this opportunity?

I was not able to communicate properly with the multimedia device, but based on the results of a quick acquaintance, I can say that it has become much more efficient than the old one, but it is very far from the convenience and speed of any modern smartphone. Fortunately, there is support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

On the central screen you can display off-road graphics like this with indications of roll, pitch and the selected driving mode. It’s strange that they decided to leave the name of the coating in English. I remember that in the “200” and “Prado” everything was localized

There are some strange decisions inside the Land Cruiser 300. Let's take the dashboard for example. The 2021 model, the price of which starts at 35.3 million tenge, does not have a fully digital instrument panel. In simple “three hundred” models there is a 4.2-inch TFT screen between the usual dials. In richer cars - 7-inch. The graphics look like something from the early 2000s. I would venture to guess that a large display in front of the driver will appear after restyling. Or maybe they saved it for the Lexus LX 600?

The dashboard is one of the main disappointments. I can’t say that it looks terrible, but the instrument scales are not as good as on the 200, and the display graphics in the center are not at all impressive

Exterior

Even before the official premiere of the Toyota Land Cruiser 300, one could see a large number of photographs of the car. It is clear that these were not the highest quality photos of the Cruiser 300, because the car was most often seen in camouflage. However, the main elements of the exterior could be seen. But with the official presentation, all questions have disappeared and now we can take a closer look at the new product.

As for the overall design and form factor of the Toyota Land Cruiser 300, the engineers decided to leave everything at the same level. Perhaps that is why the new model is very similar to the “200th Kruzak”. This is felt most of all in the front and side parts, however, it was not without modifications, which were given a lot of attention. From the front, the Japanese SUV looks like a formidable road conqueror.

Instead of chrome elements, experts decided to use plastic ones. But they were painted silver. Not without full-fledged black decorative elements. Although the car is slightly similar to its predecessor, it boasts a different grille and front optics. It’s interesting that the basic version of the 2021 Land Cruiser 300 will receive full-fledged LED front optics. However, there will be several options available here.

By default, the “large flagship” of the Japanese company will be equipped with reflector headlights. This is a slightly unusual solution, because even in the previous model there were lenses everywhere, even in the standard version. If we talk about the maximum option, there will be matrix and adaptive front optics. The engineers managed to emphasize the optics of the Toyota Cruiser 2021 with the help of L-shaped LED running lights, which simultaneously serve as direction indicators.

It is Toyota SUVs that have been actively used by the UN, NATO and OSCE in their missions over the past decades.

The front air ducts located under the optics look quite unusual. Just from them you can understand what equipment the Cruiser 300 has and what engine is located inside. Some experts noticed that the new product did not have such an intimidating appearance as the previous version. Here you can argue a lot about who likes what, but the fact remains that the new generation has become more modern, based on the most current trends in the automotive world.

Also, the front part of the new body has a recognizable hood, which has a recess in the central part, as well as sharp lines running from the radiator grille to the A-pillars. There was also a corporate emblem in the center of that same grille. The side of the Toyota Cruiser SUV is recognizable, but boasts some completely revised parts. If previously the external mirrors were located in the corner of the A-pillars, now they are located on the door panel.

And the company’s specialists made the place of the previous fastening in the form of a curved line. The Toyota side mirrors themselves have a black base and a fairly massive body. They are very functional. For example, they have LED turn signal repeaters, automatic folding, electric adjustment, and memory. When comparing the previous version with the new one, it is noticeable that the latter is equipped with enlarged wheel arches that have received a chopped, pronounced edging. At first it was envisaged that the steps (or thresholds) would extend, like those of the “classmates”.

However, in fact, the Japanese decided to abandon this, so they are stationary. Although it should not be ruled out that more expensive versions may still be equipped with retractable footrests (as a separate fee). Unfortunately, the two-tone color will not be used on the new generation Toyota Land Cruiser 300 2021. Even the choice of trim levels will not help here. The minimum ride height will remain the same – 230 millimeters. As before, the rear axle gearbox will act as a limiter.

The car rests on standard 17-, 18- or 20-inch alloy wheels with an exclusive design. Other wheel hubs appeared, with not 5, but 6 studs. Because of this, it will not be possible to exchange “rollers” with the previous version. The stern of the “Japanese” was minimally modified. Now the SUV has a continuous luggage compartment lid with an electric drive. The designers decided to abandon the lid divided into 2 parts. The brightness and expressiveness of the stops have improved, despite the almost untouched shape of the rear optics.

Most of them are located on the trunk lid of the Toyota Land Cruiser, but they also extend a little onto the body part. At the very top you can see the presence of a small spoiler. It has a cutout for a stylish LED brake light repeater. The lower part is emphasized with a bumper, which receives the tip of the muffler. The designers did not invent anything special when creating the rear bumper.

It was equipped with two horizontal fog lights with LED filling, as well as a chrome trim. If you remove the plug, there will be a trailer hitch and a tow bar. For this purpose, engineers have provided a special compartment in the luggage compartment of the Toyota Land Cruiser 300. Separately, it is worth noting that the rear camera now has a washer, which is very practical.

During the presentation, the company decided to show a version of the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 GR Sport. It stands out from the usual modification with a catchy black decor that adorns the radiator grille, bumper, and wheel arches. It’s a little strange, but that’s where the “sports” differences end. There is no uprated engine, retuned suspension, etc. The only difference is in the decor.

As for the roof, it can be solid (there are stiffening ribs at the rear) or it can have an electrically operated sunroof. But for the top versions there will be a panoramic roof with a sliding front part. There are also roof rails (by default) that allow you to attach an additional trunk, as well as a compact antenna with the shape of a shark fin.

How does it ride?

In order to try the “three hundred” in action, we arrived in a picturesque place in the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, not far from Kolsai. I’ll say right away that the route was incredibly short, but some impressions about the car were still formed.

Plopping into the driver's seat of the new SUV, it's easy to notice that the Land Cruiser 300 has a more car-like riding position. With a height of 182 cm, it was not difficult to fit comfortably. For taller people, the length of the seat cushion may not be enough. The first impressions are that driving is much more comfortable than in a 200 car. Will the impressions remain the same after a whole day behind the wheel, we’ll check later.

We set off to the pleasant purr of the 3.5-liter V6. The starting obstacle on the way is a small river. You need to go down from the bank and drive a dozen or two meters downstream and get back to the ground. The depth is scanty, but the bottom is rocky. I turn on MTS and select Auto mode. Yes, this is new, as is the ability to use Multi-Terrain Select without lowering the vehicle.

Specifications

Automobile
brand, model	Toyota Land Cruiser
Version	Premium 70th Anniversary
Production	Japan
Year of issue	2021
Body	frame
Type	SUV
Number of doors	5
Number of seats	5

Engine
Model	V35A-FTS
Type	petrol, V-shaped, turbocharged
Location	front, longitudinal
Supply system	combined injection
Number of cylinders/valves	6/24
Working volume, cm cubic.	3 445
Maximum power, l. With. (kW)/rpm	415 (305)/5 200
Maximum torque, Nm/rpm	650/2 000-2 600

Dynamic characteristics
Maximum speed, km/h	210
Acceleration time to 100 km/h, s	6.8

Transmission
Drive unit	permanent all-wheel drive
Transmission	automatic 10-speed

Suspension
Front	independent, spring, double wishbone
Rear	dependent, spring, on longitudinal and transverse arms

Brakes
Front	ventilated disc
Rear	ventilated disc

Dimensions and weight
Ground clearance, mm	230
Length/width/height, mm	5 005/1 980/1 950
Wheelbase, mm	2 850
Tire size	265/55 R20
Curb weight, kg	2 560
Total weight, kg	3 230

Fuel consumption
Urban, l/100 km	16.7
Suburban, l/100 km	9.4
Combined cycle, l/100 km	12.1
Fuel tank volume, l	110

Cult of personality. Toyota Land Cruiser 300

Rumor has it that today in Moscow the overpayment for owning a Land Cruiser 300 can reach up to five million rubles, that is, almost double the already considerable price! Traditionally, the most obsessed and... wealthy of this world flock to a new scarce model - as in the case of the iPhone.

Perhaps there are two cars that most symbolize rich Russia - the Mercedes S-class and, of course, the legendary Land Cruiser. If the first of them is suitable exclusively for representative purposes and smooth roads, then the Kruzak is absolutely universal - you can take it to a nightclub, or on a trip across the country, or to inspect oil fields through forests and fields. The cult of personality that Land Cruiser has been intensely and, it must be admitted, deservedly created all these years, ultimately led to the fact that a huge number of our compatriots designate the “Kruzak” as the limit of their automotive dreams and aspirations.

Only the petrol modification of the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 with a 3.5-liter turbocharged engine (415 hp and 650 Nm) combined with a 10-speed automatic transmission is currently available on the Russian market. The difference is only in the trim levels. The minimum “Elegance” costs 5,666,000 rubles (it has a more modest interior, no adaptive shock absorbers and inter-wheel locks), for the richer “Comfort+” they are already asking 6,914,000, and for the anniversary version of the 70th Anniversary - 7,718,000. there is no new Kruzak (at least not yet), and an option with a new turbodiesel (V6, 299 hp, 700 Nm) will appear later

True, people knowledgeable and dedicated to the topic will certainly assure you that the real Land Cruiser ended at the number “80” or, in extreme cases, “100”. Whether they are right or wrong, the popularity of the Toyota flagship does not subside, and the previous 200 series, as expected, became the most popular in the history of the model: over the long 14 years of production, having survived a couple of restylings, the “200” sold around the world with an impressive circulation for such an expensive car. 1.5 million copies, 140,000 of which were sold in Russia. The new Land Cruiser 300 has every chance of surpassing this success, despite talk that new complex technologies and more “premium” only ruin the spirit of the real “Kruzak”. Today we will check this by going to the end of the world, to the Rybachy Peninsula.

All Land Cruiser 300 without exception have LED headlights, but LEDs at the rear, as well as fog lights with cornering lights, are only available in the Comfort+ and 70th Anniversary versions. 20-inch wheels (others have 18 inches), original nameplates on the rear fenders and a sunroof are also the prerogative of the anniversary package. Illuminated running boards appeared in rich versions

Perhaps we won’t even discuss the appearance of the new Land Cruiser: it’s already clear that they buy this car not for “pretty eyes”, but for status, solidity and thoroughness. And with this, the “three hundred” has everything in order: a high “forehead” with a huge chrome-plated radiator grille, a sculpted long hood, a steep “wall” at the back - all these attributes are preserved, although they received a different interpretation, and the optics are LED filling in a circle in "top" versions. Much more interesting, in our opinion, are technical metamorphoses.

The most expensive 70th Anniversary package differs not only in appearance (it has different bumpers, running boards and headlights), but also in a slightly different interior - with richer equipment, a 10-inch display and a different design of the center console. The center locking standard for all versions is complemented by an LSD limited slip differential in the rear axle

The first and most important victim of technical progress for many were the V8 engines, which were the calling card of the Land Cruiser of the 100 and 200 generations (before that, Kruzaks did not disdain in-line sixes and even fours on cars of the 60th or 70th episode). From now on - only a V-shaped 6-cylinder modern engine with two turbines and an endless list of “high-tech” gadgets, more about which you can read in a special sidebar. On the one hand, there is excellent output of as much as 415 hp. and 650 Nm. Never before has a Land Cruiser been so powerful! For skeptics: over the three years that this engine has been running at Lexus, we haven’t heard any particular complaints. On the other hand, there is the lack of a simpler engine for those who really intend to use this car off-road and in difficult conditions. However, Land Cruiser owners have not had the option of choosing a power unit for a long time, nor have they had an alternative gearbox. It doesn’t exist now either - only the newest 10-speed automatic transmission. Moreover, there is a new 300 hp turbodiesel. will appear with us in three to four months at best.

Engines and gearbox

In Russia, only the 6-cylinder petrol turbo engine V35F-FTS of the Dynamic Force series is currently available for the Land Cruiser 300, which previously appeared under the hood of the Lexus LS 500 executive sedan. High-tech unit (double turbocharging, aluminum block with integrated intake manifold and head, variable valve timing on the intake and exhaust, a liquid intercooler, a cast crankcase with a crankshaft bed with five counterweights, light-alloy pistons with a polymer coating, a timing chain drive and... 0W-20 oil) produces 415 hp. and 650 Nm and is combined only with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The F33A-FTV turbodiesel (3.3 l, 299 hp, 700 Nm) will appear in three to four months. Toyota says that it will deboost the engine to a “tax-favorable” 249 hp. don't plan. By the way, the “old” 4.5-liter turbodiesel remains in the production range for Kazakhstan.

But there is good news for the “old believers” - the Land Cruiser has retained its frame structure and dependent rear suspension. The frame, at first glance, is not very different from that of the 200, but, in fact, it is new: with a different manufacturing technology, enlarged cross members and a special LTB (Laser Tailored Blank) welding method. The body, like the previous generation, is attached to the frame at eight points, but the power structure is now all made of high-strength steel, and almost all outer panels are made of aluminum! This is bad for the tinsmith, but good for the design and driving characteristics: the body has become stronger, stiffer and at the same time much lighter.

Platform and body

The frame of the Toyota LC 300 is similar to the base of the previous generation model; the body is also attached to it on eight supports, but in fact it is completely different - made of 5 mm steel using (for the first time on a frame SUV!) LTB (Laser Tailored) special welded billet technology Blank) - without overlaps and scalding. The power structure is entirely made of high-strength steel (980 MPa and above). And the GA-F platform is essentially new - the first TNGA variation for large frame cars. As a result, the body not only became 20% stiffer, but also 200 kg lighter, and the center of gravity was lowered. All exterior panels—except the rear fenders—are aluminum.

Another positive news is the opportunity to order the Land Cruiser 300 in the “Comfort+” version with as many as three locks – an interaxle lock and two inter-axle locks! But in the “top” configuration of the 70th Anniversary, oddly enough, the standard interaxle “block” is supplemented only by an LSD limited slip differential in the rear axle. Thus, the Kruzak has finally joined the very short list of cars equipped in this way - Mercedes-Benz G-klasse, Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and Haval H9. Along with three locks for “Comfort+”, active stabilizers of the new generation E-KDSS are available, as well as a whole scattering of special off-road systems (Multi Terrain Select, Crawl Control, virtual projection under the bottom of the car, Off-Road Turn Assist). But what is not available for the “three hundred” in principle is air suspension. Apparently, for now they decided to separate Toyota and the future Lexus LX, but we remember that pneuma appeared on the Land Cruiser 200 only in the last years of production. The brakes are better cooled thanks to a slightly different design, but the diameter of the front discs is the same 340 mm. True, the wheels from the “200” will not fit the new “Kruzak” - there are now six wheel studs (there were five), and the tire width has decreased from 285 to 265 mm.

Although the interior has retained its usual monumentality and block-like appearance, it has in fact changed radically. In addition to the fact that there is more space, especially for second-row passengers, the quality of finishing materials has improved, new 9- and 10-inch displays have appeared (albeit with outdated graphics), a completely different design of the central part with a convenient non-touch “climate” unit, other seats, steering wheel and even a fingerprint start button. What we liked most was the bright interior - not very practical, but more airy. The “wood” finish looks better than that of the “200”, but it’s still just an imitation. Wide cooled box with an armrest - with two-way opening, which is convenient

The profile of the front seats has become more pronounced, the seating position is slightly lower, but the range of longitudinal adjustment is still not that great. The instrument panel retains the classic analog dials of the speedometer and tachometer, but between them a large and very informative color display has appeared. On the central tunnel there are not only an electronic handbrake and a large “puck” for selecting the driving mode (Auto has now appeared), but also control of the off-road arsenal: turning on the “lower”, locking the center, activating the MTS and Crawl Control systems

Structurally, the Land Cruiser suspension schemes remain the same - on double wishbones at the front and an axle on four trailing arms with a Panhard rod at the rear. But in reality, absolutely all the elements are new, which made it possible not only to increase the rebound travel by another 15 mm, but also to equip the two “top” versions with adaptive shock absorbers of the AVS system (the Kruzak has conventional springs and shock absorbers in its base). But the air suspension of the “300” is not included in any of the trim levels.

The second row of the Land Cruiser has always been spacious, but in the “three hundred”, despite the fact that the length of the wheelbase has not changed (the same 2850 mm), there is a little more space - this is due to the slightly different layout of the interior. Among the amenities are a solid armrest, two additional “climate” zones, ceiling air ducts, heated and ventilated seats, USB-C and 12V connectors. The back of the rear “sofa” folds in a ratio of 2:1:2, and you can also recline the seat completely. Three-row modifications are not offered in Russia, but they do exist, and this can be seen from the air ducts and cup holders in the trunk, the volume of which remains the same - 909 liters (or 2000 liters in the maximum configuration). Under the raised floor there are a couple of small compartments, the “spare” is under the bottom

And guess what? She is not needed here! Comfort when driving even on broken roads - and there were several tens of kilometers on our route - is at the highest level for a frame car. The smooth ride is now much better, there is no rocking even on serious waves and tossing, roll has become much less, and vibrations of the unsprung masses have been minimized. The new Land Cruiser is perceived as a much more solid car than before, with a fairly informative, but less heavy steering wheel (now the power steering is paired with an electric booster), which is perfectly insulated from impacts on bumps; quite adequate and understandable reactions for its mass and the ability to push 160–170 km/h along the asphalt without the slightest discomfort. It’s not for nothing that the “maximum speed” threshold was pushed back to 210 km/h!

In our opinion, the only point of the “pneuma”, if one does appear, is the possibility of even greater ground clearance from the already impressive 235 mm.

It would not have been possible to achieve such a speed without a new engine. Of course, we all understand that it will definitely not be possible to repair this modern and high-tech unit in every village or forest, and the path to the “capital” is unlikely to be as long as with V8 engines, but, perhaps, these are the only drawbacks of the new “six” " The rest is nothing but advantages. The machine, weighing 2.5 tons, has acquired such dynamics that it is not easy to keep up with the Kruzak. But what is much more important is that the throttle response has become more sensitive and linear, and the new 10-speed Aisin automatic transmission works almost without delay in “sport” modes, which in the new generation do not seem just a tribute to fashion. True, in the Normal position the gearbox sometimes “stumbles,” and we remember its similar behavior from Lexus. But the brakes became clearer and clearer, and they were also revised, although the diameter of the discs did not change.

Less than seven seconds to “hundred” - a start like no other hot hatch! In terms of dynamics, the new Kruzak puts the 200 on both shoulders. The operation of the automatic transmission in normal modes is almost imperceptible, the ride is good even without pneuma, and the sound insulation is excellent

The off-road part of our trip along the Sredny and Rybachy peninsulas consisted mainly of overcoming rocky paths of varying degrees of destruction and flooding: almost 100 mm of precipitation fell there in two days! We overcame countless fords, explored almost all available roads, which sometimes were a scattering of stones with impressive descents and slopes. It is logical that the best option in difficult conditions is the “Comfort+” version - on 18-inch wheels, without pretentious bumpers and with an expanded off-road arsenal.

The new Land Cruiser 300 remains framed, the ground clearance has increased by 5 mm (up to 235 mm) compared to the previous generation SUV. The mass distribution along the axles is now 46.5:53.5 in favor of the front (was 45:55). The approach angle remained the same (32 degrees), but the departure angle decreased by 1.5 degrees (25). The drive is a permanent all-wheel drive, the center differential is the same Torsen with the ability to lock on all versions. In the 70th Anniversary package it is supplemented with a rear self-locking LSD, and in the “Comfort+” - two cross-axle differentials with locks and E-KDSS electronic stabilizers, the front of which is now divided into two parts that operate separately. This made it possible to increase the suspension travel to an impressive 715 mm, which is even more than that of the legendary LC 80. The reduction ratio is 2.618

When climbing or descending slowly and carefully, the Crawl Control system is a great help, which has finally stopped making scary sounds and has become almost completely silent. And yet, the minimum speed of 2 km/h on these potholes was sometimes not enough; we had to slow down ourselves. Again I was impressed by the suspension: it is almost impossible to break through it, the level of comfort is very good even on severe off-road conditions, and only the very brave can hang the Kruzak diagonally - the travel is an impressive 715 mm! But it’s better to remove the front license plate before crossing fords - the plate is easily washed away, especially on the 70th Anniversary version.

Unfortunately, the off-road of the Arctic is quite monotonous. As I already said, these are mostly difficult rocky paths in the middle of the tundra, because traveling to soils overgrown with reindeer moss is completely prohibited - the “skin” cover of the Earth in the tundra takes a very long time to restore. Therefore, a detailed analysis of all the numerous off-road modes and systems will have to be postponed until we arrange serious tests of the “three hundred” somewhere closer to home, in the Moscow region. However, in the conditions of a continuous downpour for two days, even while driving a new Land Cruiser, any trip “into the field” could end in failure - the large curb weight drowns the Kruzak very quickly in these swampy places. Here you have to either poison yourself to less than 1.8 atm, as we did, or be prepared for a difficult evacuation with special transport and severed “body parts.” By the way, the losses after our trip turned out to be minimal - two or three license plates, scratched bumpers and sills, one wheel punctured by rocks and several damaged linings. Quite humane for the local conditions.

There is no point in advocating for a new Land Cruiser 300: the car has become better in everything, with the possible exception of the maintainability of complex units. In our opinion, the superiority of the “three hundred” is especially obvious in asphalt disciplines. In addition, campaigning will not help, since it is impossible to find a “live” SUV on sale now without a significant surcharge, which can amount to several million. For instant involvement in the Land Cruiser cult of personality, you will either have to pay a significant amount now, or... wait a year, when not only the excitement will subside, but a diesel version will definitely appear, which has always been very popular in Russia.

The most noticeable change to the rear of the Land Cruiser 300 is the absence of a two-piece tailgate. I’m sure some people will miss this “trick,” but there are also those who found it completely inconvenient. The rear view camera washer appeared. Unfortunately, the OTTS approval does not yet include a towbar, the homologation process is underway...

Technical characteristics of Toyota Land Cruiser 300 (manufacturer data)

Body
Type	Station wagon (SUV)
Number of seats/doors	5/5
Engine
Type	Gasoline, turbocharged
Engine location	Front longitudinal
Number and arrangement of cylinders	6, V-shape
Working volume, cubic meters cm	3445
Power, hp at rpm	415/5200
Torque, Nm at rpm	650/2000–2600
Transmission
Drive unit	Full
Transmission	10-automatic
Brakes
Front	Ventilated disc
Rear	Ventilated disc
Suspension
Front	Independent, spring (double wishbone)
Rear	Dependent, spring (continuous bridge)
Dimensions, volume, weight
Length/width/height, mm	4950x1980x1950
Wheelbase, mm	2850
Ground clearance, mm	235
Curb weight, kg	2485
Fuel tank volume, l	110
Trunk volume, l	909/2000
Tires	265/65 R18 (265/55 R20)
Dynamic characteristics
Maximum speed, km/h	210
Acceleration to 100 km/h, sec.	6,8
Fuel consumption, l/100 km
Combined cycle	12,1
CO2 emissions, g/km, eq. Class	N.D./Euro-6
Cost of the car, rub
Basic version	5 666 000
Test car	7 718 000