Toyota LandCruiser 300 GR Sport tested
The Toyota LandCruiser has joined the ranks of hybrid vehicles with a powertrain that combines a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine and an electric motor. The ‘i-Force Max’ hybrid set-up is aimed at improving the LandCruiser’s performance on- and off-road, rather than achieving greater fuel efficiency. This set-up is borrowed from the USA’s big Tundra and is designed to improve the LandCruiser’s performance.
The LandCruiser’s new hybrid powertrain results in substantial increases in power and torque, with a combined peak output of 341kW and 790Nm. These increases make the LandCruiser an attractive option for off-road enthusiasts. The Cruiser has always been renowned for its prowess in off-road driving, so it will be interesting to see how this hybrid powertrain performs in real-world conditions.
Price and Features
The five-seat Toyota LandCruiser 300 GR Sport Hybrid sits near the top of the 300 Series line-up, with a price-tag of $155,990, before on-road costs. Standard features include a 12.3-inch touchscreen multimedia system, a 14-speaker JBL audio system, leather-accented seats, and heated and ventilated power-adjustable front seats.
The GR Sport is also available with a 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 diesel engine at $147,090, before on-roads. The i-Force Max hybrid set-up is the big attraction in this package, and it comes with a heftier price – just under $9000 – over the diesel variants. Exterior paint options include Glacier White or Ebony, or choose from Crystal Pearl, Arctic White, Graphite, Eclipse Black or Merlot Red, each of which costs $710.
Design
Nothing of note has changed onboard the Cruiser, and the GR Sport variants are all the same, inside and out, no matter which powertrain you opt for. The GR Sport is listed as 4995mm long, with a 2850mm wheelbase, 1990mm wide, and 1955mm high. It has a kerb weight of 2620kg. As a point of difference to other Cruisers, all GR Sports have variant-specific badging on the grille, front doors, and rear tailgate.
Inside, it’s pretty much the same story, which is borne out in how comfortable and practical it remains. The LandCruiser’s cabin is a functional and comfortable space, and – no matter the spec level – it always has a sense of familiarity about it. All seats in the GR Sport are leather-accented and comfortable, and there are soft-touch surfaces throughout the interior.
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Practicality
The driver gets a heated and power-adjustable steering wheel, and both occupants up front cop ventilated and heated, power-adjustable seats, with memory functions for the driver. The GR Sport’s 12.3-inch colour touchscreen is easy to use, with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and there’s a wireless charging pad near the shifter. Physical buttons and dials make operational life in the Cruiser much easier than if all functions were adjusted via on-screen controls.
There are USB and USB-C charging points up front, and a cool box in the centre console, with its lid able to be opened from either side. The second-row seats are in a 40/20/40 split-folding configuration. The GR Sport’s cargo space, when all five seats are in use, is a listed 910 litres behind the second row, somewhat impacted by the underfloor presence of the hybrid battery.
In practice, the introduction of the hybrid powertrain means that owners who frequently tow or drive in heavy-duty conditions may see a noticeable improvement in performance. However, for those who primarily drive on-road, the benefits may be less apparent. The LandCruiser’s reputation for reliability and durability will likely be a major factor in the purchasing decision for many buyers.
Under the Bonnet
The big news here is the i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, consisting of a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine, an electric motor, and a 10-speed automatic transmission. Toyota reckons the “purpose‑built 1‑Motor Hybrid system” is designed for towing, off‑roading, and heavy‑duty performance, and that the additional electric motor “enhances power and responsiveness (compared with an equivalent diesel-only model), working seamlessly alongside the internal combustion engine”.
In general driving, it’s difficult to discern the positive impact of the i-Force Max. However, the 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine alone is impressive, with a substantial increase in power and torque over the diesel Cruiser. The GR Sport has full-time, dual-range 4WD, a well-calibrated off-road traction control system, as well as front, rear, and centre diff locks.
Steering, now electric, is light but precise, and this 4WD wagon feels highly manoeuvrable, with a turning circle of 11.8m. The new hybrid set-up is aimed at performance rather than fuel efficiency, and the Cruiser remains a comfortable open-road cruiser, smoothly tapping into oodles of power and torque when required, all managed smoothly through the 10-speed auto.
