living in Australia, these cars are everywhere. I would think the only reason they do not have air suspension is to do with reliability, as I own Land Rover we all know too well about reliability. Australia has a saying: if you want to go off-road, take a Land Rover; if you want to get home, take a Land Cruiser.
@@SpeedTripStu It's a fairly new car - Tubo bolts came lose but they are fixing this on service. There is a problem with the DPF injector which they are slowly fixing in affected vehicles. Niggly things like back door seal - mine is being replaced next week. The only real problem I've had was an ARB issue. Front suspension control arm collapsed as the nut hadn't been done up properly.. Wouldn't have happened if it was stock. I had it lifted..
@@jerryfrench2981 The dpf and turbo bolts are a reoccurring problem, brakes are a problem, turbo flutter and gearbox overheating when towing are problems too as is the terrible lane keep assist, poor infotainment screen resolution.
Love these Saudi Arabia videos as they remind me of the 4 years I spent driving all over the Kingdom in my Mazda 626 back in the early 80s. A fantastic adventure with no GPS or Google maps. Just a compass and map to get me between microwave masts and telephone exchanges #goodolddays
A Tuesday Harry’s garage video…what a welcomed treat. I currently have an old Landcruiser which I can’t let go of. It is absolutely bomb proof and it would cost a fortune to upgrade it to something newer that does the same thing. They are a tool, and a lot more agricultural compared to a Land Rover product but we love ours, and it costs us around £300 a year for a service and clean mot. It will never set pulses racing, and isn’t exciting to drive or pretty but it is Uber dependable, a complete work horse and honest. Best car on sale in my humble opinion
When you say 'old', what does that mean? How old? And, what kind of engine does it have? How many miles on the clock? Manual or auto? Have you owned it from new? My curiosity has been piqued ...
@@stephendrew9991 sounds good, that's my kind of spec. Simple, efficient, reliable. I worked in southern Africa in the mid '80 s, and there were land cruisers everywhere. But, it has to be said, the ones I saw always resembled some kind of military jeep/truck. They looked very basic, and the fact they always seemed to be painted in drab military colours, like sand colour or drab green tended to reinforce that. But they looked indestructible. In Botswana, every other vehicle was a land cruiser. Thanks for responding.
These sell very well in markets like Australia, with a long waiting list. They sell a GR Sport version of the 300, which has three diff-locks unlike just the centre diff-lock on this one. There are companies that turn these into a pickup/Ute, so you can fit a canopy on the back.
They sell well in most markets where if your AWD breaks down you could die before any help arrives. Meanwhile in the UK everyone buys Range Rovers because -if- when they break down assistance is not far away.
We also get the GR version here in Japan. It looks far better. The LC 300 is a good vehicle, but it just looks so heavy and bulky. Resembling a beached whale. The GR version, just with a different grille, loses some of that impression despite being the same body. I'll never understand a proper 4WD with a low front bumper. However, they have been taken off sale (hopefully temporarily) due to Toyota's falsifying of emissions data and there is talk in the Japanese press that those awaiting deliveries will have their orders cancelled. This will likely be global.
I have an old 150-series (Prado to most of the world, Lexus GX460 to me) that's 14 years old, has 155k miles on the clock and doesn't have a speck of rust, a single squeak or rattle, and every last button, switch, and function works exactly as it did the day it was new. It carries my bikes and my dogs and takes all the abuse I throw at it. I'm a die hard sports car person, but I can't help but be taken by the charm of this truck in its utter dependability.
I have the US version of your Prado --Lexus GX 460 which is a great machine. Luxury interior but old fashioned and solid. Smooth 4.6l V8 that is a bit of a gas hog but such a reliable, sold and safe car that can go anywhere and do it well. Cruises at 75-80 mph for hours. No problem.
Harry, i love that you finally drove an offroader that will always just work. Quick one on the 300 luxury factor that you mentioned. The one you drove actually seems to be quite a basic one. The XZ sahara and GR sport are quite bit more special inside and if those are not good enough the LX600/500D are even more up market. Dare i say it the LX has less nasty plastics than the current Range Rover
I had a Land Cruiser J150(Japanese import) when I lived in Kenya, it was only the 2.7l petrol(chipped) but it was an absolutely brilliant daily car for both knocking around Nairobi or going out on safari. It didn't have one issue in my ownership. I can imagine that the Twin turbo is bloody phenomenal.
@@TheJoker-qn6vwI bought it chipped so I honestly can't say... but It wasn't brilliant on fuel, I currently have an XC90 V8 which is considerably more fuel efficient.
@markbray2988 ok, I know the 2.7 engines are really reliable, but the power to Weight got that vehicle, especially when loaded and in hilly terrain is just off-putting...but for in-town errands, one can cope.
@@TheJoker-qn6vw spot on! Fully loaded with 6 passengers and a roof box, overtaking was something of an art form best avoided but that said, it was still an excellent daily driver.
Was this before or after the Chinese built Mombasa road between Nairobi and the coast? Because I remember back in the day large parts of that route required a fairly competant off roader. I remember borrowing a 70s Toyota Celica in the early 90s and REALLY struggling on that road leaving Nairobi after the rains swept everything away, lol
I always remember driving a LC in the desert whilst in the HM Forces years ago. They were legendary and so comfy. I'm glad to see nothing has changed as far too many vehicles today just live off reputation but without the goods. Great vid 👍.
I own a 2021 Land Cruiser 200 in the US the 5.7 V8 which was bought new back in January of 2022 and i just love that car, i consider myself lucky since they won't bring them to US anymore and also they're very rare vehicles on the street, but when you see one they won't get mistaken for another brand, like nowadays almost every make model looks the same just a different logo.
So how can Range rovers be sold in Europe while they don't sell small stuff. But Toyota can't sell the Land Cruiser while they tell a ton of small cars?
When the EU CO2 regulations were introduced they gave a dispensation to car brands that mainly sold larger, higher polluting cars, like Land Rover. They could continue to sell them so long as emissions fell significantly over several years. Companies like Toyota and VW got no help and had to hit strict CO2 targets straight away, hence why the Land Cruiser got dropped from the EU car market
@@harrysgarage Thank you for that explanation. Personally I'd rather buy a Toyota product than an Range Rover one when it comes to pollution and overall waste but that might just be me.
There is another 10 speed under the Toyota umbrella in the Lexus LC500. Would be interested to hear your opinion on that car, quite unique in the current climate. Shame they've been pulled from the UK line up in the last couple of months but Lexus UK may still have a loaner?
Apparently there are some very rich people in South Africa, as Toyota can't keep up with the demand for the new Land Cruiser. The Rand is now R18 to the Dollar, so they are eye wateringly expensive.
Toyota is worth every penny of money. Here in Brazil they are also expensive and sell like hotcakes and are very successful because they are resistant. As for the shitty Land Rovers, these are terrible mechanics and resale.
Well in Harare's leafy suburbs, the Landcruiser and it's smaller siblings are the staple. Maybe because we can opt for imports from Japan and Singapore that cost less than from RSA.. Not forgetting all government fat cats😅😅
The UN will love it. However, a somewhat compromised product but the chassis and live axel are more reliable in many applications, especially on rough terrain. Good to see you enjoying the Sun Harry.
@@deet4895ehh? The prado is coming in 250 then 150 chassis. This 300 is not a Prado its and LC, the Prado is an PC Prado so why are you pulling his comment up? his comment is correct and the 250 isnt the only Prado. Again, Prado is a type of Land Cruiser.
Countries which get the bigger 300 series as shown in video get the 250 named as Land Cruiser Prado. Countries who don't get bigger 300 series as shown in video gets the 250 as Land Cruiser only.
No air suspension because when you're out in a remote location last thing you want is a punctured air bag or air line. Beefy coils and solid axles ftw.
I like it that way - they could have done better with the approach angles though. It's bound to scrape more at both ends compared to previous Landcruisers.
It seems Harry drove a GXR trim Land Cruiser which is about mid-spec. Above the GXR trim you have the VX and VXR/GR. The difference is in the material quality and other small changes. For example the top spec VXR and GR both have genuine leather seats instead of faux leather and the controls for the rear AC is with a screen and push buttons also they get a different instrument panel with a larger digital screen just to name a few.
I just bought a Land Cruiser , but then a BJ73 FRP, built in 1986 with an agricultural diesel up front haha. It's located in Rumenia, and I will actually fly down there tomorrow to see it and hopefully take it home to Slovenia. It's amazing that Toyota makes Land Cruisers nowadays which are so comfortable, yet still performing oustanding offroad.
Any thoughts on the Toyota Fortuners? I see a lot of them there and they seem to be a good workhorses worldwide, based on the Hilux, almost like a mini Land Cruiser?
We have them over here in pakistan. It offered in 2.7l petrol and 2.8l diesel. The 2.7 is really underspowered but the 2.8 diesels power is quiye good. The comfort is no where near land cruiser but if you are talking about the capabilities, its extremely capable offroader and the car is very rugged, reliable and is capable of taking way more abuse and beating compared to a land cruiser as its built on the ladder frame chassis of the hilux. The suspension is also stiff compared to a land cruiser.
comes in 4.0 v6 engine which is from the landcruiser .. the v6 model is one rocket as the car does not weigh much and its mechanically very reliable. it rides harsher as its based on the hilux but can do 80 % of what an lc can do plus rear diff lock
200 Series here in Australia are HUGELY popular. You'll see them everywhere towing caravans, boats etc. I would buy one myself, even if it had 300,000k's on it if I were able to justify the fuel usage. Perfect for towing my boat.
Oh how I wish we got these in the states… it’s a huge loss here. What they’re calling the new “Land Cruiser” here - the GX/Prado platform car - is neat but it’s not the same. Of course we have the Series 300 LX, but so many of us appreciated the Land Cruiser because it was just a regular old Toyota SUV to the average onlooker. Whether you wanted a low key luxury SUV, an unkillable armored car, or an inconspicuous and unbelievably capable off-roader, the full size Land Cruiser was perfect. I am very disappointed they are not available in the US! Great review.
The Lexus brand/version of the 300 LC is the RR “plush”equivalent - I listened to this whilst driving my 2020 Lexus LX570 and having owned the RR autobiography V8SC version, the 100 LC and the G63 AMG, I’m actually pleased that my Lexus LX is a close cousin to the traditional TLC v200, vs the gussied-up RR, especially when considering reliability and resale values…
One thing I think Toyota should rethink on this 300 and the new 250 is the loss of the split tail gate. I think the best solution would be a pull out seat/shelf and keep the one piece top hinged back door . That way you can have picnic / tail gate party, and shelter from the rain under a full sized top hinged door. To make room for a pull out seat they should scrap the electric third row seating stored under floor and go back to the side windows stored manual third row last seen on 100 series as the 200 series side mounted rear seats on bottom hinge just to allow electric operation loose too much cargo space. Why car makers think electric third row adds luxury I don’t know, well designed mechanical seats save weight and work better/ quicker anyway.
Kuwait and KSA enjoy huge amounts of the Toyota land-cruisers which they love as many other brands of 4x4 can’t last won’t last due to the continual rugged terrain and big constant temperatures. It is the number one reliable go to
Harry the first 10-speed automatic was the one jointly developed by Ford & GM, first appeared in the '17 F150 w/ the 3.5 twin turbo ecoboost v6. The Toyota 3.4 twin turbo v6 and 10-speed were developed for the Toyota Tundra truck as a response to the Ford F150. Land Cruiser 300 shares the same chassis hence its near identical setup.
Tundra uses the same chassis , but that Land Cruiser chassis is reinforced additionally from the Tundra. So, kind of the same but not. Probably the better comparison is the Sequoia and Tundra when it comes to engineering.
Was looking forward to seeing a review of this. Such a shame we don’t get this full-sized version of the Land Cruiser in the UK. It may pinch quite a few sales from Land Rover
It's great that Harry mentions "the simplicity of it" towards the end as he complements the car. He's hit the nail on the head. Add complexity and too many gadgets you compromise reliability and longevity.
I spent a few years in several parts of the Kingdom. The terrain the Dakar event follows shows how THIS iteration of Toyota has been tailored to local conditions and needs. Radar cruise control doesn't seem necessary here! Plenty of grab handles seem to be vital!
These are the 'camels of the desert' here in Qatar - you can also get a larger 5.7 litre V8 in the 200 series as well as the old 4.6 litre V8 and the smaller 4.0 litre V6 (in the 200). As a matter of interest, you can also still get the 4.0 litre V6 in the new 300 series too but in the lesser trim level. But the twin turbo V6 is definitely the one to get but needs to be fairly compared with the 5.7 litre V8.
You missed a trick with the fridge glovebox. It look like it tips forward so the rear seat passengers can reach in as well. My Ford Ranger has a 10 speed automatic just for your info. The external appearance is a bit marmite (I love marmite but don’t like the look of that).
Problems with it here in the US, too. It’s used in the big Tundra pick-up and the Sequoia SUV. Owners also complain of disappointing fuel mileage that is only slightly better than that of the old V-8.
@@MrRez808 Yes, his reviews are the best. Most likely Toyota has yet to sell any vehicles equipped with this engine in the UK. The first road tests of the new Lexus GX (not sure if you get it in Oz) powered by this same engine appeared yesterday here in the US. In addition to suspect reliability, the gas mileage is only 1 mpg better than the previous V8 powered model. Strange decision by Toyota.
Not a fan of the aesthetics of this, but the one we're getting in the UK (Prado version?) looks brilliant. On the face of it I'd have one of those over a Grenadier of new Defender in a heart beat. Happy memories of venturing round the Outback in an old Land Cruiser. Truly did feel built to last .
The front end styling feels to me like it references the 80-series Land Cruiser with the grill shape and high, slim lights. Also looks substantially better in colours other than white.
My son has 3 children, lives in South Africa and has just bought this model after their Fortuner got stolen. I'm a happy grandmother after seeing this review.
Ive got a 2015 200 series with just over 32000 miles on it . Chris Harris Drives His Toyota Land Cruiser The Go-Anywhere Off-Roader is a great vid ! king of the 4x4 by far .
As the old saying goes, if you want to drive into the bush, take a Land Rover, if you want to come back again take a Land Cruiser. I’ve had 5 Land Cruisers and 3 Land Rovers (Discovery). Both great vehicles, the Land Rover much more pleasing to the eye and fun to drive, but the Land Cruiser knocks the Land Rover for 6 when it comes to bullet proof reliability, build quality and cost of ownership.
@@Voodoo_One In Australia Toyota don't sell the petrol Land Cruiser, only diesel. The Lexus version has the petrol engine, though. AFAIK, they LC300 isnt sold in North America either, they have the (slightly) smaller LC250.
@@Martin2153Thanks for the info. Haven't been (yet) to Australia, only north america (USA & Canada) plus UAE regions. And there you see primarily petrol Toyotas, Pickups, etc.
I own a 200 Series and have had many others brands and now am so happy to have the 200 in the stable :) There is SIMPLY nothing else like it and finally don't have to think about things that may and do go wrong. It does not happen with these cars. Landrover comparisons are not really that sensical as Landrovers breakdown and you cant rely on them. Landcruisers are purpose built and makes sense for so many who can afford them (not Cheap). But the repair needs are in frequent and the cost of parts are accessible, quick to get and not that expensive. This is why I often smile when people comment on the features and etc - they are there and they will stay there as built and intended for 30 years. Name a single other car that will??
I got the same car for 1 year now (it is GXR L4 trem) and the negatives are: 1. High price tage 65000 £. 2. Very small size behind the 3rd seat row. For ur info the waiting 4 such car may reach 7 months. Befor it used to be 1 year. The only competitor for this car is Nissan patrol. The fully offroad lc300 is GR trem.
@@johanndork5364 As Toyota said that their main market is GCC countries and the Toyota agint in Saudi is a big investor in Toyota. 4 ur info the price in Japan is much lower than our price. The gas price is 0.5
Few points to mention : 1.the ground clearance in this one is worse than the base GX model and GR Sport model the one Harry is driving has longer fornt bumper. 2. the infotainment system and the rear passenger screens are dealer installed not from the factory .
You feel invincible in a Land Cruiser in its’ natural habitat. I hadn’t realised the one coming to UK was a watered down version, I hope you can get that one on the channel soon.
Wish they sold these cars in the uk. I see you cut the clip quite swiftly after saying that its chunckiness is not its appeal. But i personally like the beefyness. Toyota engines are bulletproof. I still have a 2005 rav 4 with 170,000 miles on the clock, starts perfect everytime.
Harry is the low key gentleman driver we all need to observe. I mean the other reviewers are fine, but you would not see anyone else bring us a review FROM A FKN LIVE RALLY STAGE.
The one you’re in looks full middle east spec. Have a look at the Australian and New Zealand Toyota webpages and it’s not quite as “flash”especially the TRD model. Down here you buy a Range Rover if you want to show how wealthy you are and a Land Cruiser if you want to get stuff done both great cars but different customers. Keep up the great work thanks
My 2019 Ford Everest had a 10 speed auto. It was a joint Ford/GM design and worked well with the 2.0 biturbo diesel 500nm. The facelifted Mustang also had it as well as the Chevy Camaro
Great video once again. Thanks for sharing. Yes the 200 V8 petrol is very gutless in a way. The one you'd love which is popular is Australia & Africa is the V8 Twin Turbo Diesel. You can borrow it from Chris Harris he has one. Good to test on your farm
Unfortunately they give the GXR mid range trim to try out. if you want to further judge the 300 series, try it in the VXR/VXS top trim that got All the bells & whistles.
The thing about the old V8 is that it was basically a light truck engine and specked to do 1m miles. It was the reliability and durability that was it's star turn. I would be surprised to see a smaller turbo engine crank out anything like that level of durability.
They have left the 'plush-luxury' stuff to the Lexus LX, with captain chairs at the rear, with all tricks like massage-ventilation etc functions. It also has height-adjustable suspension (probably- standard). LX, offered in the US, but not the LC300(they shall get the 250 Prado). The LC300 tested doesn't seem to be the top-spec version(headlights, smaller info screen between the speedo-tacho-meters, etc.). Considering the fact that they come with a lot of optioanl-extras(3 diff locks and what not) and that the LC 200 had height-adjustable suspension as AHC(Active Height Control), maybe it's also among the 'optional-extras' on the LC300. Anyway, LC250(New Prado) based on the same platform shall come to Europe & UK soon, interestingly with same wheelbase as LC300(very Prado-unlike). Let's see what they offer with it.
I love it although the body styling is way too bulky at the front. I love Harry’s comment early on about how certainly the interior has been designed by someone who actually uses vehicles ie logical lay-out and buttons/switches rather than this Tesla-like obsession with touch screens. I lived in Abu Dhabi for 3 years and regularly drove our FJ Cruiser (think Prado with a retro body style including rear suicide doors) deep into the desert. The last thing a desert-competent driver needs is fiddly touchscreens which will no doubt eventually get “sand-blasted “! Keep up the best car videos on TH-cam Harry!
Hello Harry. Always liked Land Cruisers. Think my first drive in one was a J60. Just because it doesn’t have camera around the rear-view mirror doesn’t mean it may not have adaptive cruise control. There are plenty of cars like this. For example even all Golf mk7s (2013 on) don’t have cameras but have great adaptive cruise. These have the distance device built into the front. Great to see you getting excited by a live rear axle, and why not. It’s not as live as some, though. I think Toyota was the first to use radial arms, which LR copied for the RangeRover.
Hi Harry, thanks for reviewing Land cruiser 300, just a couple of points, as you said it is not the luxury brand of Toyota, so I think Lexus LX 600 is a Rangei rival, secondly It has a GR version which has a better clearance. In Australia we are lucky enough to get a v6 twin turbo very torquey diesel engine which was absolutely fantastic to drive when I had it for test drive for few days
Wonderful video...the only thing I wish he could have done differently is that the 200 series Harry drove had a 4.6 liter V8, and here in the USA these came with the 5.7 liter V8. I currently have a 2011 (Lexus version) with 182,000 miles on its 5.7 liter V8, and it still drives wonderfully. I recently bought the last year of the 200 series, a 2021 Land Cruiser with the same 5.7 liter V8 because I'm a little concerned about the twin turbo V6, as well as the only version of the 300 series we get here is the Lexus LX600, which comes with quite a few options I do not want; after needing repair on the hydraulic suspension of my 2011, I'd much rather have the coil springs of the Toyota, so the 2021 sits "in reserve" for now, driven occasionally, waiting its turn as a daily. The 5.7 liter V8 does have a lot more "punch" than the 4.6, but if Harry gets a chance to compare it to the new twin turbo 3.5 liter V6, I'd love to hear his thoughts. Thank you fior letting us here in the USA exoerience the 300 series the way I wish we could buy it!
The Australian tune of this engine produces 277KW (303HP ) and 770NM of Torque. Perhaps due to the Australian requirement for off road work and heavy duty towing.
I work in new car sales for a Toyota dealership in Central Queensland. I reckon I average 2 Landcruiser 300's a month and the new 2024 Prado (Landcruiser 250) will probably double that pr more, can't wait for it to be released!
Harry feeds the channel a thorough car review no matter where he is - much appreciated!
living in Australia, these cars are everywhere. I would think the only reason they do not have air suspension is to do with reliability, as I own Land Rover we all know too well about reliability. Australia has a saying: if you want to go off-road, take a Land Rover; if you want to get home, take a Land Cruiser.
Simple people
May have been true 20 years ago, heaps of problems with 300 series cruiser
@@SpeedTripStu It's a fairly new car - Tubo bolts came lose but they are fixing this on service. There is a problem with the DPF injector which they are slowly fixing in affected vehicles. Niggly things like back door seal - mine is being replaced next week. The only real problem I've had was an ARB issue. Front suspension control arm collapsed as the nut hadn't been done up properly.. Wouldn't have happened if it was stock. I had it lifted..
@@jerryfrench2981 The dpf and turbo bolts are a reoccurring problem, brakes are a problem, turbo flutter and gearbox overheating when towing are problems too as is the terrible lane keep assist, poor infotainment screen resolution.
@@SpeedTripStu new models will always have problems that’s right, probably best by the last of the 200 series
Love these Saudi Arabia videos as they remind me of the 4 years I spent driving all over the Kingdom in my Mazda 626 back in the early 80s. A fantastic adventure with no GPS or Google maps. Just a compass and map to get me between microwave masts and telephone exchanges #goodolddays
Sounds like an adventure!
A Tuesday Harry’s garage video…what a welcomed treat. I currently have an old Landcruiser which I can’t let go of. It is absolutely bomb proof and it would cost a fortune to upgrade it to something newer that does the same thing. They are a tool, and a lot more agricultural compared to a Land Rover product but we love ours, and it costs us around £300 a year for a service and clean mot. It will never set pulses racing, and isn’t exciting to drive or pretty but it is Uber dependable, a complete work horse and honest. Best car on sale in my humble opinion
When you say 'old', what does that mean? How old? And, what kind of engine does it have? How many miles on the clock? Manual or auto? Have you owned it from new?
My curiosity has been piqued ...
@@richardconway6425 2005. 3.0 D4D. 203k miles and manual (has had a clutch though). We brought it in 2010. Getting on, but a great servant for us
@@stephendrew9991 sounds good, that's my kind of spec. Simple, efficient, reliable. I worked in southern Africa in the mid '80 s, and there were land cruisers everywhere. But, it has to be said, the ones I saw always resembled some kind of military jeep/truck. They looked very basic, and the fact they always seemed to be painted in drab military colours, like sand colour or drab green tended to reinforce that. But they looked indestructible. In Botswana, every other vehicle was a land cruiser.
Thanks for responding.
These sell very well in markets like Australia, with a long waiting list. They sell a GR Sport version of the 300, which has three diff-locks unlike just the centre diff-lock on this one. There are companies that turn these into a pickup/Ute, so you can fit a canopy on the back.
They sell well in most markets where if your AWD breaks down you could die before any help arrives. Meanwhile in the UK everyone buys Range Rovers because -if- when they break down assistance is not far away.
Might be good but look at Harry's L322
I see these a LOT of Australian roads especially the GR. Fun fact, they appear to be driven exclusively by massive tossers.
Backwards countries
We also get the GR version here in Japan. It looks far better. The LC 300 is a good vehicle, but it just looks so heavy and bulky. Resembling a beached whale. The GR version, just with a different grille, loses some of that impression despite being the same body. I'll never understand a proper 4WD with a low front bumper. However, they have been taken off sale (hopefully temporarily) due to Toyota's falsifying of emissions data and there is talk in the Japanese press that those awaiting deliveries will have their orders cancelled. This will likely be global.
I have an old 150-series (Prado to most of the world, Lexus GX460 to me) that's 14 years old, has 155k miles on the clock and doesn't have a speck of rust, a single squeak or rattle, and every last button, switch, and function works exactly as it did the day it was new. It carries my bikes and my dogs and takes all the abuse I throw at it. I'm a die hard sports car person, but I can't help but be taken by the charm of this truck in its utter dependability.
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Agree 100%. the 150 series is bulletproof.
I’ve got a 14yr old Discovery 4 no rust still drives like new stop knocking LR
@@trevorbinnersley4144 Read the comments, no one mentioned LR, think LR drivers are getting paranoid.
I have the US version of your Prado --Lexus GX 460 which is a great machine. Luxury interior but old fashioned and solid. Smooth 4.6l V8 that is a bit of a gas hog but such a reliable, sold and safe car that can go anywhere and do it well. Cruises at 75-80 mph for hours. No problem.
I was in a Landcruiser 70 in Kenya last week. Awesome thing
Harry, i love that you finally drove an offroader that will always just work.
Quick one on the 300 luxury factor that you mentioned. The one you drove actually seems to be quite a basic one. The XZ sahara and GR sport are quite bit more special inside and if those are not good enough the LX600/500D are even more up market. Dare i say it the LX has less nasty plastics than the current Range Rover
The landscape shots in the background is superb Harry.
Great review to go with it.
I had a Land Cruiser J150(Japanese import) when I lived in Kenya, it was only the 2.7l petrol(chipped) but it was an absolutely brilliant daily car for both knocking around Nairobi or going out on safari. It didn't have one issue in my ownership. I can imagine that the Twin turbo is bloody phenomenal.
How many horses was the 2.7 after chipping it? Did it's fuel consumption increase by a lot?
@@TheJoker-qn6vwI bought it chipped so I honestly can't say... but It wasn't brilliant on fuel, I currently have an XC90 V8 which is considerably more fuel efficient.
@markbray2988 ok, I know the 2.7 engines are really reliable, but the power to Weight got that vehicle, especially when loaded and in hilly terrain is just off-putting...but for in-town errands, one can cope.
@@TheJoker-qn6vw spot on! Fully loaded with 6 passengers and a roof box, overtaking was something of an art form best avoided but that said, it was still an excellent daily driver.
Was this before or after the Chinese built Mombasa road between Nairobi and the coast? Because I remember back in the day large parts of that route required a fairly competant off roader. I remember borrowing a 70s Toyota Celica in the early 90s and REALLY struggling on that road leaving Nairobi after the rains swept everything away, lol
5:40 you can also open it from the back👍
Annoyingly, I noticed that when doing the edit! Gutted I didn’t show it working in the video. Next time..
I always remember driving a LC in the desert whilst in the HM Forces years ago. They were legendary and so comfy. I'm glad to see nothing has changed as far too many vehicles today just live off reputation but without the goods. Great vid 👍.
Great insight. Thanks.
Would be interesting to see you review the new Land Cruiser 250 / Prado, which’ll be on sale in the UK and Europe this year.
That would be great, I love the retro looks as well you can buy
Great review Mr. M.
This new Toyota really is the automotive definition of "having a face only a mother could love"!
I own a 2021 Land Cruiser 200 in the US the 5.7 V8 which was bought new back in January of 2022 and i just love that car, i consider myself lucky since they won't bring them to US anymore and also they're very rare vehicles on the street, but when you see one they won't get mistaken for another brand, like nowadays almost every make model looks the same just a different logo.
Absolutely love the landcruiser, and it's looks.Delighted to see Harry review one.Great as always!!
So how can Range rovers be sold in Europe while they don't sell small stuff. But Toyota can't sell the Land Cruiser while they tell a ton of small cars?
When the EU CO2 regulations were introduced they gave a dispensation to car brands that mainly sold larger, higher polluting cars, like Land Rover. They could continue to sell them so long as emissions fell significantly over several years.
Companies like Toyota and VW got no help and had to hit strict CO2 targets straight away, hence why the Land Cruiser got dropped from the EU car market
@@harrysgarage Thank you for that explanation. Personally I'd rather buy a Toyota product than an Range Rover one when it comes to pollution and overall waste but that might just be me.
Protectionism
@@harrysgarage is this valid for jeep too?
This is ridiculous to the point of nausea
There is another 10 speed under the Toyota umbrella in the Lexus LC500. Would be interested to hear your opinion on that car, quite unique in the current climate. Shame they've been pulled from the UK line up in the last couple of months but Lexus UK may still have a loaner?
I love how Harry appreciates nuance. its not this or that, it's why it is.
Apparently there are some very rich people in South Africa, as Toyota can't keep up with the demand for the new Land Cruiser. The Rand is now R18 to the Dollar, so they are eye wateringly expensive.
Almost a million for a hilux here now 😂
Toyota is worth every penny of money. Here in Brazil they are also expensive and sell like hotcakes and are very successful because they are resistant. As for the shitty Land Rovers, these are terrible mechanics and resale.
@@ODGreenZa an Isuzu 1 tonner is 1.1 million Rand now.
@@andrepienaar6459 it's crazy buddy. Vehicle prices are nuts now days
Well in Harare's leafy suburbs, the Landcruiser and it's smaller siblings are the staple. Maybe because we can opt for imports from Japan and Singapore that cost less than from RSA.. Not forgetting all government fat cats😅😅
Hi Harry, I always find your car reviews very truthful )))
The UN will love it. However, a somewhat compromised product but the chassis and live axel are more reliable in many applications, especially on rough terrain. Good to see you enjoying the Sun Harry.
The 250 version is coming to the UK and Europe this year. It replaces the Prado. Retro looks - very cool 👌
It is the Prado.
@@deet4895ehh? The prado is coming in 250 then 150 chassis. This 300 is not a Prado its and LC, the Prado is an PC Prado so why are you pulling his comment up? his comment is correct and the 250 isnt the only Prado. Again, Prado is a type of Land Cruiser.
Countries which get the bigger 300 series as shown in video get the 250 named as Land Cruiser Prado.
Countries who don't get bigger 300 series as shown in video gets the 250 as Land Cruiser only.
Is there a better way to start the day than a review of a Land Cruiser in a desert by Harry? Excellent stuff
We've had the 300 series here in Aus for a good while now. The GR spec looks spectacular on the road with a good set of wheels and tyres.
Just buy a y62
Wait for new generation (Y63) 2024, will release in 1-2 months then compare.@@blitzdiesel1870
No air suspension because when you're out in a remote location last thing you want is a punctured air bag or air line. Beefy coils and solid axles ftw.
I like it that way - they could have done better with the approach angles though. It's bound to scrape more at both ends compared to previous Landcruisers.
No problem, still has a body on fram chassis, makes it easy to modify, lift and put larger tyres, its been done many times. @@andoletube
Love the centre console hinge mechanism!
It seems Harry drove a GXR trim Land Cruiser which is about mid-spec.
Above the GXR trim you have the VX and VXR/GR. The difference is in the material quality and other small changes. For example the top spec VXR and GR both have genuine leather seats instead of faux leather and the controls for the rear AC is with a screen and push buttons also they get a different instrument panel with a larger digital screen just to name a few.
I just bought a Land Cruiser , but then a BJ73 FRP, built in 1986 with an agricultural diesel up front haha. It's located in Rumenia, and I will actually fly down there tomorrow to see it and hopefully take it home to Slovenia.
It's amazing that Toyota makes Land Cruisers nowadays which are so comfortable, yet still performing oustanding offroad.
I never thought I'd ever get your thoughts on this car, glad you managed to get behind the wheel.
Any thoughts on the Toyota Fortuners? I see a lot of them there and they seem to be a good workhorses worldwide, based on the Hilux, almost like a mini Land Cruiser?
We have them over here in pakistan. It offered in 2.7l petrol and 2.8l diesel. The 2.7 is really underspowered but the 2.8 diesels power is quiye good. The comfort is no where near land cruiser but if you are talking about the capabilities, its extremely capable offroader and the car is very rugged, reliable and is capable of taking way more abuse and beating compared to a land cruiser as its built on the ladder frame chassis of the hilux. The suspension is also stiff compared to a land cruiser.
Its an inferior product to any Landcruiser, based on a Hilux.
comes in 4.0 v6 engine which is from the landcruiser .. the v6 model is one rocket as the car does not weigh much and its mechanically very reliable. it rides harsher as its based on the hilux but can do 80 % of what an lc can do plus rear diff lock
200 Series here in Australia are HUGELY popular. You'll see them everywhere towing caravans, boats etc. I would buy one myself, even if it had 300,000k's on it if I were able to justify the fuel usage. Perfect for towing my boat.
Oh how I wish we got these in the states… it’s a huge loss here. What they’re calling the new “Land Cruiser” here - the GX/Prado platform car - is neat but it’s not the same.
Of course we have the Series 300 LX, but so many of us appreciated the Land Cruiser because it was just a regular old Toyota SUV to the average onlooker. Whether you wanted a low key luxury SUV, an unkillable armored car, or an inconspicuous and unbelievably capable off-roader, the full size Land Cruiser was perfect.
I am very disappointed they are not available in the US! Great review.
The Lexus brand/version of the 300 LC is the RR “plush”equivalent - I listened to this whilst driving my 2020 Lexus LX570 and having owned the RR autobiography V8SC version, the 100 LC and the G63 AMG, I’m actually pleased that my Lexus LX is a close cousin to the traditional TLC v200, vs the gussied-up RR, especially when considering reliability and resale values…
Between the LX and the RR, which one would you go for/ prefer in a heartbeat, money being no object?
the LC200 also have the 5.7L
One thing I think Toyota should rethink on this 300 and the new 250 is the loss of the split tail gate. I think the best solution would be a pull out seat/shelf and keep the one piece top hinged back door . That way you can have picnic / tail gate party, and shelter from the rain under a full sized top hinged door. To make room for a pull out seat they should scrap the electric third row seating stored under floor and go back to the side windows stored manual third row last seen on 100 series as the 200 series side mounted rear seats on bottom hinge just to allow electric operation loose too much cargo space. Why car makers think electric third row adds luxury I don’t know, well designed mechanical seats save weight and work better/ quicker anyway.
Kuwait and KSA enjoy huge amounts of the Toyota land-cruisers which they love as many other brands of 4x4 can’t last won’t last due to the continual rugged terrain and big constant temperatures.
It is the number one reliable go to
Harry the first 10-speed automatic was the one jointly developed by Ford & GM, first appeared in the '17 F150 w/ the 3.5 twin turbo ecoboost v6. The Toyota 3.4 twin turbo v6 and 10-speed were developed for the Toyota Tundra truck as a response to the Ford F150. Land Cruiser 300 shares the same chassis hence its near identical setup.
Not surprised he hasnt heard of ford using it, since the f150 is a hillbilly's truck
Tundra uses the same chassis , but that Land Cruiser chassis is reinforced additionally from the Tundra. So, kind of the same but not. Probably the better comparison is the Sequoia and Tundra when it comes to engineering.
@@mojo331 The Ford Mustang also uses 10 speed auto
A cheeky Harry's garage on a Tuesday... . Blessed
Great as always, Harry.
Was looking forward to seeing a review of this. Such a shame we don’t get this full-sized version of the Land Cruiser in the UK. It may pinch quite a few sales from Land Rover
Why is it a shame? Do you rock crawl? Are you a farmer? Or just because you'd like to give the illusion of wealth to people who don't care?
@@okatbikes4917 damn my friend, just relax a bit 😅
@@okatbikes4917 calm down.
@@okatbikes4917I think it’s the opposite, most people don’t realise what they’re worth and just think it’s another Toyota Hilux-RAV4 thing.
They wouldn't sell that many
It's great that Harry mentions "the simplicity of it" towards the end as he complements the car. He's hit the nail on the head. Add complexity and too many gadgets you compromise reliability and longevity.
I spent a few years in several parts of the Kingdom. The terrain the Dakar event follows shows how THIS iteration of Toyota has been tailored to local conditions and needs. Radar cruise control doesn't seem necessary here! Plenty of grab handles seem to be vital!
These are the 'camels of the desert' here in Qatar - you can also get a larger 5.7 litre V8 in the 200 series as well as the old 4.6 litre V8 and the smaller 4.0 litre V6 (in the 200). As a matter of interest, you can also still get the 4.0 litre V6 in the new 300 series too but in the lesser trim level. But the twin turbo V6 is definitely the one to get but needs to be fairly compared with the 5.7 litre V8.
You missed a trick with the fridge glovebox. It look like it tips forward so the rear seat passengers can reach in as well.
My Ford Ranger has a 10 speed automatic just for your info.
The external appearance is a bit marmite (I love marmite but don’t like the look of that).
In Australia there has been problems with the V6 overheating as it’s a hot V configuration and also high oil consumption issues as well.
Problems with it here in the US, too. It’s used in the big Tundra pick-up and the Sequoia SUV. Owners also complain of disappointing fuel mileage that is only slightly better than that of the old V-8.
@@simonflower6356 Harry usually points out stuff like this. Not sure why he didn’t.
@@MrRez808 Yes, his reviews are the best. Most likely Toyota has yet to sell any vehicles equipped with this engine in the UK. The first road tests of the new Lexus GX (not sure if you get it in Oz) powered by this same engine appeared yesterday here in the US. In addition to suspect reliability, the gas mileage is only 1 mpg better than the previous V8 powered model. Strange decision by Toyota.
Oh yes! Although what we really want to see is you playing with one on the farm!
Not a fan of the aesthetics of this, but the one we're getting in the UK (Prado version?) looks brilliant. On the face of it I'd have one of those over a Grenadier of new Defender in a heart beat.
Happy memories of venturing round the Outback in an old Land Cruiser. Truly did feel built to last .
Hi Harry, I always find your car reviews very truthful & straightforward keep up the good work.
There is also the Ford 10 speed auto gearbox. They have put it in the Mustang, Ranger and Everest
The front end styling feels to me like it references the 80-series Land Cruiser with the grill shape and high, slim lights. Also looks substantially better in colours other than white.
My son has 3 children, lives in South Africa and has just bought this model after their Fortuner got stolen. I'm a happy grandmother after seeing this review.
Ive got a 2015 200 series with just over 32000 miles on it . Chris Harris Drives His Toyota Land Cruiser The Go-Anywhere Off-Roader is a great vid ! king of the 4x4 by far .
As the old saying goes, if you want to drive into the bush, take a Land Rover, if you want to come back again take a Land Cruiser. I’ve had 5 Land Cruisers and 3 Land Rovers (Discovery). Both great vehicles, the Land Rover much more pleasing to the eye and fun to drive, but the Land Cruiser knocks the Land Rover for 6 when it comes to bullet proof reliability, build quality and cost of ownership.
Thank you Harry, great video 👍
UK getting 250 land cruiser early 2024 (2.4 diesel) 7 seats options
The big seller will be the F33A-FTEV 3.3 litre V6 Twin-turbo diesel (304 bhp / 700 Nm).
It would have been great to have driven that version.
In the primary markets of this car petrol is more of the seller (USA, UAE, ...)
@@Voodoo_One In Australia Toyota don't sell the petrol Land Cruiser, only diesel. The Lexus version has the petrol engine, though.
AFAIK, they LC300 isnt sold in North America either, they have the (slightly) smaller LC250.
it is not, we get the lx600 instead@@Martin2153
@@Martin2153Thanks for the info. Haven't been (yet) to Australia, only north america (USA & Canada) plus UAE regions. And there you see primarily petrol Toyotas, Pickups, etc.
Loving that tow hitch, proper kit !
I own a 200 Series and have had many others brands and now am so happy to have the 200 in the stable :) There is SIMPLY nothing else like it and finally don't have to think about things that may and do go wrong. It does not happen with these cars. Landrover comparisons are not really that sensical as Landrovers breakdown and you cant rely on them. Landcruisers are purpose built and makes sense for so many who can afford them (not Cheap). But the repair needs are in frequent and the cost of parts are accessible, quick to get and not that expensive. This is why I often smile when people comment on the features and etc - they are there and they will stay there as built and intended for 30 years. Name a single other car that will??
Glad to see Stevie Wonder gaining reincarnation bucks as a Toyota stylist.
Hi Harry, The ford mustang had a 10 speed auto
Harry living the good life 😊
Was that designed by the same prop artist who designed Robert Llewelynn's head from Red Dwarf?
Thanks for this, I've lived and worked in the Middle East since 2005, and this is great info from someone I trust.
Great to see new landcruiser review Harry in such a great challenging location. It's a great car. I like it very much.
In Australia,there is radar cruise control on all 300 Series including the base trim GX.
I got the same car for 1 year now (it is GXR L4 trem) and the negatives are:
1. High price tage 65000 £.
2. Very small size behind the 3rd seat row.
For ur info the waiting 4 such car may reach 7 months. Befor it used to be 1 year.
The only competitor for this car is Nissan patrol.
The fully offroad lc300 is GR trem.
That’s the price of a LC150 Prado in the uk. You’re living the dream and how much a litre is your petrol? £1.44 here.
@@johanndork5364
As Toyota said that their main market is GCC countries and the Toyota agint in Saudi is a big investor in Toyota. 4 ur info the price in Japan is much lower than our price.
The gas price is 0.5
Few points to mention : 1.the ground clearance in this one is worse than the base GX model and GR Sport model the one Harry is driving has longer fornt bumper.
2. the infotainment system and the rear passenger screens are dealer installed not from the factory .
Just googled the gx and gr. They Look so much better!!!
You feel invincible in a Land Cruiser in its’ natural habitat.
I hadn’t realised the one coming to UK was a watered down version, I hope you can get that one on the channel soon.
Beautiful review, as always. Lovely car.
Wish they sold these cars in the uk. I see you cut the clip quite swiftly after saying that its chunckiness is not its appeal. But i personally like the beefyness. Toyota engines are bulletproof. I still have a 2005 rav 4 with 170,000 miles on the clock, starts perfect everytime.
Vtec
Their diesels are crap
I also love how a car is a standard. 911 , s class, landcruiser......miata?
Harry is the low key gentleman driver we all need to observe. I mean the other reviewers are fine, but you would not see anyone else bring us a review FROM A FKN LIVE RALLY STAGE.
The one you’re in looks full middle east spec. Have a look at the Australian and New Zealand Toyota webpages and it’s not quite as “flash”especially the TRD model. Down here you buy a Range Rover if you want to show how wealthy you are and a Land Cruiser if you want to get stuff done both great cars but different customers. Keep up the great work thanks
& if you are in Australia, you avoid Range Rover unless you want to die in the outback somewhere waiting for help 😀
Am I going mad? Brilliant car and I echo many thoughts Land Cruiser vs Land Rover but the PR renders seemed way more retro/interesting?
That’s the smaller Eu versions, this is the equivalent to the vx we used to get.
Sad that Europe and the UK miss out on a vehicle such as the Cruiser. Great Video Harry.
My 2019 Ford Everest had a 10 speed auto. It was a joint Ford/GM design and worked well with the 2.0 biturbo diesel 500nm. The facelifted Mustang also had it as well as the Chevy Camaro
Doesn't the Ford Ranger have a 10 speed box? Did you try the fortuner? Also not avalible in the UK but very popular where it is sold.
Didn’t you find the seating areas smaller than expected given the external volume?
Great video once again. Thanks for sharing. Yes the 200 V8 petrol is very gutless in a way. The one you'd love which is popular is Australia & Africa is the V8 Twin Turbo Diesel. You can borrow it from Chris Harris he has one. Good to test on your farm
The 5.7 isnt
Edited out (3:00) the styling criticism ... no mention of the price.
Unfortunately they give the GXR mid range trim to try out. if you want to further judge the 300 series, try it in the VXR/VXS top trim that got All the bells & whistles.
Interesting styling, not sure if I like it or not but love the fact that the interior and dials aren't all TFT, less to go wrong in the desert!
The thing about the old V8 is that it was basically a light truck engine and specked to do 1m miles. It was the reliability and durability that was it's star turn. I would be surprised to see a smaller turbo engine crank out anything like that level of durability.
It’s not going to last. Reliability is dead in modern cars.
Correct. As soon as you go turbo, the power and efficiency goes up, but the durability goes down. It's unavoidable.
They have left the 'plush-luxury' stuff to the Lexus LX, with captain chairs at the rear, with all tricks like massage-ventilation etc functions. It also has height-adjustable suspension (probably- standard). LX, offered in the US, but not the LC300(they shall get the 250 Prado). The LC300 tested doesn't seem to be the top-spec version(headlights, smaller info screen between the speedo-tacho-meters, etc.). Considering the fact that they come with a lot of optioanl-extras(3 diff locks and what not) and that the LC 200 had height-adjustable suspension as AHC(Active Height Control), maybe it's also among the 'optional-extras' on the LC300.
Anyway, LC250(New Prado) based on the same platform shall come to Europe & UK soon, interestingly with same wheelbase as LC300(very Prado-unlike). Let's see what they offer with it.
Thanks Harry!
Hello
I see there are Fortuner there too
Did you have a chance to review one of them also?
Harry Of Arabia. You look as at home as when you’re in England sir. Interesting video as usual.
Very well thought out review with an emphasis on tact and not butt hurting the fanbois.
While you were there did you get your see the Land Cruiser 300 entry in the race? Maybe video of it coming soon?
Amazing content as always
I'm confused - what about the retro looking new one that is coming out?
That’s the uk first edition, limited numbers
Wasn't this engine and gearbox first used in the LS500 about 6 years ago?
I love it although the body styling is way too bulky at the front. I love Harry’s comment early on about how certainly the interior has been designed by someone who actually uses vehicles ie logical lay-out and buttons/switches rather than this Tesla-like obsession with touch screens. I lived in Abu Dhabi for 3 years and regularly drove our FJ Cruiser (think Prado with a retro body style including rear suicide doors) deep into the desert. The last thing a desert-competent driver needs is fiddly touchscreens which will no doubt eventually get “sand-blasted “! Keep up the best car videos on TH-cam Harry!
Hello Harry.
Always liked Land Cruisers. Think my first drive in one was a J60.
Just because it doesn’t have camera around the rear-view mirror doesn’t mean it may not have adaptive cruise control. There are plenty of cars like this. For example even all Golf mk7s (2013 on) don’t have cameras but have great adaptive cruise. These have the distance device built into the front.
Great to see you getting excited by a live rear axle, and why not. It’s not as live as some, though.
I think Toyota was the first to use radial arms, which LR copied for the RangeRover.
To turn the traction control completely off for sand driving you must hold the traction control button in for at least 5 secs.
Hi Harry, thanks for reviewing Land cruiser 300, just a couple of points, as you said it is not the luxury brand of Toyota, so I think Lexus LX 600 is a Rangei rival, secondly It has a GR version which has a better clearance.
In Australia we are lucky enough to get a v6 twin turbo very torquey diesel engine which was absolutely fantastic to drive when I had it for test drive for few days
Wonderful video...the only thing I wish he could have done differently is that the 200 series Harry drove had a 4.6 liter V8, and here in the USA these came with the 5.7 liter V8. I currently have a 2011 (Lexus version) with 182,000 miles on its 5.7 liter V8, and it still drives wonderfully. I recently bought the last year of the 200 series, a 2021 Land Cruiser with the same 5.7 liter V8 because I'm a little concerned about the twin turbo V6, as well as the only version of the 300 series we get here is the Lexus LX600, which comes with quite a few options I do not want; after needing repair on the hydraulic suspension of my 2011, I'd much rather have the coil springs of the Toyota, so the 2021 sits "in reserve" for now, driven occasionally, waiting its turn as a daily. The 5.7 liter V8 does have a lot more "punch" than the 4.6, but if Harry gets a chance to compare it to the new twin turbo 3.5 liter V6, I'd love to hear his thoughts. Thank you fior letting us here in the USA exoerience the 300 series the way I wish we could buy it!
The Australian tune of this engine produces 277KW (303HP ) and 770NM of Torque. Perhaps due to the Australian requirement for off road work and heavy duty towing.
I work in new car sales for a Toyota dealership in Central Queensland. I reckon I average 2 Landcruiser 300's a month and the new 2024 Prado (Landcruiser 250) will probably double that pr more, can't wait for it to be released!