Toyota Reveals The 2022 LC300 Land Cruiser

The new Land Cruiser is without a doubt one of the most important launches of the year and Toyota has finally their wraps off of their flagship SUV. After a long and globally successful 14-year run, the LC200-series Toyota Land Cruiser is finally being replaced with an all-new model, the LC300.The LC300 Land Cruiser may be a clear evolution of past models, with blocky styling and off-road specifications designed to reliably cope with the harshest conditions and climates the world has to offer, but it’s clearly been modernized to meet ever-changing market realities and regulations.[gallery size="full" ids="26862,26860,26859,26863"]Looks-wise, the LC300 gets splashes of modernity inside and out, with a new fascia sporting a massive grille and a headlight design that reminds us somewhat of the GR Yaris hot hatch and Supra.The interior has been subjected to massive changes to accommodate standard nine-inch infotainment or an optional 12.3-inch screen. Owners will benefit from Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, wireless smartphone charging, a 360-degree camera, and a head-up display. A powered tailgate will also be available, along with an electrically adjustable steering wheel, air ionizer, and even a fingerprint authentication system.This isn't just a heavily redesigned version of the 200-series Land Cruiser, which debuted back in 2007. Toyota's gone back to the drawing board, using its modular GA-F platform as a base for the new LC300 model. The new chassis saves 200 kg over the old SUV while improving weight distribution and providing a lower center of gravity.Gone is the thirsty 5.7-liter V8 naturally aspirated engine, replaced by a newly developed twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6. It pumps out 409 horsepower and 650 Nm of torque. There is also a 3.3-liter twin-turbodiesel. It's expected to have 305 hp and 700 Nm and we suspect that this will be the engine that will eventually be available here in Nepal. Both engines send power to all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission.  The gas engine works with a ten-speed automatic transmission and helps the new Land Cruiser reach 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, which is an alarmingly fast figure given the SUV's weight and size.As far as off-road prowess is concerned, the LC300 carries over the approach angle of 32 degrees from its predecessor. The departure angle can reach 26.5 degrees depending on the version, while ground clearance measures 230 mm. It goes without saying the Land Cruiser comes as standard with four-wheel drive, complete with three differential locks. Toyota's also added more wheel articulation for better off-roading performance and a new electronically controlled version of its trick KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System) that adjusts the connection of the anti-roll bars.Additionally, Toyota's added two new pieces of off-roading tech to improve performance. Toyota has fitted the next-gen Land Cruiser with a more advanced Multi-Terrain Select system, now featuring Deep Snow and Auto modes, while the Multi-Terrain Monitor system incorporates an underbody camera. A revised Crawl Control system maintains the vehicle's speed while you are off-roading.Three trims levels were announced at launch; the ZX appears to be the base model, a VX-R will be offered solely in Middle East markets and a GR Sport edition will offer sporty blacked-out looks. Toyota says the new Land Cruiser will hit various non-U.S. markets later this year for an as-yet-unspecified price.