Payload and GVM details for the new Toyota LandCruiser 300-Series have been revealed in regulatory filings with the Australian government.
The listings confirm the new LandCruiser is about 200kg lighter than the 200-Series it replaces when it arrives in dealerships late this year.
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Some of those weight savings would have come from downsizing the engine from a V8 to a V6. The 300-Series will get a new 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 diesel mated to a 10-speed automatic. Its peak outputs are boosted from the V8’s 200kW/650Nm to 227kW/700Nm, promising a decent step up in performance.
Payload up for 300-Series
However, the GVM – or gross vehicle mass – of the 300 has been reduced by 70kg to 3280kg. Still, the overall weight savings means the new 300-Series LandCruiser has a higher payload than the 200-Series, so it will carry more.
That answers one of the key issues for 200-Series LandCruiser drivers, which for most models could only carry 610kg. In the new 300-Series the payload is between 735kg and 870kg.
With a tow capacity of 3500kg and the standard 10 percent (350kg) pushing down on the towball it means the LandCruiser should still be able to carry around half a tonne of people and luggage even if it’s towing a big load.
Of course, that’s dependent on the gross combination mass (GCM, the weight of the fully loaded car and trailer), which hasn’t been released yet. But either way, it appears Toyota has focused on ensuring the new 300-Series can carry a family and a big trailer.
Five 300-Series models
In certifying the new 300-Series for sale with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development Toyota has initially listed five model variants.
One of those could be a base model car with barn doors – as per the current LandCruiser GX 200-Series – that’s predominantly pitched at families, rental fleets and mining companies.
Toyota has indicated some model names may change from the GX, GXL, VX and Sahara available in the 200-Series.
Last year Toyota Australia trademarked the Sahara ZX name, hinting that could be utilised somewhere in the range. Best guesses are it could be the model with 20-inch wheels; it’s also longer at 5015mm, suggesting some styling changes or the standard fitment of a tow kit.
One of the confirmed new LandCruiser 300-Series models is the GR Sport, which gets unique bumpers so is slightly longer than the others in the lineup. The five-seat model has a unique 4995mm length and 1990mm width; expect the GR Sport to be the one Toyota pitches as the more serious for off-road work.
Three of the new LandCruisers are slightly shorter than the outgoing car by 10mm, at 4980mm long.
They have the same 1980mm width as the 200-Series and an identical 2850mm wheelbase.
Tyres: Thinning down
All LandCruiser 300s will have skinnier tyres than those in the 200-Series, in part because they have to contend with about 200kg less. Whereas the 200-Series got 285mm-wide rubber, the 300-Series is dropping that back to 265mm wide.
The Sahara ZX gets 20-inch tyres with 265/55 dimensions while all others – including the GR Sport – come with 265/65 18-inch wheels. The base LandCruiser has also been certified to use 245/75 17-inch tyres, which are clearly designed for more serious off-road work. Think farmers, mining fleets and serious adventurers.
No more 8-seat LandCruisers
The initial batch of five LandCruiser models won’t include an eight-seater, at least according to the initial regulatory filings. If nothing changes between now and when the car goes on sale late in 2021 that will be the first time in decades Toyota hasn’t offered an eight-seat LandCruiser.
Only two of the five models will have three rows of seats with a seven-seat capacity.
The GR Sport looks as though it will only have five seats while the two base model cars will also have five seats.
All of which is good news for those wanting to explore in their LandCruisers. Seats not only add weight – therefore reducing the payload – but also take up space that can be used for luggage and camping gear.
Riding higher
Ground clearance for the new LandCruiser 300-Series has been increased to 245mm, up from 225mm. That’s part of the move to make the new model more capable off-road.
In presenting the new model Toyota also confirmed its approach angle would be 32 degrees and departure angle 26.5 degrees (the latter a 2.5-degree improvement).
While it still runs on a ladder frame chassis with independent front suspension and a live rear axle, there’s a new electronic KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System) to allow the front and rear stablisers to be disconnected, further improving wheel articulation.
The lighter weight should also improve its ability in some situations.
Meet the LandCruiser 300-Series family
LandCruiser entry-level GX
5 seats
265/65 18-inch tyres but with 245/75 17-inch tyres as an option.
2410kg weight
870kg payload
3500kg tow capacity
4980mm long, 1980mm wide, 1950mm high
LandCruiser GR Sport (new off-road-focused model)
5 seats
265/65 18-inch tyres
2545kg weight
735kg payload
3500kg tow capacity
4995mm long, 1990mm wide, 1950mm high
LandCruiser family version (GXL and/or VX replacement)
7 seats
265/65 18-inch tyres
2495kg weight
785kg payload
3500kg tow capacity
4980mm long, 1980mm wide, 1950mm high
LandCruiser Sahara
7 seats
265/65 18-inch tyres
2545kg weight
735kg payload
3500kg tow capacity
4980mm long, 1980mm wide, 1950mm high
LandCruiser Sahara ZX
5 seats
265/55 20-inch tyres
2525kg weight
755kg payload
3500kg tow capacity
5015mm long, 1980mm wide, 1950mm high