FINALLY – All New 2022 Land Cruiser Unveiled!

0 16,374

Every other day our editorial is filled with news related to Crossovers and SUVs. The phenomenon is not different on the global scene, and for the last few years, a new crossover and sports utility vehicle joins in every few months. But some models have a history and heritage and started this trend and are still a benchmark for their capabilities and especially off-road performance. The Land Cruiser is one of them which got birth as a chassis code “BJ” back in 1951 and was known as Toyota Jeep BJ and initially to serve in the military during the Korean War. And Now,  70 years later the Land Cruiser 2022 is here. 

The fun fact is , Toyota changed the name to Land Cruiser in 1954 because American brand Willy was holding legal rights and trademark ownership of the name “JEEP”. No wonder, nowadays, a layman calls every crossover/ Sports utility vehicle a Jeep because of having the perception of rugged off-road vehicle historically developed for the military. Since 50’s Toyota kept on developing and improving the model, it got worldwide recognition and praise both for private commercial use and military / other service applications, i.e., humanitarian and distracter relief operations.

The most recent generation, commonly known as the LC200 series, arrived in 2007 and then got multiple facelifts in the last approximately 14 years. We can say the current generation of Land Cruiser is as old as the current Pakistani version of Honda City. Although Honda City always negatively gets fame, the LC200 still attracts and has a huge fan following  in Pakistan. Anyways, below we are sharing official timeline of the Land Cruiser History for readers interest. As per Toyota, 10.4 million units have been sold globally in 170 countries.

The All-New ” LC300 / J300 ” :

The long-running L200 was no doubt a great vehicle, but Toyota has been working extensively for the last several years to develop an all-new replacement model with Chassis code J300. There is no denying that for last year, and so, Land Cruiser remained the talking point among enthusiasts and numerous rendered images remained in circulation on the web. A more recent leaked images of the actual production modal confirmed the existence of the next generation of Land Cruiser. Last week Toyota officially announced that the new model would be unveiled on YouTube on June 9th. As we know that LC has a huge fan following in the Middle Eastern countries, Toyota selected Dubai as the host location for the ceremony.

 

All New Foundation: 

The LC is the world’s most trusted 4X4 with reliability, durability, and off-road performance as the key traits and DNA, and this is what we’re envisioned while developing the LC300. The new model is based on Toyota’s New Global Architecture and specifically the GA-F platform, which is designed for the body on frame SUVs and pickup trucks. The new chassis is lighter by 200Kgs than the previous generation but with more stiffness, rigid and helped reduce gravity. According to Toyota, during the developmental phase of the model, many Dakar Rally race drivers provided their input which helped in finalizing an optimal On & Off-road capable vehicle.

Although the LC300 is an all-new ground up, the model carries over the dimensions of the previous generation. That being said, the LC300 is 196.5″ long, 78″ wide and will have a wheelbase of 112.2 inches. According to Toyota, the 112.2 inches of the wheelbase is the best dimensional combination for optimal off-road and its a carryover since 1990, when J80 LC was introduced. The new LC300 also carry over the LC200’s 32-degree approach and 24-degree departure angle. The new model has not compromised on the abilities of the typical Land Cruiser known to customers.

Exterior

Although the basis of LC300 is an all-new architecture, the exterior is more of an evolution of the previous generation with clean lines. The model carries over the typical vertical and horizontal elements with a boxy outlook, unlike the current trend of other SUVs in the market, which has followed more sloppy character for better aerodynamics. The new model has a modern look with a big wide front slated grille flanked by slim LED headlights with integrated LED DRLs. According to Toyota, Land Cruiser’s headlights and bumpers are designed in such a way that they are unlikely to be damaged during off-road driving.

The side-view mirrors are moved down on the door panels for improved visibility around A-pillar. On the side profile, it’s a typical Land Cruise with bulging fenders, vertical B, C and D pillars, and the same is the situation on the rear, which also has a vertical profile with a new rear tailgate bumper and LED taillights. Toyota will also offer a GR Sport version of the LC300 which will have its exclusive front bumper, blacked-out honeycombed grill and other styling differences like fender cladding, a front skid plate, blacked outside view mirrors. Overall the new Land Cruiser exterior looks an improvement over the previous generation but again, it’s subjective, and we will be able to make a more definite opinion when we see the vehicle in person on the road.

Interior of Land Cruiser 2022: 

While the exterior might not look much different from the past, the interior is revolutionary with an all-new dashboard layout and a more horizontal nature. Toyota designed a more upscale and innovative interior but kept the design language for a rugged and off-road vehicle in mind. That’s the reason you will find actual physical buttons well sized and spaced, unlike the new trend of touchscreens touch-sensitive controls. There will be a floating tablet landscape-oriented standard 9-inch infotainment screen while an optional 12.3-inch on upper trim levels. Apple car play and android auto will be available & an optional JBL premium audio system with sub-woofer. An optional rear-seat media displays will also be available.

A new central console can be seen, and the Drive Mode controller has been moved and the other controls for improved storage and convenience. There will be a 4 zone climate control, while all-new seat design. The Land Cruiser 3-row gets a new design, unlike previous generations where the third row folded on sides and upwards, here now it can be stowed in the floor, this results in improved storage. Toyota kept the typical analogue gauges with digital driver information display in the central and didn’t opt for any digital cluster. Other features include:

  • Heated and ventilated seats.
  • A colour heads-up display.
  • Wireless charger.
  • Power tailgate.
  • A 360 view surround camera.

According to Toyota, the new model carries a selection of higher quality materials and stronger and durable touchpoints. Additionally, the new platform also helped improve the noise, vibrations and harshness levels, and interior comfort.

Power Train and Other Mechanicals: 

The Big news is here. Land Cruiser keeps its heritage, but the global emissions and fuel economy requirements have shown its impact under the hood. When we hear Land Cruiser, we imagine a big gas-guzzling V8 but gone are the days. The new generation has ditched a V8 engine from its lineup and going with a forced induction/ Turbochargers.

At launch, two engine options will be available. A 3.5L /V35A-FTS Twin-Turbo V6 petrol, which makes 409HP & 650NM of torque. On the diesel side, there will be a 3.3L / F33A-FTV Twi-Turbo V6, which makes 304HP & massive 700NM of torque. Both the new petrol and diesel engines have an improvement in performance delivery comparing the previous generation. All versions of Land Cruiser will be offered with 4×4, and both petrol and diesel will be offered with 10-speed Automatic transmission. 

Toyota will also offer a naturally aspirated V6 and possibly a 4L / 1GR-FE V6 in certain markets, and this will be mated with a 6 Speed Automatic. There is also a rumour for a Hybrid V6 variant in future but no confirmation at this time.

There is an independent double-wishbone on the front while a four-link rear suspension with a lateral rod. As always, the LC is for off-road, and those abilities are taken care of in the new generation. A new suspension system has been introduced with improved rear geometry and weight distribution between front and rear wheels. The centre of gravity has been moved lower with engine and transmission lowered by 28mm and backwards by 70mm comparing LC200. This results in 53.5% and 46.5% front to rear weight ratios. The rear shock-absorbers on the L200 has a sharp camber angle for tires which makes it less sturdy, and the LC300 improved in this regard with shock absorbers now more aligned and upright with the wheels.

Land Cruiser also keeps an adaptive variable suspension system while carrying over an improved and upgraded electronically controlled kinetic dynamic suspension stabilization (E-KDSS) system. This system allows the anti-roll bars to decouple while off-road for maximum suspension articulation and improved ground contacts of the wheel.

Like the previous generation, the LC300 will be offered with permeant four-wheel drive, delivery torque via front, centre and rear differentials. The central differential can be manually locked to send equal torque values between front and rear. In an unlocked position and with sensors, the torque can be sent up to 70% to rear wheels for improved traction.

Land Cruiser comes with a Traction support system that controls the brake and engine & automatically distributes torque to all four wheels. Crawl Control, Downhill Assist, Hill Start Assist are part of this system. Additionally, a Multi-Terrain Select is a driver-selectable mode for mud and sand, rock, loose rock, mogul, rock, & dirt. The LC300 also now comes with Multi-Terrain Monitor, which uses a camera system to display the terrain /ground condition on the infotainment display system. This helps the driver make necessary and appropriate manoeuvre for the nonvisible surface.

Safety in Land Cruiser 2022: 

Besides passive safety systems in the shape of multiple airbags, front, side, curtain, the LC300 also adopts active safety features Toyota Safety Sense. Lane departure alert, automatic high beam, dynamic radar cruise control, Pre-collision warning with the pedestrian election, lane tracing assist, road sign assist are part of the package. Another new collision avoidance feature is added, which detects the oncoming vehicles at intersections and oncoming pedestrians crossing the street when the vehicle is turning in either direction.

Launch of Land Cruiser 2022: 

Toyota will launch the new Land Cruiser in all major this summer onwards, including Russia, Australia, Middle East and the African region. No pricing information as of now. Toyota has discontinued the Land Cruiser for the North American market because of customers orientation more towards Toyota’s Premium Lexus brand and Lexus LX model, to be specific, which is based on the Land Cruiser. The next generation of Lexus LX is expected to arrive within a year and share the same mechanicals as LC300.

Stay Tuned to Pakwheels Editorial for more news. Meanwhile, share opinion in comments or by joining an exclusive thread on The All-New 2022 J300 Land Cruiser. 

Google App Store App Store

Leave A Reply

Your email address will not be published.