Toyota has completely overhauled the Land Cruiser for the 2022 model year
Toyota has unveiled the 2022 Land Cruiser (300 Series) with new styling, V6 petrol and diesel engines, while still retaining its ‘go anywhere’ ability.
According to Toyota, development objectives for the successor of the 200 Series that debuted in 2007 included retaining the SUV’s durability, reliability and off-road performance.
Completely redesigned for its 70th anniversary year, the Land Cruiser was first introduced in August 1951 as the 4-wheel-drive BJ, the latest model comes with a new GA-F platform based on TNGA.
As a result of that, the total weight of the SUV (including the body) has been reduced by 200 kg, says Toyota, adding that the new frame is more rigid.
The car also comes with better weight distribution, lowered centre of gravity and improved suspension structure now.
As mentioned above, the 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser is available only with V6 engines that have twin turbochargers. The 3.5-litre petrol unit makes 415 PS and 650 Nm, while the 3.3-litre diesel motor is good for 309 PS and 700 Nm.
Both engines are paired with a newly developed 10-speed automatic transmission. Toyota notes that a naturally aspirated V6 petrol motor and 6-speed automatic gearbox combination is available in some areas.
Although the Land Cruiser’s off-road prowess is legendary, it has not stopped Toyota from making incremental improvements to make it even better in handling the rough stuff.
The 2022 model, says the Japanese carmaker, comes with better wheel articulation, improved road-holding performance through the adoption of the E-KDSS (Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System), ‘Multi-Terrain Monitor’ and ‘Multi Terrain Select’ drive mode feature.
As a package, the 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser places priority on off-road performance, which has dictated the design of the vehicle.
Thanks to the SUVs massive exterior (which grabs attention everywhere), Toyota has refrained from using too many creases and character lines and has instead gone for a simple, elegant look.
There are new lighting units, a revised grille and restyled bumpers (shaped so that they do not get damaged during off-roading) on the outside of the car.
Inside too, the simple design theme has been carried forward with functionality being the main priority. Of course, a large touchscreen and semi-digital instrument cluster, and an array of gizmos are also present.
Finally, when it comes to safety tech, the 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser has got the latest Toyota Safety Sense active safety package with additional advanced functions.
Toyota plans to launch the SUV all over the world in the coming months and the behemoth of an SUV should come to India too.
