The all-new LC 300 is finally here. Unfortunately, US buyers won’t be able to buy it since the company removed it from the offer. Everything is now on the new Lexus LX 600. Well, a pair of luxury SUVs share the platform and engines. The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 will carry over a 3.4-liter turbo engine. Some call it 3.5-l, but the displacement is 3,445 cc.
Fresh styling is finally here for the legendary SUV. Fans have been waiting for years. Better late than never. So, after more than 8 decades in the market, the Land Cruiser is still going strong. Now, it is the LC 300 version, which replaced the Land Cruiser 200. Besides a new petrol unit, buyers around the world can still purchase the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 with an oil burner. Even the GR Sport model is available with a special 3.3-liter turbo unit.
One of the main questions is will the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 come back to the US market? We doubt this is going to happen. The carmaker made more room for Lexus LX. Also, Toyota is currently developing the new Land Cruiser Prado, a smaller sibling of the full-size SUV, and the non-US version of the Lexus GX. The company is waiting for the green light from the USPTO to start using the GX550 badge.
2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 GR Sport
The new version of the next-gen SUV is coming out soon. The vehicle has been spotted and we assume that Gazoo Racing is preparing the package for the largest SUV in the lineup. The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 GR Sport is the next model in the squad that is getting bigger every season. We already saw the Hilux truck with this badge. Also, most cars feature the GR upgrade.
Under the bonnet of the Land Cruiser GR is a 3.3-liter turbodiesel with 305 hp and 515 lb-ft of torque. So, Gazoo Racing is not bringing any enhancement over the base product. We still don’t know if the gasoline powerplant is going to be available. If that happens, the outputs jump to 420 hp and 480 lb-ft of twist.
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 is a do-it-all SUV, with exceptional off-road driving capabilities. The GR package will enhance the performance in tough weather and terrain conditions thanks to the front and rear electronic differential locks, adaptive suspension, and the special E-KDSS system. In the United States, the Lexus LX offers the F Sport model with similar upgrades. Also, it is worth of mentioning that in Japan, the LX Offroad version is tuned for extreme conditions.
New Engines and Specs
The J300 platform didn’t bring just an updated styling. Also, the legendary SUV dropped some of the iconic drivetrains. Toyota is getting rid of the 5.7-liter V8 mill and replaced it with a smaller, turbocharged displacement. Not only the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 300, but also other big rigs, now use a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6. For the SUV, it is tuned to burst 420 hp. In the US, this unit can deliver 390-440 horsepower and up to 583 lb-ft of torque with the I Force Max system. It might be available for the Land Cruiser at certain markets as a limited offer.
A 4.0-liter V8 is still there. But, it is just a matter of time when the Toyota is dropping the big mill. Not only for the Land Cruiser, but also other vehicles using the large block will get a downsized, turbo V6 plant instead. Until that happens, when you find the new LC300 with this engine, expect 270 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque from it.
Finally, non-US buyers can buy the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Diesel. A 3.3-liter turbo V6 is producing 295-300 hp, depending on the configuration. As said, the new GR Sport model will feature this oil burner. It also cracks a lot of torque, which makes the Land Cruiser an excellent off-roader. The old V8 is still using a six-pace auto transmission, while six-cylinder plants are mated to a new 10-speed gearbox, which make them more efficient. The new Land Cruiser is fuel-friendlier than ever.
2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 USA Comeback
This is one of the longest-lasting vehicles in the market, with a history of more than 80 years. So, discontinuation in the US was a surprise, although it has some sense. In the past few years, the sales declined and Toyota needed a radical move. Well, the redesign and the Series 300 model were expected more than 5 years ago. Also, the Japanese company gave the advantage to the all-new Lexus LX as the flagship model.
Fans from the largest automotive market are already complaining, but we doubt that bosses will change their minds so easily. On the other hand, it wouldn’t be the only comeback. We saw a few cars and crossovers’ nameplates after shorter or longer breaks. So, there will always be room for the legendary 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 to introduce itself to US enthusiasts.