Toyota LandCruiser 300 GXL (2021-2026)

Catastrophic Engine failures on 300 series – Just saw this on youtube: Many engine failures being reported ! at 20,000km ! Pistons seize in the bore due to overheating, engine failure! (search "Landcruiser 300 engine failure" on youtube) https://youtu.be/WOn3eMhE_Co?si=C4En2Pov8rWtaPXT Another 3 failed 300 series engines, bearings destroyed and major cylinder bore wear at low km. 0-20 oil blamed. https://youtu.be/3_aD0ER02NU?si=mVtggnNvMic3NgPn

Towing issues Update February 2025 – As you can see from my previous reviews I am a great fan of Toyota currently own a 2021 Prado GLX, a 2019 Hilux SR5 with another 3 Corollas, and a 2021 Toyota 86 in the family. The waitlist for the 300 series is 12-18 months, with dealers selling their high-end model 9-12 month demos at a healthy premium over the list price, and combined with the big price hike over the 200, the 300 is now becoming an expensive vehicle.

However, if you need a comfortable, reliable, long-distance touring vehicle, with a reasonable towing capacity there really is no choice. The Prado is brilliant, but not at towing anything over 2 tonnes, my Hilux, with the original 450Nm engine, struggles to tow an unladen 2-tonne horse box.

The solution, I've been scouring the web for a reasonably priced GXL 300 series and found one in WA. It is a white GXL, with a tow bar fitted, service history, and 11 months old at a reasonable price. So, as you do, I flew to Perth and drove it back, 4485Km's in 4 days!!

How was it? Amazingly comfortable even without lumber support, (one of many omissions compared to my GLX Prado, more later). Again compared to the Prado, feels very cumbersome at first, but after the first 200kms felt stately, incredibly quiet, and highly responsive.

Let's get the negatives out of the way, again compared to the 2021 Prado GXL which this is replacing: No lumber support No sat nav (Ok Apple Car play, but that's useless for over 3500 Kms of the journey with no internet) No rain-sensing wipers No Headlamp washers No locking rear diff

It has got all the safety tech designed for people who can't drive, can't judge distances from the car in front, can't read speed limits, and can't keep in their lane..... enough said. Toyota I would happily dispense with all the unnecessary 'added value' safety features for, in order of priority, driver lumber support, rain-sensing wipers, and a locking rear differential, the latter even as an aftermarket option!.

The auto hand brake is brilliant, interior, and ergonomics are pleasantly good, although had I bought this from new would have avoided a black headling, although I do admit, it creates a sort of calming environment.

Performance, is astounding, with 700Nm of torque available, overtaking 'follow my leader' road trains can be undertaken safely, and very quickly. The 10-speed Auto gearbox works extremely well and gives the impression it's programmed to keep the engine speed at 1200 - 1500 rpm at any road speed chosen by the driver. No hunting, always in the right gear no matter the demands of the driver. Handling for such a big car is far better than I expected, better than my 2021 Prado. Feels more composed on the road, and handles the surface irregularities, potholes, washouts, and gravel sections, of which there were many on this journey, following the recent floods, very well, especially as the vehicle had virtually no load, apart from me and and of course fuel. Seats were very comfortable I had to sleep in the front passenger's seat in the car park of a roadhouse one night, as every bed on the Nullarbor was taken. Covering over 1100 km a day resulted in many hours in the driving seat. I cannot praise the comfort and driving ergonomics of this vehicle enough, and to top it all I averaged 10.2 liters/100Km driven hard.

I love the Prado, it does everything I ask, and more, the current fuel consumption with a mix of local and 260Km return trips on the Bruce Highway is 8.1Lires/100Km's.

But, it cannot tow 3.5 tonnes, and even if it did 500Nm is a tad on the low side. The 300 GXL is significantly quieter, and roomier, with 700Nm has the highest torque of any large off-road capable SUV in Au, and is very good on fuel economy.

I said I had mixed feelings, largely because the Prado is so brilliant, however having traveled over 1100Km's a day for 4 days in the 300 I think I am finally converted, even with the omissions and highly irritating 'driver aids'.

UPDATE October 2023 Added a further 15,000kms since I bought the vehicle, overall the best Landcruiser ever built. Putting aside the downsides referred to above, comfort, quietness and most suprising of all economy is amazing. Tow a 3500kg horse box with ease with trip consumption 11.2l/100, without the trailer low 9's /lites /100km.

Delighted.

Update March 2024 This vehicle grows on you like no other. Fuel consumption on a regular 368km round trip, 90% motorway, 10% heavy Brisbane traffic, is regularly 7.9 - 8.2L/100km, around town 9.8 -10.4. At almost 50,000km the engine runs perfectly. The Dunlop Grandtrek AT O/E tyres are starting to thin, and after a couple of frustrating hours on the telephone, I established there are plenty of manufacturers offering 265/65/R18's BUT not at the correct speed and load rating. The 300 has a 114V rating, a Load index of 114 = 1180kg per tyre, whilst the V Sspeed symbol = 240Kmh. Currently, only two manufacturers offer an All Terrain 265/65/R18 114V and both are fitted as O/E on the 300 series across the range, they are the Bridgestone Dueler AT693, and the Dunlop Grandtrek AT30. I have seen quite a few 300 series fitted with AT tyres that do not meet the ADR specification, either lower load or speed rating or both. Surely this would have an impact on any insurance claim in the event of an accident??

Think I'll go for the Brdgestones, I have used this brand on all my previous 4x4's, (Hilux, (2) Prado, FJ, 100 series), great wet performance, and off road ability which to me just about cancells out the noise as they wear, and in 15 years and some 500,000km's never had one punctured

Summary, extremely capable long-distance hauler, suprising fuel economy, terrific touque, brilliant 10 speed gearbox, keeps the engine under 2000rpm, (unless overtaking roadtrains, (beware, the speed rapidly increases into license ban area!) Cabin in very comfortable, even the drivers seat without lumber support is good for 4-5 hours at a time, leg room in the back is on par with a limo, 3rd row of seats is OK for children under 15 years old, folded up provided cavernous storage area.

This is definitely going to be a keeper for me.

UPDATE February 2025

Continues to be an excellent long range cruiser, eating up the km’s with ease. Biggest issue is the soft rear suspension when towing. Pulling a 2ton horse box with one horse on board, total trailer mass 2.6 tonnes, the rear end drops substantially. Have even had the front wheels loose traction pulling away from the lights on a wet tarmac road with 50% worn tyres. Checked down force on tow ball, well under 350kg, I always check combined weight on a weighbridge before departing on long towing journeys. This makes the steering light and handling potentially hazardous in wet conditions. Offical response is that I could install an aftermarket suspension upgrade, didn’t plan on spending $$$$’s to rectify a design problem on a vehicle that’s supposed to tow 3.5tons!!. Very disappointed, My Hilux with a a 3.2 tonnes towing capacity tow far better, just lacks power, and the 450nm struggles to keep up, however the leaf spring suspension does a far better job under load than the 300 series.

Couple of other irritating issues, quality of the foam in the front seats leaves a lot to be desired, drivers seat cushion replaced under warranty after 3 years and 60,000 kms, front passenger seat going the same way.

Paint pealing off the factory tow bar, I have friends with 300’s who have experienced similar problems, it looks a mess with paint flaking off around the tow ball, poor preparation before painting.

The biggest issue for me is the poor towing capabilities, it’s used 4-6 times a year for interstate equestrian events.

I be would be interested if other owners have experienced similar problems.