In the rarefied world of luxury SUVs, where opulence often shouts from the rooftops, the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 operates with a whisper that carries a global legacy. In India, its arrival was met with a reception that solidified its legendary status; a price tag of ₹2.31 crore and an instant waiting period that stretched over a year.
The LC 300’s sense of silent power is immediately tangible in its design. Built on the robust TNGA-F platform, the ZX variant measures a substantial 4985 mm in length, 1980 mm in width, and stands 1980 mm tall. With a wheelbase of 2850 mm and a ground clearance of 240 mm, it commands the road with a monolithic presence that is sharp and purposeful.
The face is dominated by a wide three-slat grille, and the full-LED headlamps are dwarfed by LED DRLs that line up with the top grille slat and the central Toyota emblem. In profile, its near-five-metre length is most apparent, with 20-inch alloys that lend a squat, planted stance. At the rear, massive tail-lamps feature vertically-stacked patterns that unite into a single unit.
The moment you step inside and shut the door, the outside world is muted. First impressions are of a premium space, but a closer inspection reveals a practical soul. This is best exemplified by the dashboard — an array of physical buttons and knobs for virtually every function you need. For the Gen-Z user accustomed to screens, a large 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Space, as expected, is generous. The LC 300 offers a refined interior with ample shoulder room and a boot capacity of 1131 litres in its standard five-seater layout.
With a front double-wishbone and a multi-link rear live axle, it soaks up potholes, undulations and broken tarmac with ease | Photo Credit: Ishaan Jaiswal
Under the bonnet, the India-spec model is powered by a 3.3-litre V6 twin-turbodiesel engine, a powerhouse that delivers 304 bhp and a monumental 71.38 kgm of torque. In an era trending towards hybridisation, this is an old-school powertrain paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission that channels power to all four wheels.
The driving experience is best described as smooth and confident. The V6 diesel pulls from low revs with a deep, muted thrum, making standing-start getaways and highway overtakes deceptively quick affairs; the 10-speed transmission shuffles through gears with fluidity. The steering is light at low speeds, making this behemoth surprisingly manageable in urban chaos. At the same time, it weighs up nicely on the open road, offering reassuring feedback without becoming nervous.
But to understand the Land Cruiser’s character, you must leave the tarmac behind. We guided our test unit down a muddy track leading to a rain-fed creek, and this was where the LC 300 transformed from a refined cruiser into a mechanical titan. Its off-road prowess is, in a word, effortless. We aimed for a water-filled gully, the murky water hiding the ruts beneath. As the LC 300’s nose dipped in, there was no drama, no frantic wheel spin — just steady, unstoppable forward motion. The suspension absorbed hidden imperfections with soft thuds, keeping the cabin perfectly level.
With a 110-litre fuel tank and high ground clearance, the LC 300 positions itself as a real-world highway mile muncher. During our highway run, we recorded fuel efficiency figures of close to 15 kpl — an astonishing feat for a nearly three-tonne SUV.
Perhaps the most impressive engineering feat is how this body-on-frame behemoth behaves on tarmac. With a front double-wishbone and a multi-link rear live axle, it soaks up potholes, undulations and broken tarmac with ease. The chassis remains well-controlled, avoiding excessive body roll around corners, while the cabin remains a haven of isolation from road and wind noise.
To sum up the new-generation Land Cruiser 300 is to acknowledge another Toyota product that, like its predecessors, will outlast its competition. It continues to chug along with a dash of new technology, but remains the same monument that built Toyota’s reputation. The only conceivable remark against it is its price tag. Yet, when weighed against its heritage, its capability and its uniqueness, the asking price feels almost justified.
© Motoring World
Published on October 3, 2025