LandCruiser 200 VS 300 Series

Land Cruiser 200 V8 Engine VS 300 V6

There are four different models of the 200 Series, and they all come with a powerful 4.5L V8 Diesel Automatic 4 Wheel Drive Engine. This powerful engine can handle all types of terrain, from a rocky mountain range to a soft sandy beach. Not only is the engine powerful, but the fuel consumption is quite economical when it comes to an SUV. With an average of 9.5L/100km, the 138L fuel tank should be able to last you a full day’s travel and then some.

As for the 300 Series, there are six different models and they are all powered by a new and more efficient V6 3.3L Diesel twin-turbo engine and transmission across all grades. The bottom line? With 227kW of power and 700Nm of torque, this engine is designed to be lighter and stronger than the 200 Series. Fuel economy across the entire range is rated at 8.9L/100km, which drops to 7.6L/100km on the freeway.

What's The Difference Between The LC300 & LC200 Interiors

The type of interior you get depends on the model you purchase.

GX & GXL Models

The base models for both Series are the GX and the GXL, but don’t let the fact that they are the starter models fool you. These models still have a sense of luxury other SUVs just don’t. In the 200 model, the cloth interior is stylish and resilient, the leather-accented steering wheel is flush and comfortable, and the headroom allows even the tallest person to sit behind the steering wheel. Over in the new 300 Series, the interior in the GX includes 5 seats, while the GXL adds 7 seats.

The VX Model

The next step up is the VX Model. In the 200 Series, this model of the Toyota LandCruiser is the next step in luxury. The cloth seats are replaced with premier leather, the standard dual-zone air conditioning system is upgraded to four-zone climate control air conditioning for extra comfort, a powered sunroof and an extra seat has been added to turn a 7-seater into an 8-seater. As for the 300 Series, the VC is a 7-seater that carries on the features of the 200 Series, but with the added benefit of a 12.3-inch infotainment screen.

The Sahara Model

The 200 Series version of the Sahara model is the crème de la crème of SUVs. It has all the added luxuries of the VX model, but also includes heated front and rear seats, and a power-adjustable steering column. In the 300 Series, expect a heated steering wheel and 14-speaker premium JBL sound system. Talk about luxury.

Flagship models: GR Sport & Sahara ZX

These 5-seater flagship vehicles are exclusive to the 300 Series and are a lesson in living luxe. The GR Sport is only available in sporty five seats and includes exterior badging and a leather-accented interior for a stylish appearance. At the top of the range, the Sahara ZX offers illuminated side steps and a leather-accented interior in either black, beige, or red and black.

What about the tech specs?

In this day and age, your car needs to be fitted with a host of technological features or it really isn’t going to appeal to anyone. Again, what features you get are determined by what model you choose.

GX & GXL Models

The base model LandCruisers come with basic electrical features including Bluetooth Connectivity, Satellite Navigation, Alarm System/Remote Anti-Theft, Smart Entry and Start System as well as a stock-standard Reversing Camera. The 300 Series versions, however, also include a 9.0-inch infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The VX Model

The 200 Series VX model takes it up another gear when it comes to technology. The VX includes Digital Audio Broadcast Radio, a 9” Electro Multi Vision Touchscreen Audio Display, ApplePlay and Android Auto and Dusk Sensing Headlights, which illuminate automatically when the sun starts to set. The 300 Series, on the other hand, includes a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, 360-degree camera and 10-speaker sound system. What more could you ask for?

The Sahara Model

The Sahara 200 Series has all of this with a little bit extra to take it to the top. Have a long trip ahead of you with the kids? The Sahara comes with a DVD player so the kids can focus on the screen instead of continuously asking ‘are we there yet?’. In the 300 Series, you’ve also got a 14-speaker premium JBL sound system to enjoy your favourite podcast or playlist at the highest quality.

Flagship models: GR Sport and Sahara ZX

Upfront, the dashboard on the GR Sport and Sahara ZX is dominated by a tablet-style 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and satellite navigation. These features are all substantial improvements over the 200 Series' 9.0-inch unit, which missed out on smartphone mirroring technology.

How does the Safety Features compare?

The safety features for all the models across both series are what helps them pull away from the rest.

GX & GXL Models

The 200 Series GX and GXL models come standard with 8 SRS Airbags, Hillstart Assist Control (HAC), Parking Distance Cameras for both the front and rear of the car and a 5-star 2011 ANCAP Safety Rating. In the 300 Series, the GX also includes an electronic parking brake, downhill assist control, lane-keep assist and autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection (day and night) and cyclist detection (day). The LandCruiser 300 GXL adds an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, rear cross-traffic alert and a blind-spot monitor for ultimate safety.

The VX Model

In the 200 Series, the VX model continues to improve on that of the GX and GXL models, with Blind Spot Monitoring, Daytime Running LED lights, Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors and Rain Sensing Wipers. As the 300 Series already included the majority of these features, the VX now ups them again by adding low-speed reverse autonomous braking.

The Sahara Model

The Sahara model caps it all off across the 200 and 300 Series by also including Cross Traffic Recognition, Active High Beam Control, Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and Lane Change & Departure Warning.

Flagship models: GR Sport and Sahara ZX

The top of the range models makes safety a priority. The GR Sport incorporates the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (e-KDSS), while the Sahara ZX includes Torsen limited-slip differential. All six models of the LandCruiser 300 come with Toyota Safety Sense, a suite of intelligent safety features designed to help you drive safer.