300 Series Review - 4WD Experts EXPOSE the Truth! New Toyota LandCruiser - It is REALLY better?

In this real world 4WD test, we did EVERYTHING you'd do with your own! Shauno put 3,000kms on the new LandCruiser, putting it through its paces driving over corrugations, getting the 300 series suspension flexing & articulating on tough rutted tracks, driving on the beach - even towing a large caravan to test that famous LandCruiser towing capacity!

We got our mates at Pinnacle 4x4 to look over the CONTROVERSIAL F33A-FTV V6 diesel, the suspension setup, underbody protection and to see how easy it would be to service and maintain.

0:00 Intro
1:12 The Toyota LandCruiser
2:37 300 Series LandCruiser specs
3:18 300 Series engine: F33A-FTV Twin Turbo V6 Diesel
7:24 300 Series Suspension & chassis
13:49 300 Series Fuel Filter Location
16:06 300 Series Offroad Test & review
20:45 300 Series Towing Test & review
23:21 300 Series Beach driving
25:51 Shauno's review of the 300 series

[CarExpertAus]

For those interested, the centre console comfortably fits a cucumber sandwich. Sahara and GR Sport also chill the sandwich in the centre console.

[shanevonharten]

Still suffering from Landcruiser's biggest fault, no longer in the price range of people who would actually use them as a 4wd.

[tommygola]

Great review. I've been selling Toyota for almost 30 years since the 80 Series update. They used to scrub tyres, pop out of gear, crack in the D pillar, all sorts of stuff. Everyone wanted to keep their 60 Series. Same when the 100's came out, then the 200 and now the 300. Reality is every generation is different but they are always an improvement. Of course, no-one is going to like every single detail like the one piece tailgate. But overall they continue to get better and better. The 300 is no different. As for the price? 30 Years ago an 80 Series Turbo Diesel GXL was well over $60k with no tech at all. In real terms they are cheaper today! But if you consider the whole of life cost including the ridiculous resale, they are far cheaper to own than most other 4WD's. Haters gonna hate but the reality is LC is the real deal.

[dynahack]

I just want to say that I’ve been a huge fan of 4WD 24/7 (Action) for years. I’m in the US and if commented on videos in the past. This evening I went back and look at some video clips from 5-6 years ago and I was just in awe. You guys rock, you’ve come so far as a channel and it’s been an amazing journey to see it. I just want to say thank you and keep up the great work! I plan on watching for years to come.
PS my 2 year old son is a big fan too 😎 👍🏻

[nolz]

The old saying “they don’t make them like they used to” just proves itself time and time again. 90s Toyota will always be the pinnacle in my opinion.

[danrmetal]

This is a proper 4wd review, well done mate and keep them coming!

[philipjooste]

Exceptionally well done! This sets a new standard for how off-road vehicles and SUVs should be tested.

[eiredenfoord]

1 million % best review giving the people the info they actually want

[billandjuliemartin]

Roof carrying capacity is 100kg down from 200kg on 200 series. A game changer for those of us carrying a reasonable tinie and gear.
Great review but need more comment when towing to the max.

[mwmw]

Being concerned that the 300 was a soft roader compared to the 200 is a weird view, implies the 200 is a hard core offroad which it isn't. Ever since they went to IFS with the 100 series they stopped being serious offroaders and aimed for better road manners for the grey nomads and the school run. The 300 is just another incremental change of the 200 with comfortable family car being the main focus.

[dredd]

Fuel filter position thoughts, may have something to do with the injection pump that it uses. All diesel injection pumps are designed for high pressure output, not suction. Perhaps the position of the filter allows the pump to be able to draw the fuel required up to the pump without the need of a lift pump (filters are basically big restrictors)

[stevenkreti]

It’s a damn shame a 3T rated caravan wasn’t used in this review, most vehicles in this category will tow 2T all day everyday. Otherwise great review Shauno !

[rlaxton]

I would think that those plastic guards underneath are mainly there for aerodynamic purposes to reduce underbody drag since the flatter and smoother the bottom of the vehicle, the better it will perform.

[motoring]

Well, what else needs to be said. This is the ONLY place to go for 4wd reviews and news. Well done to all the 4WD 24-7 folks.

[brockeighty]

Not a massive fan of the look, and I personally think that electric handbrake and electric everything is a let down for 4wdriving but in saying that comparison to other new vehicles 4wds it’s pretty good just a good 40-50k more than the likes of an mux or something with the same features. Would be more suited to those looking for a touring rig than a track ready 4wd in my opinion. Can’t wait to see the aftermarket components they come up with.

[liambruhz]

I think modern day 4wds have it all over older 4wds as comfortable long-distance touring rigs. However, the older rigs seem far better in the hardcore tracks.

[michaelyoung]

Love the bent side step Shauno. Thanks for the review

[johnrhodes]

Firstly great review, very objective and great to hear your admission that you had a negative view prior to testing and was pleasantly surprised. I have a Sahara (bottom end) on order and cant wait to get out there. Having sat in one and driven one (300) series, it is way in front of the 200 (which is a great vehicle) but in my view may change. I would think that in 2 - 5 years the 300 will be the new bench mark and if we trust the engineers, technology and future safety enhancements it will be a wow of a vehicle. Again great review

[bennypezz]

This is the test and review we’ve all been waiting for 🙌🏾

[nickgrech]

Very comprehensive review of the big 300! Great work guys