Is the base 300 Series the best? (Toyota Land Cruiser LC300 GX 2022 review)
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- čas přidán 25. 07. 2024
- Toyota’s Land Cruiser 300 Series range covers sparse to lavish, so does the entry-level GX offer the best value? Today, Chasing Cars Deputy Editor Nathan Ponchard takes an in-depth and independent look at this in-demand 4WD to see if it’s a better fit for all-round duties than its luxurious siblings.
Even with a list price of $89,990, it still looks relatively plain but there’s a lot more refinement, equipment and comfort built into the Land Cruiser LC300 GX than its steel wheels and standard snorkel might imply.
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love it when u guys test the base models too, sometimes we pay so much money for things we can live without
Like a Landcruiser.
Very true.
@Oggy Oggy 😂😅
Thanks guys, I waited long for this GX review and you guys did it. Thanks Nathan and Tom 👌
One of the best car reviews I've watched. Thank you for the insight.
Just clocked up 3500 km in my 300 GX in the last month and I love it, Paid $98700 for it plus $4200 for the Toyota alloy bull bar. Sure it was a six month wait from when I ordered it in mid October last year, but all new cars are similar wait times at the moment, I find it to be a worthy replacement for my 105 wagon that I have done 492 K in since 2005. I am quite glad that I missed out on a 200 and had to wait for this one, Has everything I need and none of the poser stuff that the flasher models come with, Well done Toyota with this one.
how do you find the tail gate when you have a trailer on, i have a troopy and can easily open boot with a trailer on and would annoy me if i couldnt.
very comprehensive review, thanks.
118k is just crazy. I paid 115 for a new 200 Sahara in 2019.
Paid under 100k for mine, added 18" King Grapplers 265 x 65 Maxxis tyres ARB colour coded bull bar, ARB roof tray with light bar, black duck seat covers and it really is all you need. Out of pocket 113k and it looks and rides great, big upgrade after 20yrs in my 105
Hi mate, I’m about to get my 300 . I test drive it it felt smaller , than a 200 . Do you love your 300? Is it worth it for you?
Just love your real world overviews 👍🏻 This LC iteration is my fave, pity about the availability, here in sunny South Africa they also sell the "used" models above the dealer list price. Still a lot of car for the money
Once you include on road costs like LCT and stamp duty, the GXL is actually around 17k more than the GX! It’s really hard to go past the GX….
Super detailed and astute observations, Nathan. After watching this video with all the acquired 300 Series research that I've done for the last 12 months, you've managed to point out the things that I've observed which many other reviewers simply either gloss over or just didn't take the time to study and report to your viewer base. Thanks for this very thorough review and your opinions.
For me the vehicle has serious shortcomings compared to the 200 Series - second row seat no longer slides to liberate more space to the cargo bay which is so useful sometimes. That hump on the second row floor makes sitting in the middle seat incredibly uncomfortable, so effectively this is strictly a 4 adult person vehicle for any lengthy drive. Not even sure why there is a hump there as the driveline is nowhere near that floor area, so I am guessing it is for body rigidity reasons or perhaps space for an underslung hybrid battery in the future. The 150 and 200 both have an almost flat floor in the 2nd row by comparison. The cargo bay is very narrow in the gap between the wheel arches, so a drawer system out of a 150 or 200 cannot physically fit into a 300 due to the reduced width.
Those 245mm tyres on the GX are super skinny compared to the 285 in the 200 or the 265 in the 150 or the rest of the 300 range. Is this because the front brake calipers are smaller on the GX to be able to accommodate 17" wheels? Reports from early GX owners suggest the GX brakes squeal a lot - did you observe this during your testing?
That center console and transmission gear shift lever area seems excessively bulky, robbing the driver and front passenger of a lot of space from the cabin, to the point of describing the 300's interior as "cozy". Not quite the roomy airy feel of a 150 or 200 where I think would be arguably more comfortable on a long drive. The cramped quarters in the 300 may have partially failed the objective of the Japanese product team who wanted to make the 300 a less tiring car to drive on the long stretches of Australian roads, as it feels more "cooped up" - especially with the dark headlining, which makes the interior just seem more claustrophobic.
Top marks for a round volume knob on the radio on the GX. Not sure if the reverse camera resolution is up to scratch compared to the Korean and European vehicles but perhaps much improved over the 150/200. 6 lug nuts means 200 Series wheels will no longer fit, but hoping that perhaps Prado wheels can be used on this vehicle as there are usually lots for sale used and can serve as a second set of tyres.
Now that the 2024 Prado details will be revealed for the 1st time on 2nd August 2024, let's hope Toyota have given Australians a more affordable vehicle on the same TNGA-F platform, although the 300 will still be a first choice as a tow vehicle for larger caravans due to the engine and transmission.
Great review Ponch 👏🏻
Excellent review 😍👌
Top review. Best I’ve seen yet.
Appreciate that!
Love it, Ponch!
Honestly I love silver. My dad has an 08 falcon. Rough as guts now. Tonnes of kms. Exterior is one of the cleanest bf falcon station wagons out there, and it’s a blue ish sliver. It’s called lightning silver I think but it’s a super nice, glossy colour.
Nice review. Like to see some towing test
No matter if anyone likes this car or not, no one can argue with the amazing residual value of the used land cruisers even the land cruiser Prado has great resale value.
Helped old mate north of Broom last week with electrical issues I just pulled the battery terminal off for a couple of minutes and he was on his way but for how long I don't know.
Great honest and down to Earth review - love the opportunity to see a base model review and for some strange reason would opt for a GX model because of its purity of purpose. Obviously (full disclosure) I'm not going to get a GX because I saw the Chasing Cars review of the BMW F20 118i and bought one of those...(and I love it).
Great informative review.
Thanks for watching!
Great honest review of base model which is rare in car media these days that is always fixated on testing top spec models. I pick up my GX in a few days and have already sourced side steps and wheels from a VX , add some dark tint and it should look pretty good for a pov pack.
Do the wheels from the VX go straight on or do you need the hubcentric rings? I dont really know what I'm talking about but was told I would need those if I wanted to upgrade my wheels.
@@vanwife Yes they go straight on but you need the nuts from the alloy wheel as they are different to the steel wheel nuts.
Have Prado GX - perfect. Would only go for 300 GX, has everything you need.
I love the GX when you put 50mm lift and 285 70 17 types and 17x8 wheels ARB bull bar and side rails and steps kaymar wheel carrier and brown davis 150 lt fuel tank in the back some diff locks she be good to go
Good review thanks, no B.S and informative
Would the tailgate lift higher with different gas struts, or will that cause contact between the tailgate and the roof?
i love the snorkel look on the GX version
My brother is mechanic at Toyota and got told that more electrical stuff on Toyota lc300 and Prado kakadu causing more trouble for frequent trips to dealerships. Happy with my GXL prado. Less electric less fuss.
The snorkel needs to be a no cost delete option. When that happens I'm placing an order.
And it’s not even a real snorkel because it is not watertight. It is a raised air intake.
Slick looking snorkel
For a car enthusiast, base GX, tough bumper, a lift, and MT tires is just enough
Is it the same refinement as models above? Or did Toyota strip out sound insulation too?!
Can anyone comment on the amount of front headroom in the GX/GXL compared to the VX/Sahara? I can’t fit in the higher spec models and it was the same with the 200 series. The best the dealers can say is “Order a GXL and if you don’t fit when it arrives, we can refund your deposit.” I’d prefer not to wait such a long time only to (possibly) be disappointed.
I liked the cost of ownership breakdown 👍
I'd love to see a review that my budget can afford 😍
I love base models all you need and nothing you don't
Not having 3rd row seats to remove and have complianced for seating change is worth considering, given most will set up storage draws and fridge in the back. Tyres and rims are easily changed. Would be worth consideri g if used for touring, no adjustable a/c in th back might not matter for two people touring Aus. Thanks for the comparison.
Good review honest and on point, as a owner of a 200 GX I’m not sold on the new model seriously no adjustment on the driver’s seat, no lumber support, reduced fuel capacity ( not mentioned ! offset by new engine/ driveline?? ) and it just looks a bit ugly. No barn doors odd tyre size and $118K + price tag man I’m glad I paid 40 k less than that for a true weapon that mine is with plenty of mods.
An aftermarket split tailgate would be a hit
Is this the top carpark of Berowra waters?
That's the best base to build a MONSTER...
"you do not need electronic nannies to go far, you need reliability".....(Camel Trophy 1989)
Excellent Review, Ponch. Despite the advances over the 200 Series, I would prefer to stick to my V8 Diesel GXL 200
I actually like the base Land Cruiser far more than the LX 600 in the looks department.
100k for cloth seats and steel wheels have they lost their minds
Base model GX in metallic = 🥳 as it’s a workhorse
Needs or wants, that s the question.
If you want to cruise the world without heavy mods that's your car. Great car!
Bring back the barn doors ,and the key start.
the cost of turbo seems to be one day of work for an extra dealership visit plus the money left there.
I’m not sure what I prefer, but that was a reason why I’ve chosen NA over turbo in my Forester.
Who on earth is cross shopping a Forester with a Cruiser?
@@craigdavid6668
Please read again and maybe understand what is written there.
@@valdius85 😂
So glad I bought a 2021 V8 GXL. Departing on a big trip in a month's time, if I'd waited on the 300 I wouldn't be going for 12-18 months!
And I won't be discovering faults like early 200 series or DPF Hilux/Prado owners.
We'll know after the engines have had a few hundred thousand miles.
Not too bad as a 'base' model. I'd be happy with 5 seats as I have never needed 7 seats. Only thing I would prefer to be included in the model would be carpets.
Why would you want carpets?
we all put mats over the carpets and seat covers over the leather- ha
i choose that silver
It was probably the only one you could get.
Price update -
2024 GX is currently 108,500 drive away in Perth
Only $118K if you want one now - just ordered a GX with a 18 month wait, but the price is less than list at about $98K - I did better than that. We are going touring, so didn't need extra seats etc, and the only issue was vinyl fllors, but they are more practical so I'll live with them. The Patrol is the same price and lead time, and the Grenadier - yuck, no thanks
I love mine mate, top vehicle.
Hate snorkels…GXL worth the jump on that alone.
It's annoying the snorkel on the driver side.
All plastic or acutally fanstatic? We see all the cool kids buying these but don't think its ever going to outdo the 200series.
They say that about every new model and theyr always wrong
news flash its just come out there having lots problems with these new engines there using heaps oil look it up
300 - 👍
Video - 👍
Wait for the Ineos Grenadier, much better value and a more refined off road concept.
And less refined on road.
$89995 auz $ thats only $63K US $ toyota could sale lot more in the US at that price the LC 200 was $95k US $ =$135k auz $ luxury car thats why the sales where low no diesel Toyotas in the US
Base Model........ 😍🥵😍🤩😍🖤🔥🖤🔥🖤🔥
Think I might just put aside $25k and stick with my well maintained base Disco 4 2.7 single turbo and its drop down tailgate. Fresh oil every 5000 kms religiously fellas is all you need to do. That easy.
Nothing like a disco for comfort, and space, pity about the cranks
New defender 130..👍👍👍
Perfect for those who don’t want to get home from a trip.
$150K driveaway with no options 😞
The wheels let it down I have to say as it is. You’d HAVE to upgrade to the 18” alloys.
17 inch much more useful for 4wd
When you look at most Landcruiser owners do, is to up grade the wheels and tyres, so those 17" steelies don't matter. But let talk about the elephant in the room, $118,000 you must be kidding me. Ok, I would mind one myself, but would never ever pay that sort of money.
Car manufacturers are now taking the motoring public for idiots and if people pay this sort of money for this car, they are idiots as well, don't buy them and the price will come back down.
They’ll be sold out for years.
Ever heard of the Toyota tax
I think you will find base gx models on sold for $118,000 would be mine sites. They too struggle for new cars.
@@kieranmccann7823 possible, but they generally lease them, so the lease companies could be snapping them up.
Paid $99700 for mine with tow bar and 6 months rego
100K for that? with ancient tech?.....you're getting ripped off.
Seems as though the Chasing Cars ⚽️ soccer ball test is a flop. Just a quick flash in this review. More like lead balloons.
90k for bargain basement. Yowch.
Nice try on the upsell, but seriously, $100K for an interior and appointments (or lack thereof) worthy of a Toyota corolla is outragous. Australians will still buy them at this price and higher. The cult of Landcruiser?
," Bland cruiser"
id call this UN spec
These cruisers have been over priced for 20 years. I’m not even surprised how ridiculously priced a base model cruiser is. The utes are a joke the interior looks 25yrs old and y’all still want $100k?
Cant afford one ay?
Neither can you player That’s why you watched this CZcams video
Why on earth would anyone with half a brain watch this vid if they werent thinking of gettin one🥴
With inflation factored in & the average wage in comparison to the price of a Cruiser now compared to 20 years ago they are cheaper now, don’t be upset because you can’t afford one, work harder, get a Sahara.
@@craigdavid6668 you have to have rocks in your head to pay that much for a Toyota. They are glorified taxis
Base models are always the best value. Selecting options and options is the number 1 way carmakers uses to make big bucks of you. To us certain features might seem worth the price they charge but the manufacturers pay almost nothing to add these features.
118k…….Absolutely NOT…….buy a Nissan …..😉👍
Look into the Ineos Grenadier, coming to Aus by the end of the year. Much better package than both Nissan and Toyota for offroad and overlanding enthusiasts.
When is the new patrol interior coming ?
wow not a good place to spend $$$$
Only because you can’t afford one.
Europe and USA can make handsome and even sexy large 4wd's/SUV's. Toyota after 30 years to think about it release the same brick shithouse styling Landcruiser of yesteryear.🙄
And they sell much better than those handsome vehicles that last less than 10 years. How many 10 year old X5, cayenne, Q7 do you see on the road?
@@Bagnerdpak
I don’t think the exterior appearance has much to do with reliability.
Handsome and sexy large shitboxes
The snorkel looks ugly, too protruding, and detracts from the overall styling on this particular vehicle in my opinion.
Looks like a Musso..
This is the poverty version for all the poor souls whose bank accounts are very empty
Pretty sure most LandCruiser owners bank accounts are just fine😂
badest cruiser of history
Have you released all the "unvaccinated" from your Covid Concentration Camps yet?
Looks so ugly in real life, waste off money
LC Price In Australia is so damn cheap....come here to Indonesia