GR Sport Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series 2022 Review

GR Sport – LandCruiser has been an icon for many years in Australia and I’ve even owned a couple, so the chance to drive the new 300 series GR Sport on a week long drive was filled with anticipation

My overall impression is that it’s awesome, with a couple of minor caveats.

TO LISTEN TO THE GR Sport RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Specifically designed as the 4WD for enthusiasts the GR Sport comes with Kinetic suspension, front and read diff locks, adaptive variable suspension and 5 mode driver select function.

In addition it has 18 inch alloy wheels for more off road tyre selection, different approach angle and a lot of GR Bling.

I’m a fan of the 5 seat configuration as well as the removal of the rear seat entertainment screens.

No complaints about the new V6 diesel engine and 10 speed transmission.

The interior is a big improvement on the 200 series, but here is the caveat. The layout seems a little cluttered and I think it will date easily. I was left feeling wanting a little more.

However wireless charging tray is appreciated.

Off road is its domain, on road dynamics are improved but not quite as good as the Defender.

Priced from a little under $138,000 plus the usual costs its expensive but Toyota will sell a load of these.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Also Look At

• Nissan Patrol
• Land Rover Defender D300 SE
• Land Rover Discovery
• Toyota LandCruiser Prado

Some other LandCruiser Articles

• 1 – Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series first drive at launch
• 2 – Nissan Patrol TI-L vs Toyota LandCruiser 300 GX 2022 Motoring Minute Review
• 3 – Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series launched
• 4 – Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series Model details
• 5 – Toyota LandCruiser Sahara 4WD 2021 Radio Review
• 6 – Toyota LandCruiser Sahara trip to the Snow
• 7 – Toyota LandCruiser Sahara 2020 Video Review

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)

*Towing and AWD Capability is compared to other similar vehicles in the same class.

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GR Sport Specific Details – additional features over SAHARA

Find a complete model walk here

Mechanical

• e-KDSS
• Lockable front and rear differentials
• Adaptive variable suspension
• 5-mode drive mode select

Exterior

• Black 18-inch alloy wheels with 265/65R18 Dunlop tyres
• Unique black gloss mesh grille with matte white ‘TOYOTA’ lettering
• Specific front & rear lower bumper design & black wheelarch mouldings
• Black rocker/lower door mouldings, outer mirror covers, door handles, window mouldings & ‘LandCruiser’ logo
• GR Sport badging on grille, front doors & rear hatch
• Different rear mudguards
• Front door scuff plate ornamentation
• Delete chrome-accented exterior door mirrors & door handles
  

Interior

• GR Sport logo on steering wheel, front seat headrests & smart start button
• Unique ‘Advanced Carbon’ steering wheel, centre console & door trim
• Five seats with two-row curtain airbags

Safety

• Adaptive high beam system
  

Comfort and convenience

• 1 Front USB-A port (for USB audio connection) & 3 USB-C ports (1 x front row, 2 x 2nd row)
• No hard-backed pockets for back of front seats
• Rear seat entertainment removed

GR Sport more Thoughts

• GR Sport definitely has a different look and feel about it to the Sahara versions
• With a it aids off road capability
• On road dynamics are tighter than the Sahara and that’s a bonus
• Purposeful front end and better approach angle
• There has been a few people winging and bitching about the new V6 engine, well in reality its an improvement over the big lazy V8 that was available before. Longevity questions will only be answered by time
• Heated seats are ‘toasty’ and the ventilation also is appreciated
• Rear seats are reasonably comfortable but better suited for two people. Knee room is good but foot room feels a little high and restricted
• Not having two rear seats is a bonus as is not having the twin screen on the rear of the front seats like in the Sahara. That technology is now old.
• The difference in suspension between the GR Sport and Sahara means firmer and sportier ride and dynamics and much better on road as well as off road.
• Infotainment technology is behind the market, however the screen at 12.5 inches is excellent
• The central cool box is handy but I would prefer storage.
• Rear seat exterior view is panoramic with big windows and a high seating position.
• I miss the split tailgate, although the new one does provide cover in the wet.
• despite all the changes there is a familiarity to driving the LandCruiser and that’s comforting.
• Power delivery is linear which helps day to day driving
• electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System ( e-KDSS ) and front and rear diff locks etc allow prodigious off road capability.
• At freeway speeds there is more wind noise than I would have expected.
• For me the GR Sport is the pick of the bunch.