Toyota’s legendary LandCruiser 300 Series is set to receive a significant mid-life refresh for the 2025 model year, with new tech, refined styling and improved off-road capability – but prices are climbing as high as $1999 across the range.
The updates come as the premium ladder-frame 4×4 segment grows increasingly competitive, with rivals like the Nissan Patrol and Land Rover Defender battling it out against the iconic Toyota sale.
Pricing Changes Throughout the Model Lineup
Prices for the 2025 LandCruiser 300 range now start at $94,990 (plus on-road costs) for the entry-level GX diesel, which is a $1700 increase compared to the outgoing model.
The most popular VX grade sees the biggest price bump of $1999, now starting at $108,490, while the luxury-focused Sahara caps off at $127,990 before on-roads.
The adventure-focussed GR Sport variant remains the top-shelf model at $142,990, and is also its most modestly-priced model, at $1500.
Industry analysts speculate that these price changes are symptomatic of inflationary pressure, as well as the massively upgraded technology brought in for 2025.
Given the depth of improvements, “Toyota’s positioning remains competitive,” says James Thornton, automotive market specialist with Davidson Research. “They have piled on thousands in added equipment value while keeping price increases under the psychological $2000 barrier.
Last month, at the local launch event in Cairns, Toyota Australia’s Head of Marketing, Sarah Bennett defended the hikes. “The all-new LandCruiser 300 Series is the most capable, most advanced and most refined ever made, Bennett added.
“Our customers demand ongoing improvement, and these enhancements are significant value with minimal price increases.”
Refined Exterior Design
With its iconic presence untouched, the 2025 LandCruiser did get some subtle exterior tweaks for added functionality and visual appeal.
A new front bumper features larger air intakes for better cooling performance in the extreme conditions of Australia’s brutal outback — perfect for towing. Most models adopt a new horizontal design for the grille, while the flagship GR Sport gets an aggressive mesh inspired by Toyota’s Dakar Rally entries.
All models have LED headlights, with higher grades gaining adaptive units with improved beam pattern and automatic high-beam control.
We’re also offered four new exterior colors: Terracotta Sunset, Arctic White, and Cobalt Blue alongside new wheel designs for the base GX (18-inch alloys) to machine-finished 20-inch bundles on premium models.
At the rear, new LED taillights are combined with dynamic turn signals on higher grades, while new tailgate designs improve aerodynamic performance slightly while maintaining LandCruiser’s unmistakable silhouette.
These lighting updates are subtle but meaningful and keep the model’s iconic silhouette while introducing modern touches.
Major Changes Inside
The biggest changes for 2025 are on the interior, where Toyota has responded to the brand’s past criticism about tech integration and material quality.
A 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is now standard across the lineup. The platform comes with Toyota’s latest-generation interface that’s more responsive and has the ability to be updated over the air.
All but the base GX get a customizable 10-inch digital instrument cluster in place of traditional gauges; the base model has a simpler 7-inch display.
A thoughtful holdover from customer commentary about other competitors’ vehicles that feature touchscreen-only climate systems, the adjustments are found in their rightful place behind dedicated physical controls.
Notable improvement on material quality, especially in contact surfaces. All models now feature premium leather-wrapped steering wheels, plus soft-touch surfaces for the upper door panels and center console.
The Sahara and GR Sport features ventilated seats in the second row, finally answering a design deficit under Australian summer climate conditions.
“The interior refinements completely change the game,” agrees veteran 4×4 writer Mark Harrison, who toured the new SUV during a media launch program.
“Previous generations of the LandCruiser focused on utility over luxury, but this new iteration shines in both areas without losing what makes it a LandCruiser at its core.”
Powertrain Enhancements
At its heart is still Toyota’s well-established 3.3-litre twin-turbocharged V6 diesel, which develops 227kW of power and 700Nm of torque.
A number of refinements have been made for 2025, however, such as revised injection timing as well as revised turbocharger control logic that improves throttle response at low speeds – one of the few complaints aimed at the launch of the original 300 Series.
Fuel economy improves marginally to 8.7L/100km on the combined cycle (8.9L/100km previously), while towing capacity remains class-best at 3500kg braked.
New software calibration makes for smoother shifts and more intuitive downshifting when descending steep gradients in the 10-speed automatic transmission.
There’s also been a wider rollout of the 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine that was previously exclusive to certain markets.
With 305kW and 650Nm it will be available in GXL grade and higher, offering buyers a diesel free alternative to concern about diesel particulate filter problems that impacted some early-300 Series examples.
Improved Off-Road Capabilities
The LandCruiser’s already legendary off-road capability gets several substantive upgrades for 2025. The Multi-Terrain Select system gets seven driving modes (one more than before), including a new “Rock Crawl+” setting that maximizes throttle, differential locking, and stability systems to suit stubborn rock-climbers.
It has also been equipped with a recalibrated version of Toyota’s Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) for increased articulation on rough terrain, yet good stability on the pavement.
Higher-spec models get an upgraded version of Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Monitor that adds a transparent underfloor display created using overlays of several camera feeds and a digital terrain model.
Ground clearance is up slightly to 235mm (from 230mm), while the approach and departure angles stay the same, at 32 and 25 degrees, respectively.
GR Sport models have exclusive access to front and rear electronic differential locks, although VX and Sahara variants are now fitted with a standard rear e-locker, compared with an optional extra before.
The updated 300 Series showed great capability across the more difficult terrain during the off-road element of its launch program.
Off-road instructor Claire Davidson says “Most changes are internal, but the revised suspension calibration provides noticeably better wheel articulation through cross-axle scenarios.” “The improvements may appear minor on paper, but they add up to very real capability improvements in the operating environment.”
Enhanced Safety and Driver Assists
The 2025 Toyota also gets comprehensive updates to its Safety Sense suite, which now includes intersection collision avoidance, emergency steering assist, and improved pedestrian detection that works in low-light conditions.
It also adds support for motorcycle detection — a nice addition for Australian rural driving as well, given the frequency at which you encounter motorcycles.
The adaptive cruise control now works with the navigation system to automatically slow down for upcoming curves and speed changes.
Refined programming makes lane-keeping assistance systems feel more natural and less overbearing in normal driving, addressing one of the more frequent user complaints of the previous generation.
A new Driver Attention Monitor uses an infrared camera to measure drivers’ eye movement and facial expressions and issue alerts to possible fatigue or distraction. This system works in mirror with steering input monitoring to deliver more responsive warnings than my past implementations.
Ownership Experience
The 2025 LandCruiser also benefits from Toyota’s recently extended warranty coverage of 7 years/unlimited kilometers, which is significant extra value considering the model’s usual long life.
Although maintaining a hard service interval of 6 months/10,000km since the days of the E150, Toyota defends the frequent requirement as being appropriate for vehicles that will be used in tough conditions frequently.
The Toyota Connected Services package adds 5 years of free remote vehicle monitoring for checking fuel levels, lock status and where the car is located by smartphone.
An upgraded audio feature now automatically calls emergency services in the event of a collision, even if occupants are unable to respond.
The myToyota app gains added functionality, such as the ability to pre-condition the cabin temperature prior to entering the vehicle – an especially handy feature in the extremes of Australia’s climate.
With remote vehicle security monitoring, you receive real-time alerts if the vehicle is bumped, broken into, or moved without your permission.
Position Within the Marketplace and Outlook
Despite the price rises, Toyota Australia is not expecting demand to subside, with wait times advised to be 6-8 months for high demand variants, like the GXL and VX.
Although the company has received more production allocation from Toyota’s Tahara plant in Japan, it admits that global supply constraints still impact delivery timelines.
“LandCruiser has a special place in Australian motoring culture,” says automotive historian Dr. Margaret Chen.
“Few vehicles manage to mix aspirational status with authenticity like the 300 Series. These updates help it stay competitive against the newer rivals entering that segment.”
According to Fleet operators & Tour operators, the refreshed model is said to have received a series of orders due to the updated technology, mechanical robustness, and proven, proven track record.
Government agencies especially, especially those who work in the bush, maintain a preference for the LandCruiser as a quantities of similar reliability in tough conditions.
With enhanced interior technology and refined on-road manners, the 2025 LandCruiser is even more desirable as an everyday driver for families, and recreational off-roaders at the same time don’t have to sacrifice weekend off-road capability.
The extended warranty coverage is an added bonus for those making such a major financial investment.
“The 2025 updates don’t change the LandCruiser recipe,” says veteran motoring journalist Robert Pearson. “Instead, they subtly hone an already phenomenal package.
Toyota has taken on board owner feedback and made some smart improvements while also maintaining the core characteristics which have made LandCruiser a timeless hero of Australian motoring.”