- The Toyota Land Cruiser 300 has received its first major upgrade since its debut back in 2021.
- Highlights include a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and enhanced anti-theft measures.
- Toyota has suspended orders for the SUV, focusing on fulfilling the existing waiting list.
Toyota has a habit of refining its icons rather than reinventing them, and the latest update to the Land Cruiser 300 Series is no exception. The company has rolled out a lightly refreshed version of the full-size SUV in Japan, which is still not offered in North America where we get the slightly smaller Land Cruiser 250.
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The 2026MY Land Cruiser 300 doesn’t bring any styling updates compared to the original that was introduced in August 2021. Instead, Toyota focused on technological improvements. However, if you’re thinking about placing an order, you’re out of luck for now: Toyota has temporarily paused new orders to focus on clearing the mountain of existing backlogs.
Digital Upgrades and a Focus on Theft Prevention
The most noticeable changes take place inside the cabin. Mid- and high-spec trims now come standard with a new 12.3-inch TFT digital instrument cluster, offering configurable graphics. Entry-level models, meanwhile, get a smaller 7-inch version. This pairs with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, though buyers can opt for a larger 12.3-inch unit if they prefer something a bit more commanding.
In response to the Land Cruiser’s unfortunate status as the most stolen vehicle in Japan, Toyota has introduced additional anti-theft measures. The “My Car Start Lock” feature from the connected services allows owners to remotely lock the engine from their smartphones, preventing thieves from driving away.
All trims also now come with a fingerprint authentication start button, a system that checks whether the smart key is actually near the vehicle, an alarm with a tilt sensor, and an immobilizer system.
Regulatory Compliance and Safety Enhancements
In order to comply with the latest regulations in Japan, the Land Cruiser 300 has been upgraded with an enhanced collision damage mitigation braking function adding pre-crash safety for cyclists. It also gets an event data recorder and improved cybersecurity.
Mechanically, nothing changes under the hood. The Land Cruiser 300 continues to offer the same non-electrified twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 gasoline and 3.3-liter V6 diesel engines, both mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel-drive system. However, Toyota notes that the diesel powertrain now complies with Japan’s latest emissions standards.
Price Bumps and Long Waits
Pricing for the refreshed Land Cruiser 300 starts at ¥5,252,500 (around $35,100) for the entry-level gasoline GX trim, climbing to ¥8,136,800 (roughly $54,400) for the diesel-powered GR Sport variant. Compared to the previous model, prices have risen between ¥130,900 and ¥152,500 ($875 to $1,020), depending on trim.
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However, pricing won’t matter much to new buyers—at least not yet. Demand for the Land Cruiser 300 in Japan has always been greater than the available supply, resulting in years worth of waiting lists. To avoid overpromising, Toyota has suspended new orders until it can deliver vehicles to the customers who’ve already staked their claim. The company issued an official apology, posted on its website:
?Thank you for considering purchasing our vehicle. The Land Cruiser ‘300’ has undergone some improvements to comply with regulations. We have suspended orders in order to prioritize production of vehicles for customers who continue to place orders and are waiting for delivery. We understand that many customers in Japan are waiting for their vehicles to be delivered, and we will do our utmost to maximize production and deliver these vehicles as quickly as possible. We apologize for the continued inconvenience, and appreciate your understanding.”
