The updated Land Cruiser 300 looks tougher than ever after Toyota's Modellista division gave it a bold new appearance package.
The Toyota Land Cruiser 300 remains one of the most desirable SUVs in its class among buyers around the world. The model was recently updated, with the biggest technical change being the addition of a hybrid powertrain. At the same time, Toyota's Modellista tuning division developed a new exterior package for the flagship SUV, giving the Land Cruiser 300 a more distinctive appearance without altering its factory engineering.
The Land Cruiser 300 debuted in 2021 as the successor to the Land Cruiser 200. It retained the body-on-frame construction and rugged character associated with the nameplate, while moving to a newer platform and gaining a broader selection of modern powertrains.
The latest update for the Japanese market adds a new 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 gasoline engine paired with an electric motor. The hybrid system produces 457 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque.
The powertrain is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. Fuel economy is rated at approximately 22 mpg, an improvement over the previous version of the 3.5-liter V6 without electric assistance.
At the same time, Toyota's in-house Modellista tuning brand has developed a new collection of exterior upgrades for the Land Cruiser 300. The front and rear bumpers feature a sportier design, the wheel arches have been widened, and a rear spoiler has been added to the tailgate.
The package is completed by 20-inch forged two-tone wheels with wide spokes. Combined with the redesigned bumpers, wider fender extensions and larger wheels, the SUV takes on a considerably more aggressive and dynamic appearance.
The Modellista exterior package costs the equivalent of about $3,465 in Japan. The wheels are sold separately and cost another $5,918, making them considerably more expensive than the body kit itself.
That puts the complete exterior package with the upgraded wheels at roughly $9,383.
The changes are purely visual, but they give the Land Cruiser 300 a noticeably different presence. The SUV keeps its rugged factory foundation while gaining the kind of styling details that make a large off-roader look even more imposing.