The answer is an emphatic yes.
With their size and big diesel engine, they are viewed as persona non grata to those who only want planet-saving, low-emission-emitting vehicles on our roads.
Despite this, demand is out the gate for the new Cruiser.
In some countries you will be waiting up to four years to get one. Here, Toyota is quoting a wait time of at least a year.
What the future holds for a juggernaut SUV such as this is anyone’s guess, but for now, admire one of the best and most efficient Land Cruisers yet.
They say change is positive, and it has been for this model, with a new V6 Twin-Turbo diesel and a freshly minted 10-speed automatic.
The appearance follows a familiar path and is not a radical departure from the previous model.
However, there are enough subtle changes to create a convincing new look to satisfy the Land Cruiser faithful and attract first-time buyers.
Boasting a bluff, upright front-end with a bigger "floating" polished chrome grille and slimmer, sleeker LED headlights, the new Land Cruiser has a more rugged and aggressive front-end.
The most affordable 300 Series is the $127,990 VX, the VX Limited sells for $141,990 and the sporty GR supplied for this road test sells for $147,990. All models attract the government’s clean vehicle fee that, depending on the model, varies between $2875 and $4715.
A modern and super strong225kW 3.3- litre twin-turbo diesel V6 is the new beating heart of the 300 series and is shared across all models along with a herculean 700Nm wedge of torque.
This easily eclipses the 200kW and 650Nm of the previous models with its larger old school V8 turbo diesel.
It is consistently smooth and offers high-energy performance right across the rev range, regardless of whether you are driving on or off road.
A new performance transforming 10-speed automatic with excellent gear-changing IQ takes command in most on and off road situations.
A roomy passenger cabin is also home to a large list of standard equipment.
Head-up display is a new feature to all variants in addition to a 12.3” touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.
Smart key entry and push-button start are standard and it is equipped with Toyota’s advanced Safety Sense technologies.
The GR Sport is fitted with an electronic kinetic dynamic suspension system, adaptive variable suspension, and four new drive modes.
This Land Cruiser is a real off-road commando when the going gets seriously challenging, helped by a wading depth of 700mm.
A generous 235mm of ground clearance keeps the vehicle well clear of damaging the under body from protrusions such as stumps and rocks.
Ride and road holding are up a whole new level compared to the old model with greater control of lateral body movement under hard cornering.
Bumps, corrugations and other road irregularities? Not a problem.
These are all soaked up almost without exception like a giant sponge. One area where there has been a massive improvement over its predecessor is the steering.
It is now energised, responsive and nicely weighted with more than a cursory interest in engaging the driver in the steering process.
Toyota can be mighty proud of creating the best-driving Land Cruisers ever — by a sizeable margin.
Toyota Land Cruiser 300 series
Rating out of 10:
Performance: 7
Handling: 7
Build quality: 7
Comfort: 7
Passenger and load space: 8
Styling: 6
Fuel economy: On road test 10.8L/100km
Value for money: 6
Safety: Five star Ancap crash rating
Government clean vehicle fee: $2875 — $4715
Overall points out of 10: 7
