WHAT IS IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

THE GR Sport is an easy vehicle to drive, no matter if that’s bombing through the desert, towing on the highway or pushing through tough offroad obstacles. And while we didn’t hitch up a ’van for this test, the GR Sport offers a 3500kg towing capacity. We have towed a large Kedron caravan with the LC300 platform before, and you can tell this vehicle has been designed with those who tow in mind as the brakes and suspension feel perfectly well-suited to this task, as does the performance of the engine and gearbox.

On road, there’s nothing offensive about the way the GR Sport rides, handles and feels. Doing the speed limit of 110km/h the Cruiser sits on just 1500rpm, which offers a relaxed experience producing no noticeable wind noise – what you’d expect in a vehicle that costs close to $150,000

Off-road, the GR Sport is right at home, especially on chopped-out dirt roads where the suspension compliance and levels of traction – combined with the plush comforts of the GR Sport’s interior – mean you could cover serious g round without feeling fatigued at the end of the day

With the transfer case shifted to low range 4x4, which is simple to operate and engages quickly (always a good sign), the GR Sport is a weapon The traction system is effective, especially when you play with Multi Terrain Select modes With the front and rear lockers engaged, the only thing that will stop it is a lack of g round clearance and a lack of g rip and lateral stability offered from the stock highway-terrain rubber in g reasy conditions. The GR Sport should come with more off-roadfocused rubber, and it’s something new owners will be quick to swap

HIGH FIVE The interior is roomy and luxurious, but only five seats are available in the GR Spor t model

HOW IS IT ON FUEL?

WE recorded a final fuel-use figure of 11 15 litres per 100km, which is reasonable for such a large vehicle. This was tested over a variety of terrain including slow technical off-roading, highway cruising and urban commuting To put this in comparison, a recent stint in the similarly siz ed 2022 Nissan Patrol saw fuel consumption figures reach 16 litres per 100km

HOW SAFE IS IT ?

MOST of the range have been awarded a five-star ANCAP rating, with the official ANCAP website stating the LandCruiser received the second highest score to date for Vulnerable Road User Protection under its 2020-22 protocols, with a score of 81 and 89 per cent for occupant protection We can’t verify this for the GR Sport variant as it remains untested at this time and as such has no official safety rating