If you’re talking about the 2023 LC300 ZX 3.3 twin-turbo diesel, this is arguably the sweet spot for a luxury Land Cruiser if you want comfort and features without giving up the traditional Land Cruiser strengths.

My overall rating: 9.2/10.

Toyota Kenya’s specification for the diesel LC300 is 3,346 cc, 306 hp and 700 Nm, with a 10-speed automatic and full-time 4WD. The ZX specification adds features such as TEMS/Adaptive Variable Suspension, E-KDSS, 20-inch wheels, leather, ventilated/heated seats, 14-speaker audio, a 12.3-inch screen and head-up display.

🚙 Performance

The 3.3 diesel is excellent.

The 700 Nm is available from 1,600–2,600 rpm, so you don’t need to rev the engine hard to move this big SUV quickly. It feels particularly strong when overtaking or climbing hills with a full load. Toyota quotes 306 hp at 4,000 rpm.

The 10-speed automatic is another major improvement over the LC200. It keeps the engine in a useful part of its torque band and makes highway driving very relaxed.

Performance: 9/10

🛋️ Comfort & luxury

This is where the ZX really separates itself from the VX.

Depending on market specification, you get:

• Leather interior
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Driver-memory seat
• Electric front seats
• 12.3-inch multimedia display
• 14-speaker audio
• Head-up display
• Electric tailgate
• Wireless charging
• Cool box
• Multi-zone climate control
• Adaptive suspension
• E-KDSS
• 20-inch wheels

Toyota Kenya’s current ZX specification confirms many of these features.

The cabin isn’t as flashy as a Range Rover or Mercedes GLS, but that’s actually part of the appeal. It feels solid, understated and built to last.

Comfort: 9.5/10

🏜️ Off-road ability

Don’t let the luxury equipment fool you—the ZX is still a serious 4×4.

The LC300 has 235 mm ground clearance, full-time 4WD and sophisticated traction/off-road systems. Toyota Kenya also highlights the LC300’s ability to handle difficult terrain while retaining excellent road comfort.

However, there’s an important distinction:

ZX = luxury/off-road combination
GR Sport = serious off-road specialist

The GR Sport gets front and rear locking differentials in Toyota Kenya’s specification, making it the better choice if you’re regularly tackling difficult trails.

For normal Kenyan conditions—bad roads, mud, sand, rough tracks, national parks, upcountry trips—the ZX is more than capable.

Off-road: 9/10

⛽ Fuel consumption

Don’t buy an LC300 expecting economy.

For the 3.3 diesel, I’d realistically budget around 8–11 km/L, depending on traffic, tyres, load and driving style. In heavy Nairobi traffic, it can be considerably worse; on an open highway, it can do much better.

The diesel is nevertheless the engine I’d choose over the 3.5 petrol if you’re doing substantial mileage.

🛣️ Highway driving

This is probably the LC300 ZX’s strongest characteristic.

At highway speeds it’s:

• Quiet
• Stable
• Extremely comfortable
• Powerful when overtaking
• Very good over poor sections of road
• Relaxed rather than sporty

It’s an excellent vehicle for Nairobi → Mombasa, Nairobi → Nakuru, Nairobi → Kisumu, safari trips and long-distance travel.