What kind of transmission does the Land Cruiser have?
The Land Cruiser’s transmission depends on the model year and market. In the current generation, Toyota uses a 10-speed automatic transmission across most markets, while older Land Cruisers offered a mix of manual boxes and automatics with fewer gears. The following provides a concise look at the present setup and how transmission options have evolved over time.
Current-generation LC300 transmission (2022–present)
The LC300, Toyota’s latest Land Cruiser, is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission across petrol and diesel variants. This transmission is designed to work with the vehicle’s part-time four-wheel-drive system and off-road modes, delivering smooth shifting and strong low-end torque for rough-terrain use. There is no factory option for a manual gearbox in this generation.
Key transmission points for the LC300:
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Available across petrol and diesel engine choices
- Integrated with the four-wheel-drive system and drive modes for off-road performance
Concluding thought: In the LC300, Toyota sticks with a modern 10-speed automatic, prioritizing on-road refinement and off-road capability over manual shifting.
Why this matters for drivers
For buyers and owners, the 10-speed automatic means quicker, smoother shifts and better efficiency in most driving conditions, along with Toyota’s off-road tech integrated into the drivetrain. If you prefer a manual, you’ll need to look at older generations or specific markets where manuals were offered historically, but they are not standard in the LC300 lineup.
Historical transmission options by Land Cruiser generation
Over the Land Cruiser’s long history, transmission configurations have varied by generation and market. Here is a concise overview of the most common setups seen in recent decades:
- 200-series (2007–2021): widely equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission (6AT) across petrol and diesel variants.
- Earlier generations (e.g., 100-series and before): a mix of manual gearboxes and automatics with 4- to 5-speed transmissions depending on market and model.
- Long-running 70-series and other workhorse variants: many markets offered manual transmissions (commonly 4- or 5-speed) alongside autos, with some models still sold mainly as manual in certain regions.
Conclusion: The trend over time has been toward more advanced automatic gearboxes, culminating in the current LC300’s 10-speed automatic. Manual options exist in some older or regional variants, but are not typical on today’s flagship models.
Summary
In summary, the Land Cruiser’s transmission varies by generation and market. Today’s LC300 uses a 10-speed automatic transmission across petrol and diesel variants, with no factory manual option in this generation. Older Land Cruisers offered a mix of manual transmissions and automatics with fewer gears. If you are shopping for a modern Land Cruiser, expect an automatic gearbox as the standard setup, while manual options are generally associated with older models or specific markets.
