Which transmission is used in Land Cruiser?
The Land Cruiser lineup currently relies on a 10-speed automatic transmission, the standard across the latest flagship SUV. Across its long history, the model line has employed a variety of transmissions—from manual gearboxes to multi-speed automatics—depending on generation and regional market.
Current generation: Land Cruiser 300 Series (2021–Present)
The latest Land Cruiser, the 300 Series, is equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission as its primary gearbox, paired with a modern four-wheel-drive system and off-road technology. This configuration reflects Toyota’s move toward higher-gear automatics to balance towing, efficiency, and rugged capability.
What this means for drivers
For everyday use, the 10-speed automatic delivers smooth shifts and improved fuel economy. In off-road mode, it’s designed to select gears smoothly for crawling and hill climbs, while a low-range transfer case and selectable drive modes support challenging terrain.
Earlier generations: evolution of the drivetrain
Before the 300 Series, Land Cruiser variants commonly paired four-wheel-drive systems with a mix of manual and automatic transmissions, depending on the market and model year. Over time, automatics gained popularity, and the number of gears increased in many units to enhance refinement and efficiency.
Here's a quick rundown of common transmission configurations used across major Land Cruiser generations.
- FJ40/40-series and early 60-series (1960s–1980s): Primarily manual transmissions, with occasional automatics offered in select markets.
- 80- and 100-series (1980s–1990s): Widely available with 4-speed automatic; manual options were offered on some diesel variants.
- 200-series (2007–2021): Standard 6-speed automatic; manual transmissions were rarely offered and mainly in niche markets or specific diesel configurations.
In general, successive generations moved toward more gears in automatics and broadened the availability of manual options mainly in markets or configurations where off-road work was prioritized.
Regional and market variations
Transmission availability varies by region and model year. In many markets, automatics dominate the modern lineup, while manual transmissions persist on certain off-road-oriented variants and in older or specialized models.
- Australia and Middle East: manual transmissions have been common on heavy-duty 70-series diesels and some diesel variants for off-road work; automatics are increasingly common in newer models.
- North America and Europe: automatics are the default for most Land Cruiser trims; manuals are rare or limited to older models or special editions.
- Asia and Africa: a mix of automatics and manuals depending on model life cycle and import source, with manuals more common on older or budget-oriented variants.
Overall, buyers today typically encounter automatic transmissions across the Land Cruiser range, with manuals largely confined to legacy models and specialized off-road versions.
Summary
Across its history, the Land Cruiser has moved from manual gearboxes toward increasingly sophisticated automatics. The current model (300 Series) uses a 10-speed automatic, while earlier generations commonly featured 4- or 6-speed automatics and, in some markets, manual transmissions. Transmission choices depend on generation, engine, and regional market.
What kind of transmission does the Land Cruiser have?
As an off-road SUV, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser features a turbocharged 2.4L four-cylinder hybrid i-FORCE MAX powertrain—which features a 1.87-kWh nickel-metal hydride battery—with an eight speed automatic transmission that generates a combined 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque.
What brand transmission does Toyota use?
Toyota transmissions are made by Aisin, a company in the Toyota Group, and by Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia (TMMWV). Aisin is a major supplier of transmissions for many car manufacturers, including Toyota, and TMMWV also produces transmissions for a variety of Toyota and Lexus models built in North America.
- Aisin: This Japanese company is a key supplier for Toyota, and while Toyota owns a significant stake in Aisin, it operates as a separate entity. Aisin is known for manufacturing both traditional automatic and the Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) used in many Toyota vehicles.
- Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia (TMMWV): This is the only North American plant that builds engines, transmissions, and hybrid transaxles under one roof. It assembles transmissions for models like the Camry, Highlander, Corolla, and Lexus ES.
What is the most common problem with a Toyota Land Cruiser?
Keep in mind that consistent maintenance and proper care can significantly reduce the likelihood of these issues becoming major inconveniences.
- Rust and Corrosion:
- Steering Vibration:
- Exhaust and Emissions Challenges:
- Transmission Concerns:
- Electrical Issues:
- Suspension Wear:
- Air Conditioning Problems:
- Oil Leaks:
Does the new Land Cruiser have a CVT?
Toyota: The 86, Avalon (non-hybrid), Mirai, Supra, 4Runner, Highlander, Camry (non-hybrid), Corolla (manual only), Yaris (manual only), 4Runner, Highlander (non-hybrid), Land Cruiser, rav4 (non-hybrid), Tacoma and Tundra are not equipped with CVTs.
