The 2023 iteration of the Landcruiser GXL Troopcarrier proudly upholds Toyota's heritage of uncompromising reliability, robust engineering, and practical design. Built with the harshest environments in mind, the Troopcarrier combines decades of proven performance with essential modern refinements, ensuring drivers can confidently navigate remote trails, rocky paths, sandy dunes, and even flooded roads with unmatched ease.
Whether it's crossing the rugged landscapes of the Outback, delivering critical supplies to remote worksites, or embarking on overland expeditions where reliability is not just desirable but essential, the 2023 Landcruiser GXL Troopcarrier stands apart. It’s not simply a vehicle—it's an Australian 4WD legend whose name has become synonymous with strength, durability, and adventure.
The Troopcarrier is an absolute beast off the beaten path. It boasts a high ground clearance of 225 mm and features front and rear live-axle suspension with coil springs in the front and leaf springs in the rear, giving it exceptional durability and articulation over rocks, sand, and mud. The part-time 4WD system is equipped with a two-speed transfer case, meaning you can shift to low-range gearing for tackling steeper, more challenging off-road conditions. The locking differentials add another layer of control when traction is scarce.
While its strengths are undeniably in the wilderness, the 2023 Troopcarrier remains a capable on-road vehicle. However, its truck-like handling and robust suspension system mean it doesn’t offer the smooth, refined driving experience that a more urban SUV would provide. You can expect a firm ride on paved roads, and highway cruising may feel somewhat slower due to the vehicle’s hefty build and old-school powertrain.
The interior of the 2023 GXL Troopcarrier is functional and utilitarian. Toyota has opted to keep things straightforward, which reflects the vehicle’s role as a practical off-roader.
Configuration: The Troopcarrier GXL comes with a two-seater configuration, though some variants offer an additional row for more passengers. This layout makes it ideal for heavy-duty use where the priority is cargo space or carrying specialised equipment.
Comfort: Seats are covered in durable cloth upholstery, designed to withstand wear and tear, dirt, and grime. The seats themselves are manually adjustable and provide ample support during long trips.
For a vehicle of its size and capability, the 2023 Toyota Landcruiser GXL Troopcarrier offers respectable fuel economy:
Official Fuel Consumption: 10.7 L/100 km (combined cycle).
Real-World Economy: In off-road conditions or under heavy load, expect that figure to climb, especially with the weight of cargo or additional gear.
This V8 engine isn’t about fuel savings; it’s about delivering power when and where you need it most. That said, the relatively low-revving nature of the engine at highway speeds does help conserve fuel when compared to older models.
Powered by: a 4.5-litre V8 turbo-diesel engine
Engine Power: 151 kW @ 3400 rpm
Torque: 430 Nm @ 1200-3200 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual gearbox
Drivetrain: Part-time 4WD with front hubs that can be manually locked
This combination ensures that the Troopcarrier delivers solid, dependable performance, with the engine tuned to provide ample torque at low speeds – perfect for off-road excursions or heavy-duty towing. While not the quickest vehicle on the road, the 2023 GXL Troopcarrier excels where it matters most: rugged terrain and tough conditions. The manual transmission offers a more engaged driving experience, particularly for those who relish full control when navigating tough trails.
Infotainment: The 2023 model comes equipped with a 6.1-inch touchscreen display featuring satellite navigation, AM/FM radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB inputs. While the system is basic by modern standards, it’s functional and suits the rugged theme of the vehicle. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are notably absent, reflecting the more traditional, utilitarian focus of the Troopcarrier.
Climate Control: The GXL model features manual air conditioning, which, while basic, is highly effective in cooling the interior quickly, especially during long off-road treks in Australia’s unforgiving climate.
Practicality
This is where the Landcruiser Troopcarrier really shines. The cavernous rear cargo area can swallow gear, tools, supplies, or anything else you need to take with you on an adventure. With the rear seats folded (in models with extra seats), the Troopcarrier becomes an ideal vehicle for extended trips or overlanding, capable of carrying a massive amount of camping and survival equipment.
Safety has been improved on the 2023 Troopcarrier, but it remains somewhat spartan compared to modern urban SUVs. Key safety features include:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Essential for maintaining control in emergency braking situations, especially on loose gravel or dirt roads.
Vehicle Stability Control (VSC): Helps maintain vehicle stability by adjusting power and braking automatically to prevent skids and loss of control.
Traction Control (TRC): Provides additional grip on slippery surfaces like mud or wet grass.
Hill-start Assist: Prevents the vehicle from rolling backward on steep inclines.
Airbags: Dual front airbags are standard, though the lack of side airbags may be a concern for those prioritising modern safety features.
While these safety features are adequate for the Troopcarrier’s intended use, this vehicle’s safety technology is simpler compared to more modern SUVs and crossovers that boast features like lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and automated emergency braking.
The 2023 Toyota Landcruiser GXL Troopcarrier sits in a premium price bracket, reflecting both its unique capabilities and long-standing reputation:
Starting Price: The GXL variant starts at approximately AUD $80,000. Depending on optional accessories and customizations, this price can climb higher.
While this price might seem steep, it’s important to consider that the Landcruiser Troopcarrier is built to last and retain value. The Toyota badge also brings with it a reputation for reliability, and the Troopcarrier is no exception to that rule.
