Toyota’s incoming hybrid-powered Land Cruiser 300 Series could arrive as early as March to sit at the very top of the brand’s local range in both GR Sport and Sahara ZX guise.
Under the bonnet, the 300 Series Hybrid features a 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 engine mated to an electric motor, 10-speed automatic and mechanical 4×4 system.
Considered a ‘Performance Hybrid’ under Toyota’s new strategy, the drivetrain is shared with the Tundra full-size pick-up, producing 326kW and 790Nm.
Toyota has not confirmed these outputs for the 300 Series, or even what fuel economy its new hybrid will offer, but it’s expected to easily surpass the 227kW/700Nm produced by the 3.3-litre twin-turbo diesel V6.
It’s unclear if its fuel figures will best the diesel, which uses a claimed 8.9L/100km.
For context, the Tundra drinks roughly 11.5L/100km in combined conditions, though the lighter and more aerodynamic Land Cruiser should still surpass these figures.
The additional weight and packaging constraints of the 300 Series’ hybrid system will limit the 4×4 to five-seat only.
Final specification is yet to be finalised but the equipment list is expected to be largely identical to the diesel versions of the Sport and Sahara ZX.
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For the GR Sport, this includes features such as front, centre and rear locking differentials, plus Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (known as E-KDSS). The luxury focused Sahara ZX boasts 20-inch alloy wheels, a more dynamic limited-slip rear differential and additional touches of luxury and convenience throughout the cabin.
Pricing is also yet to be finalised but Toyota has indicated it will be higher than the GR Sport and Sahara ZX diesels, which command $146,160 and $146,910, respectively.