Toyota Australia has released pricing and specification details for its first-ever petrol-electric hybrid versions of its popular 300 Series LandCruiser model, which starts at $156,060 before on-roads for the GR Sport variant.
A Sahara ZX version is slightly more expensive at $156,810 list. Both hybrid grades represent $8900 upcharges over the same trim levels fitted with evergreen diesel power.
The two are the only variants of the so-called “performance hybrid” i-Force Max powertrain to be offered to Australian buyers when the hybrids go on sale mid this year.
The i-Force Max powertrain marries a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre petrol V6 with a single electric motor mounted between the engine and 10-speed transmission, offering combined system outputs of 341kW and 790Nm, supplanting the 3.3-litre oiler by 114kW and 90Nm.
This parallel-type hybrid drive – a format currently used in Tundra and the Lexus LX – makes Toyota’s LC300 newcomers the most powerful LandCruisers yet offered.
Both offer full-time four-wheel drive and five-mode multi-terrain select, with the Sahara ZX featuring a rear Torsen limited-slip differential and adaptive variable suspension. Meanwhile, the “off-road focussed” GR Sport brings electronically controlled E-KDSS as well as fully lockable front and rear differentials.
“Unlike our efficiency hybrids in vehicles like Camry and RAV4, this hybrid powertrain is all about improving performance – whether that’s for off-road adventures well beyond the tarmac or towing heavy loads such as caravans, horse floats or boats,” says Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations, John Pappas.
Toyota Australia has yet to publicise fuel tank size, or fuel efficiency and driving range claims.
As outlined in our first drive review, the best guesstimate using versions already released in Middle East markets puts the hybrid LandCruiser consumption at around 10.2L/100km using premium 95RON unleaded.
Thus, it’s expected that the petrol hybrid will consume around 15 percent more fuel than their diesel equivalents. However, braked towing is said to be, like the diesel, 3500kg braked (rather than the 4500kg peak this powertrain is capable of in Tundra).
Unlike the diesel LandCruiser, which uses hydraulic power steering, the petrol-electric version adopts electric assist. Other features include an upgraded 200-volt/1500-watt rear auxiliary power socket and 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat back.
Both variants offer leather-accented trim, heated and ventilated front seats, 12.3-inch touchscreen multimedia and 14-speaker JBL audio. The Sahara ZX exclusively brings dual rear-seat entertainment electronics.
Stay tuned for further details and a full driving review on the Chasing Cars channels soon.
Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series hybrid: prices in Australia
All prices listed are before on-road costs.
- GR Sport Hybrid: $156,060
- Sahara ZR Hybrid: $156,810