Toyota’s Iconic LandCruiser Goes Green: Aussie Favourite Gets Hybrid Makeover in Response to Government’s Emissions Crackdown
- Australia’s most popular four-wheel-drive is set to undergo a massive transformation to meet new emissions laws, sparking debate among enthusiasts
- The Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series hybrid will boast a twin-turbo V6 petrol engine and a single electric motor, delivering a whopping 326kW of power and 790Nm of torque
- The new hybrid model won’t compromise on the LandCruiser’s legendary off-road prowess and towing capacity, promising to match diesel models in performance
In a dramatic shift towards a greener future, Toyota has announced that its iconic LandCruiser four-wheel-drive will be getting a hybrid makeover to comply with the government’s contentious new emissions laws.
The move is set to polarise enthusiasts, with some hailing the environmental benefits and others lamenting the loss of the LandCruiser’s rugged, diesel-powered heritage. However, Toyota is adamant that the new hybrid model will lose none of its brute appeal.
“Bringing the performance hybrid in, there is no compromising,” said Toyota Australia’s Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations, Sean Hanley. “Our hybrid system is a means of increasing performance without any significant penalties in fuel consumption or emissions.”
The new LandCruiser 300 Series hybrid will merge a twin-turbo V6 petrol engine with a single electric motor, sandwiched into a 10-speed automatic transmission. This same setup is already found in the US Tundra pick-up, which boasts an impressive 326kW of power and 790Nm of torque.
While exact specifications for the Australian market are yet to be confirmed, Toyota promises that the hybrid LandCruiser will match diesel models for towing and off-road performance. “Having two power sources that can operate in tandem or individually enables the performance hybrid system to deliver powerful, responsive and linear acceleration, high speed cruising, and strong performance under heavy load or when towing,” explained Toyota Australia senior product planning specialist Austin Ward.
The hybrid LandCruiser is set to arrive in March 2026, with pricing yet to be confirmed. However, Hanley hinted that there would be “a slight premium” in price, while emphasising that it would remain competitive.
As Australia’s most popular car brand continues to shift towards a more sustainable future, the question on everyone’s lips is: can the hybrid LandCruiser really deliver on its promise of uncompromising performance?