When you think of Toyota, which model springs to mind? Perhaps the Corolla or the HiLux. However, Toyota Australia believes that the LandCruiser is the model most synonymous with the brand, a nameplate that many Australians associate with the world’s largest automaker. As you drive along the Hume Highway from Melbourne to Sydney, you’ll notice billboards declaring the regions as ‘LandCruiser country’.
The LandCruiser is as much a part of the Australian landscape as the grey gums and the screech of an angry cockatoo. But times have changed since the LandCruiser first arrived in Australia in 1958, a period when asbestos was commonplace, climate change was not yet a concern, and the nation’s first official skyscraper was completed.
Global emissions regulations have led to the discontinuation of many iconic models, including the V8-powered LandCruiser 70 Series last year, after the current 300 Series launched without its predecessor’s V8 engine in late 2021. The V8-powered Y62 Nissan Patrol has been breaking sales records, with its successor set to adopt a V6 as well. Tighter emissions laws have also introduced new creations to our roads, some better, some worse, much like the transformation of red-brick homes into concrete-rendered structures or anonymous apartment blocks.
The Arrival of the Hybrid LandCruiser
Entering this evolving automotive landscape is the first hybrid LandCruiser, featuring a ‘Performance Hybrid’ petrol-electric powertrain borrowed from the Toyota Tundra full-size pickup. Toyota asserts that this electrified V6 powertrain offers more efficient motoring without compromising the LandCruiser’s renowned attributes—a claim that seems almost too good to be true.
Towing, off-roading, and the availability of replacement parts are the core reasons for the LandCruiser’s solid reputation in Australia. While Toyota is also known for its efficient and reliable hybrid power, the LC300 Performance Hybrid faces significant expectations alongside the existing twin-turbo diesel V6.
Toyota has confirmed that the LandCruiser hybrid will be released in Australia in the first half of 2026, available in two model grades, and priced higher than the equivalent diesel variants (GR Sport and Sahara ZX). While its powertrain will be similar to the Tundra’s, local specifications have yet to be announced. However, insights can be drawn from the 300 Series hybrid already on sale in the Middle East and the closely related Lexus LX700h available there and in the US.
A Closer Look at the LandCruiser Performance Hybrid
Pricing and Market Position
The Performance Hybrid will cost more than the equivalent diesel-powered LandCruiser 300 Series variants. Based on current pricing, the cheapest version will exceed the GR Sport diesel’s price (currently $146,160 before on-road costs), and the Sahara ZX hybrid will surpass $146,910 plus on-roads, making it the most expensive LandCruiser in showrooms. It’s expected to be priced similarly to the cheapest Toyota Tundra ($155,990 before on-roads), which uses the same powertrain but is sourced from the US, while the LandCruiser comes from Japan.
This pricing positions the LandCruiser Performance Hybrid against luxury alternatives such as the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid ($158,100 plus ORCs) and the Volkswagen Touareg R ($133,490 plus ORCs), offering a unique proposition in the large SUV segment.
Interior Features and Comfort
The LandCruiser Performance Hybrid’s cabin will be familiar to existing 300 Series owners. While final specifications are yet to be confirmed, the entry-level GR Sport Hybrid’s interior is expected to closely match the diesel version’s. This includes premium leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated and cooled front seats, and a spacious center console with woodgrain-like trims.
The vehicle boasts a 12.3-inch central touchscreen with crisp graphics for panoramic view cameras, aiding in both off-road situations and tight parking spaces. Additional features include a digital instrument cluster, GR Sport start/stop button, and wireless smartphone charging. Rear passengers benefit from air vents, heated and ventilated rear seats, multiple USB-C ports, and a 12V outlet.
However, like the diesel GR Sport, the Australian version of the LandCruiser Performance Hybrid will be strictly a five-seater, despite a seven-seat version being offered in the Middle East. This decision may be a strategic move to differentiate it from the more luxurious Lexus LX700h, which is available with seven seats in the US.
Powertrain and Performance
The GR Sport Performance Hybrid features a twin-turbo petrol V6 with an electric motor integrated into the 10-speed automatic, powered by a nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack. Codenamed V35A-FTS, this powertrain is also found in the Tundra pickup, where it’s branded as the ‘i-Force Max’ Hybrid. Toyota emphasizes that it’s designed for performance and capability, rather than solely for fuel economy.
In the Tundra, this powertrain delivers 326kW of power and 790Nm of torque, while in the LandCruiser GR Sport Hybrid sold overseas, it produces 341kW/790Nm.
The overseas LandCruiser Hybrid’s combined fuel consumption is 10.9L/100km, with the hybrid system adding around 181kg to the diesel powertrain. The towing capacity remains at 3500kg, and the 0-100km/h acceleration is claimed to be 6.4 seconds. While the local-spec GR Sport diesel has a 110-liter fuel capacity, the hybrid version overseas has a smaller 98L tank.
Driving Experience and Capabilities
Our initial experience with the LandCruiser Hybrid took place at Toyota Australia’s Altona test track in Melbourne. The brief drive included a 0-100km/h standing-start run on a sealed surface, demonstrating the vehicle’s impressive acceleration capabilities. The electrified V6 powertrain exhibited a smooth character and a robust exhaust note under pressure, suggesting a solid and reliable drivetrain.
The LandCruiser Hybrid effortlessly tackled a steep hill with offset ruts, showcasing its off-road prowess. The hill descent control system ensured controlled progress down the slope, and the vehicle handled grass ‘whoops’ and a 600mm water wading bath with ease. The electric steering provided adequate feedback and accuracy for minor adjustments, reinforcing the vehicle’s off-road capabilities.
Equipment and Safety Features
While official specifications are pending, the GR Sport Hybrid and the ZX Sahara Hybrid flagship are expected to offer equipment similar to their diesel counterparts. Key features include 18-inch black-finish alloy wheels, LED headlights, adaptive high beam, locking front and rear differentials, and an electronic-kinetic dynamic suspension system.
Safety features encompass 10 airbags, autonomous emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and more. The wider LandCruiser 300 range boasts a five-star ANCAP safety rating, though the GR Sport grade remains unrated.
Conclusion: A Promising Addition to the LandCruiser Legacy
While it’s too early to declare the LandCruiser GR Sport Hybrid a definitive success, it appears to be a promising addition to the local 300 Series lineup, expected to arrive around March 2026. Combining the Tundra’s powerful petrol-electric V6 powertrain with the tried-and-tested LandCruiser 300 Series, it offers a compelling package of performance, capability, and features.
The anticipated price of around $150,000 positions it competitively among large plug-in hybrid SUVs, offering a unique blend of size, capability, and luxury. As Toyota continues to innovate with hybrid technology, the LandCruiser Hybrid represents a significant step forward for one of its most iconic models, adapting to the changing automotive landscape while maintaining its core strengths.
