When you think of the ultimate SUV, only one name comes to mind: the Toyota Land Cruiser. One of the world’s most famous off-roaders has just received a major update in its home market. Here’s what this new, most powerful version offers.
The Most Powerful Land Cruiser Ever
Toyota has taken a big step by discontinuing the Land Cruiser 300’s (LC 300) 3.5-litre petrol V6 engine. Instead, Toyota has added a new self-charging petrol hybrid powertrain, making it the first-ever hybrid Land Cruiser. The hybrid model also gets new electric power steering.
The new setup includes a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine, a single motor-generator in a parallel hybrid arrangement, and a 10-speed automatic gearbox. It develops a massive 450 bhp and 790 Nm of torque, and the car can drive on electric power alone at speeds below 30 km/h. With these output figures, this is also the most powerful Land Cruiser to date.
Toyota claims the hybrid LC 300 is more capable off-road, thanks to the electric motor’s instant torque delivery. The only real downsides are the 170 kg added weight (from the hybrid system & battery) and a smaller fuel tank (68 litres now, down from 80 litres).
The only ICE option on sale now is a 3.3-litre biturbo diesel (303 bhp & 700 Nm of torque).
What Else is New?
Those who want their LC 300 to look more unique can opt for a new Modellista body kit (seen in the images here). The kit includes sporty front and rear bumper extensions, flared fenders, side steps, a new tailgate garnish, a discreet roof spoiler, and 20-inch alloy wheels with a custom six double-spoke design.
Toyota Land Cruiser Trims and Features
The updated LC 300 is available in three trims: entry-level GX (diesel-only), luxury-spec ZX, and the more rugged GR Sport. The ZX and GR Sport trims come standard with features like dual 12.3-inch screens, a colour head-up display, a 14-speaker JBL audio system, a cool box, a rear-seat entertainment system, front and rear dashcams, and two accessory outlets.
The ZX trim features adaptive variable suspension while the GR Sport gets the more capable E-KDSS suspension. Moreover, the hybrid trims are available as seven-seaters, while the diesel trims remain five-seater only.
In India, the LC 300 is available only with the 3.3-litre diesel engine. It is priced at Rs. 2.64 crore (on-road, Mumbai). Will Toyota launch the LC 300 hybrid in India? There is no confirmation yet. However, because the SUV comes to India as a CBU, a launch is possible.