by Gradual Expansion of Presence
Toyota has expanded the sales geography of the full hybrid Land Cruiser 300 by introducing the electrified SUV in “select Eastern European markets.” This follows its debut in the Middle East last year.
However, in other regions, the 300 Series model remains unavailable. Western Europe and North America continue to be served by the more luxurious Lexus LX or the slightly smaller Land Cruiser 250, as the 300 Series body-on-frame SUV is still absent from official lineups for these markets.
The Heart of Hybrid Power
The hybrid version of the Land Cruiser 300 is also the most powerful to date, delivering a combined 457 horsepower and 790 Nm of torque. This output is provided by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a single electric motor located between the internal combustion engine and the 10-speed automatic transmission, which sends power to all four wheels.
According to Toyota, the “hybrid for high performance” provides up to 40 percent better acceleration compared to the ICE-only version with the twin-turbo 3.3-liter engine.
The electric motor helps improve throttle response and smoothes torque delivery. It can also operate in electric-only mode at speeds up to 30 km/h, using energy from the nickel-metal hydride battery.
Uncompromising Capabilities
To preserve its reputation as an SUV capable of going anywhere, the battery is sealed in a waterproof casing, fully maintaining the ability to wade through water up to 700 mm deep. Toyota states that the hybrid has been tested in challenging conditions worldwide, and the company is confident in its off-road capabilities.
The 300 Hybrid is equipped with electric power steering designed to improve precision and control on various surfaces. Off-road electronics are also present, including the Multi-Terrain Select system, Crawl Control, Downhill Assist Control, and the Multi-Terrain Monitor camera.
Trim Choices for Europe
In the European market, buyers will be offered a choice of three trim levels: the base VX, the mid-range ZX, and the top GR Sport. All variants have a five-seat configuration; the three-row seating option is not available. Of the three versions, only the ZX, featured in the official photos, received updated body cladding.
Equipment is quite generous even in the base model: the VX comes standard with 18-inch wheels, a power tailgate, full LED lighting, two 12.3-inch screens, a premium 14-speaker JBL audio system, four-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, power-adjustable front seats, and a 1500W AC power outlet.
The ZX trim adds more technology and style, including Adaptive Variable Suspension, a drive mode selector with five settings, a head-up display, a hands-free power tailgate sensor, and a rear limited-slip differential.
The GR Sport retains its distinctive, rugged look thanks to unique bumpers, grille, fenders, and 18-inch wheels, and is further enhanced by the more advanced electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (e-KDSS), which can disconnect the anti-roll bars for maximum wheel articulation.
Availability and Prospects
Toyota has confirmed that the Land Cruiser 300 Hybrid will appear in “select Eastern European markets” from January 2026, although specific countries were not named. Pricing information for the region has not yet been disclosed, but in the United Arab Emirates, the electrified model starts from 389,900 dirhams.
This will not be the first appearance of the 300 Series in Europe. Since its debut in 2021, the SUV has been officially offered in markets such as Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia.
It has also been confirmed that the new hybrid Land Cruiser will reach Australia in the first half of 2026. In the future, it may also become available in its home market of Japan, where the model received minor updates in 2025.
The appearance of the powerful hybrid in Eastern Europe can be seen as a market test ahead of a potential broader launch. Toyota’s strategy, targeting specific regions, highlights varying demands and environmental requirements worldwide. The success of this model in new countries for it could be an important signal for future decisions regarding the brand’s global portfolio, especially in the context of increasing competition in the full-size electrified SUV segment.
