Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Hybrid: The most powerful version for Australia
Toyota has officially introduced the hybrid Land Cruiser 300 in Australia, expanding the geography of this electrified model after its launch in the Middle East and some Eastern European countries. It is the most powerful Land Cruiser ever sold, as well as the most expensive, although it is still significantly cheaper than its ‘cousin,’ the Lexus LX700h.
Buyers are offered two versions. The off-road-oriented GR Sport retains the familiar body kit from the standard V6, while the luxurious Sahara ZX gets a unique front bumper with modified air intakes to visually distinguish the hybrid. Aside from the exterior differences, both versions share the same i-Force Max hybrid powertrain with a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6, which is already used in the Tundra and Lexus LX700h.
Details of the hybrid powertrain
The ‘performance hybrid’ uses the Toyota i-Force Max powertrain, which produces a total of 457 hp (341 kW / 464 PS) and 790 Nm of torque. This makes it the most powerful Land Cruiser ever created, adding 153 hp (114 kW / 155 PS) and 90 Nm of torque compared to the standard 3.3-liter V6 turbodiesel.
The self-charging system combines a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 with a single electric motor. Power is sent to all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission and Toyota’s familiar full-time four-wheel-drive system. The GR Sport also retains upgraded suspension and electronic differential locks.
In addition to the powertrain, hybrid-specific features include electric power steering and an updated 1500 W power outlet in the rear. The only downside is the lack of a seven-seat option with three rows, as the electrified model is exclusively available with five seats.
How much will buyers have to pay?
The Land Cruiser 300 Hybrid is expected to arrive at Australian dealerships in mid-2026. The GR Sport starts at A$156,060 (about US$111,700), while the Sahara ZX is slightly more expensive at A$156,810 (about US$112,300). Neither price includes on-road costs.
The hybrid costs A$8,900 (about US$6,400) more than the equivalent Land Cruiser 300 versions with the V6 engine. It also becomes the second most expensive Toyota currently sold in Australia, second only to the right-hand-drive Tundra Platinum with the i-Force Max hybrid powertrain.
Even so, the flagship Land Cruiser 300 Hybrid Sahara ZX is still about A$40,000 (about US$28,700) cheaper than the mechanically related Lexus LX 700h, which occupies a different niche in the luxury SUV market.
Interestingly, the arrival of the hybrid version in Australia highlights Toyota’s strategy: offering more powerful and environmentally friendly options in markets where demand for large SUVs remains high. The lack of a seven-seat layout may be a compromise for accommodating hybrid components, but it also makes the model more appealing to buyers who value performance and luxury over maximum capacity. It is worth noting that this model is not available for the US market, which may be due to different regulatory requirements or the company’s marketing strategy.