by Electrification of the Legendary Off-Roader
The Land Cruiser has long been associated with reliability and off-road capability, but Toyota is now integrating electrification into its most durable off-roader. Following the launch of the hybrid version of the Land Cruiser 300 in the Middle East, new reports from Japan hint that this might be just the beginning.
Rumors suggest that a plug-in hybrid could soon join the lineup, giving the off-roader true zero emissions for short trips.
Technical Features and Development
Introduced in 2021 on the TNGA-F architecture, the Land Cruiser 300 was initially available with two V6 engines: a 3.5-liter twin-turbo gasoline and a 3.3-liter turbo-diesel. In 2025, Toyota launched a new self-charging hybrid version that adds one electric motor for a combined output of 457 hp, making it the most powerful full-size Land Cruiser to date.
Potential of the Plug-in Hybrid Version
The first-ever Land Cruiser PHEV could combine the 3.5-liter V6 engine with a more powerful electric motor, improving performance both on asphalt and off-road. A larger battery would allow owners to run daily errands or city trips without using fuel, while the internal combustion engine would preserve the off-roader’s capabilities in remote areas where charging stations are scarce.
Compromises and Limitations
These benefits are not without compromises. The additional equipment will increase weight and reduce interior or cargo space. As a result, the PHEV might be limited to a five-seat configuration with reduced payload capacity compared to non-electrified models.
Furthermore, the fuel tank might be smaller than the 80 liters of the standard model and 68 liters of the hybrid version. For comparison, the Toyota Alphard has 75 liters in the gasoline version, 60 liters in the HEV, and only 47 liters in the PHEV.
Electrification Plans for the Land Cruiser Family
This is not the first time talks of a plug-in hybrid Land Cruiser have emerged. As early as 2023, it was reported that Toyota was evaluating plug-in hybrid, fully electric, and even hydrogen powertrains for the somewhat smaller Land Cruiser 250 Series, also known as the Prado in some markets. This model, sold in the US and other countries, currently comes with various gasoline, diesel, and mild hybrid diesel engine options, indicating that electrification of the entire Land Cruiser family has long been in Toyota’s sights.
As of September 2025, Toyota has suspended orders for the gasoline Land Cruiser in the domestic market and is reportedly limiting the availability of the diesel version. According to the Japanese publication Creative Trend, rumors are circulating about another powertrain joining the local lineup. The most likely addition is the conventional hybrid, already confirmed for broader markets outside the Middle East, although speculation points to something more ambitious: a plug-in hybrid system.
Toyota’s shift towards electrification even of its most traditional models reflects broader changes in the automotive industry. While the Land Cruiser has always been valued for its reliability in the toughest conditions, adding plug-in hybrid technology could provide a bridge between the brand’s past and future. This development could also have significant implications for markets where environmental regulations are becoming increasingly stringent, offering a true off-roader capable of meeting the demands of both urban environments and environmental standards.
