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Toyota Drops Petrol Land Cruiser 300 in Japan and Adds 457bhp Hybrid
Toyota has updated the Land Cruiser 300 Series for Japan, replacing the non-electrified twin-turbo V6 petrol engine with a 457bhp self-charging hybrid and adding a Modellista bodykit option.
By Eleanor Ellington · 4 min read
Toyota has launched an updated Land Cruiser 300 Series in Japan that abandons the non-electrified twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine in favour of a self-charging hybrid powertrain, making the electrified version the most powerful Land Cruiser yet produced.
The hybrid combines a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6, a single electric motor integrated into a ten-speed automatic gearbox and a 6.5Ah nickel-metal hydride battery mounted beneath the cargo area. Combined output is 457bhp and 790Nm of torque. The system also brings a new electric power steering setup. Toyota says the instant torque from the electric motor improves off-road capability, while the vehicle retains a 700mm water wading depth and can continue running on V6 power alone if the hybrid system suffers a critical failure.
The trade-offs are a 170kg weight increase over the non-electrified V6 and a smaller fuel tank, reduced from 80 litres to 68 litres. With the petrol V6 phased out, the only remaining combustion option in the Japanese line-up is a 3.3-litre biturbo diesel producing 303bhp and 700Nm.
The range is offered in three trims: the entry-level GX, the luxury ZX and the rugged GR Sport. Styling changes are largely confined to the ZX Hybrid, which receives a redesigned front bumper extension with side intakes extending towards the skid plate and a sportier fog light garnish. The ZX diesel keeps the bodykit and chrome accents of its predecessor, while both versions share 20-inch alloy wheels with a Super Chrome Metallic finish. The diesel-only GX has smaller intakes connected to a black grille, aluminium side steps and silver 18-inch wheels. The GR Sport, available with either powertrain, retains its rugged bodykit, Toyota lettering on the grille, plastic cladding, stronger skid plates and matte black 18-inch alloys.
For buyers seeking a more distinctive look, Modellista has introduced a bodykit for the Land Cruiser 300. The package adds sporty extensions for the front and rear bumpers, flared fenders, side steps, a new tailgate garnish, a discreet roof spoiler and 20-inch alloy wheels with a custom six double-spoke design. The bodykit is priced at ¥546,700, with the forged aluminium wheels adding a further ¥933,900.
Inside, diesel-powered trims have five seats while hybrids adopt a seven-seater layout. Toyota has improved standard equipment across the range with wireless smartphone charging, road-to-vehicle communication and a Cold Weather Package. The flagship ZX and GR Sport trims come with dual 12.3-inch screens, a colour head-up display, a 14-speaker JBL premium audio system, a cool box, a rear-seat entertainment system, front and rear dashcams and two accessory outlets. Under the skin, the ZX features Adaptive Variable Suspension while the GR Sport gets the more capable E-KDSS suspension.
The updated Land Cruiser 300 reaches Japanese dealers on 1 October. Pricing starts at ¥6,300,800 for the entry-level GX. The diesel ZX begins at ¥8,750,500 and the GR Sport at ¥9,150,900. The hybrid commands a premium of around ¥1,050,500 over the equivalent diesel, with the ZX HEV at ¥9,801,000 and the GR Sport HEV at ¥10,200,300, making it the most expensive member of the Land Cruiser line-up in Japan.
