Toyota Unleashes the Most Powerful Land Cruiser Ever But Not For America

Miami Herald

a day ago

Introduced in the 1950s, the Toyota Land Cruiser range has become a global icon, and rightfully so. Its go-anywhere and imposing demeanor has become its calling card and is among the toughest and most recognizable vehicles on the planet.
From the Toyota Jeep BJ, the Land Cruiser has evolved into several shapes and forms, with the heavy-duty series Station Wagon line serving as the most versatile versions at the top of the range. In the US, the 200 series was the final heavy-duty Land Cruiser, leaving the lineup for the light-duty Land Cruiser 250, also known in other markets as the Land Cruiser Prado.
But it seems like America is missing out, as the Land Cruiser 300 series has now evolved into the inevitable – it has become a hybrid, officially turning into the most powerful Land Cruiser to date.
Initially launching in the Middle East, the Land Cruiser Hybrid is powered by a 3.5-liter dual VVT-i V35A-FTS V6 twin-turbo gasoline engine that works in concert with a parallel hybrid system. The whole system produces a total of 457 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. The system is mated to a 10-speed nickel-metal hybrid battery. That makes it the most powerful LC to date, with a pulling power that surpasses even the diesel variant sold in select markets.
To differentiate from the non-hybrid Land Cruiser 300, the hybrid model gets black fog lamp housings, along with HEV and 457 TT badges to indicate the top-of-the-line electrified output numbers. Color options include black, white, and silver, while the sportier-looking GR Sport trim is solely available in black. Inside, the black and red theme is the sole option in the Middle East for now for the leather upholstery.
It appears that Toyota Middle East has removed the non-hybrid options in the region, leaving buyers with two choices: the GR Sport Hybrid or the VXR Hybrid. According to the configurator, the estimated delivery date of the electrified Land Cruiser is this September.
While the US is missing out on the Land Cruiser 300 Hybrid, American fans can opt for something more luxurious while still benefiting from the added performance and efficiency of a hybrid powertrain. We're talking about the Lexus LX 700h, which has the same setup as the newly introduced Land Cruiser 300 Hybrid. It's a bit pricey, though, with a starting price of $115,350, including on-road charges.
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