Self-charging hybrid Toyota Land Cruiser 300 finally arrives, but…
Approved for Australia from 2026, for the moment, the hybrid is an unknown for South Africa.
Land Cruiser 300 Hybrid has been given a different frontal design from the normal petrol version. Image: Toyota Qatar
First reported six years ago as heading for the then still born Land Cruiser 300, Toyota has quietly introduced the long rumoured hybrid variant in select Middle Eastern markets only with plans of expanding availability elsewhere unknown at present.
Available in two trim levels in the United Arab Emirates, VX-R and GR Sport, and three in Qatar, VX, VX-R and GR Sport, the simply titled Land Cruiser HEV adopts a self-charging petrol-based setup rather than the diesel-electric combination mulled in 2019.
The same configuration as upscale Lexus brand's LX 700h, the hybrid Land Cruiser combines the familiar 3.5-litre badged 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor and battery for a total system output of 336kW/790Nm.
Down five kilowatts but up 140 Nm on the LX, the system is once again connected to a hybrid optimised 10-speed automatic, which sends the amount of twist to all four corners via the full-time four-wheel-drive system with the perennial low range transfer case included.
Besides the unique Gazoo Racing exterior changes that comes with the GR Sport, both the VX and VX-R, regardless of market, differ subtly from the regular Land Cruiser 300 by means of not only the HEV badges, but a restyled bumper, outer grille surround, a new lower air intake and different fog light bezels.
Inside, and bar hybrid specific readouts with the infotainment system and instrument cluster, the HEV appears otherwise identical to the normal Land Cruiser 300, which in the Middle East derives motivation from either the non-electrified twin-turbo V6, or the stalwart normally aspirated 4.0-litre V6. Unsurprisingly absent is the 3.3-litre turbodiesel V6.
Not yet approved
Reportedly approved for Australia from the first quarter of next, according to drive.com.au, pricing in the UAE ranges from 389 900 (R1 910 379) to 409 900 dirham (R2 008 372), and from 385 000 (R1 898 235) to 405 000 riyal (R1 996 845) in Qatar.
As stands, no word about the Land Cruiser 300 Hybrid coming to South Africa has been made, although if approved, expect it to arrive possibly after the start of sales Down Under.
Presently, the five model Land Cruiser 300 range starts at R1 512 100 for the 3.3d GX-R and ends at R2 130 000 for the twin-turbo petrol V6 GR Sport.
NOW READ: Toyota Land Cruiser 300 heading the diesel/electric route?
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
20 hours ago
- The Citizen
Podcast: Names for South Africa's Volkswagen Tera revealed
Which name could South Africa's very own VW Tera be dubbed as? Kylaq will be sold by Volkswagen as the Tera in South America. Image: Volkswagen do Brazil via Brazil. Volkswagen has released details of the monikers its new SUV will be sold under ahead of its market arrival in 2027. Today on our show we chat about the first round of updates Volkswagen has completed at its Kariega plant as well as which name South Africa's very own VW Tera could be dubbed as. ALSO READ: PODCAST: GR Sport model gives new Toyota RAV4 serious punch
The Citizen
21 hours ago
- The Citizen
Self-charging hybrid Toyota Land Cruiser 300 finally arrives, but…
Approved for Australia from 2026, for the moment, the hybrid is an unknown for South Africa. Land Cruiser 300 Hybrid has been given a different frontal design from the normal petrol version. Image: Toyota Qatar First reported six years ago as heading for the then still born Land Cruiser 300, Toyota has quietly introduced the long rumoured hybrid variant in select Middle Eastern markets only with plans of expanding availability elsewhere unknown at present. Available in two trim levels in the United Arab Emirates, VX-R and GR Sport, and three in Qatar, VX, VX-R and GR Sport, the simply titled Land Cruiser HEV adopts a self-charging petrol-based setup rather than the diesel-electric combination mulled in 2019. The same configuration as upscale Lexus brand's LX 700h, the hybrid Land Cruiser combines the familiar 3.5-litre badged 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor and battery for a total system output of 336kW/790Nm. Down five kilowatts but up 140 Nm on the LX, the system is once again connected to a hybrid optimised 10-speed automatic, which sends the amount of twist to all four corners via the full-time four-wheel-drive system with the perennial low range transfer case included. Besides the unique Gazoo Racing exterior changes that comes with the GR Sport, both the VX and VX-R, regardless of market, differ subtly from the regular Land Cruiser 300 by means of not only the HEV badges, but a restyled bumper, outer grille surround, a new lower air intake and different fog light bezels. Inside, and bar hybrid specific readouts with the infotainment system and instrument cluster, the HEV appears otherwise identical to the normal Land Cruiser 300, which in the Middle East derives motivation from either the non-electrified twin-turbo V6, or the stalwart normally aspirated 4.0-litre V6. Unsurprisingly absent is the 3.3-litre turbodiesel V6. Not yet approved Reportedly approved for Australia from the first quarter of next, according to pricing in the UAE ranges from 389 900 (R1 910 379) to 409 900 dirham (R2 008 372), and from 385 000 (R1 898 235) to 405 000 riyal (R1 996 845) in Qatar. As stands, no word about the Land Cruiser 300 Hybrid coming to South Africa has been made, although if approved, expect it to arrive possibly after the start of sales Down Under. Presently, the five model Land Cruiser 300 range starts at R1 512 100 for the 3.3d GX-R and ends at R2 130 000 for the twin-turbo petrol V6 GR Sport. NOW READ: Toyota Land Cruiser 300 heading the diesel/electric route?
The Citizen
a day ago
- The Citizen
Should you buy a new or second-hand car?
Whether buying new or used, South Africans consistently show a strong preference for value-for-money brands, such as Toyota, Volkswagen or Suzuki. Given the overall increase in financial pressures experienced by South African consumers, such as rising food and utility prices, it is important to stretch your rands as far as possible when buying a car. Ernest North, co-founder of Naked insurance, says one of the most important decisions you will make is whether to get a brand-new vehicle or buy a used car. 'Choosing between a new or used car isn't just about the retail price; it's about what will fit your financial plan and lifestyle the best.' New or used car? He adds that buying new and buying used both come with their trade-offs and benefits. Understanding the latest market trends and how the car will impact your finances is crucial for making informed choices. There are ups and downs in both scenarios of buying new or used. According to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers (Naamsa), new vehicle sales decreased by 3% to around 516 000 units in 2024. The used car market has also had its ups and downs, but data suggests demand for second-hand vehicles is outpacing new models by more than two to one. Whether buying new or used, South Africans consistently show a strong preference for value-for-money brands, such as Toyota, Volkswagen or Suzuki. North highlights that the decision to buy a new or used car will depend on factors such as your budget, the length of time you plan to keep the car and the features you are looking for in the car. ALSO READ: Beware: the hidden costs of owning a car Buying a new car Pros of buying new North gives a few lists of the pros of buying a new car. • Reliability – No previous wear and tear. Covered by a full manufacturer's warranty. • Lower interest rates – Lenders offer better financing deals, as new cars are considered lower risk (although this depends on an individual's risk profile). • Latest features – Access to the newest tech, safety and fuel efficiency improvements. • Lower maintenance costs – No major repairs needed for the first few years. Downsides of buying new • Depreciation – Usually a car loses 20-30% of its value in the first year. • Higher insurance costs – Comprehensive coverage is required if financing is involved. • Expensive upfront – Even with lower interest rates, the total cost is higher. Buying a second-hand car Advantages of buying second-hand • Slower depreciation – The value of a car stabilises after the first few years. • Lower purchase price – You can pay less for an equivalent car than you would if buying new. That means you can save money or get something with better specs and features for the same price. Disadvantages of second-hand • Higher interest rates – Lenders often view used cars as riskier, which can result in slightly higher rates. • Potential maintenance costs – Older cars may require more frequent repairs and their warranties may be limited. • Unknown history – Unless certified pre-owned, previous maintenance and accidents could be a concern. ALSO READ: Buying a car from a private seller? Here are some tips Tips on how to get the best deal North offered eight tips on how to get a good deal. Conduct online research: When buying a used car, remember that factors such as mileage, the car's condition and its service history will all affect the price. Knowing what to pay will help you negotiate a better deal. Watch out for deals: Keep your eyes open for incentives such as cash back, trade-in assistance or low-interest financing. Promotions may help you get a better deal when dealers are struggling to move cars. Negotiate: You can often negotiate a better deal, depending on the dealership, the brand and the demand for the specific model. Be cautious of extras: Dealers will often try to include added extras when you buy a car. Some can be worthwhile, like smash-and-grab glass tinting and service plans. Others, such as paint protection or premium audio, are usually not worth the investment. Consider certified pre-owned (CPO): CPO used cars are popular because they come with manufacturer inspections and warranties, offering extra reassurance. Choose the right time to buy: Keep an eye on sales trends. When sales are down, dealerships may be more willing to negotiate. Obtain a vehicle history report: A vehicle history report from services like Dekra Automotive or the South African Insurance Association's online tool can flag any accidents or repairs the car has been involved in. Do not forget insurance: Whether you drive off in a brand-new car or used one, you need to protect it with insurance. NOW READ: Is it still worth buying a car?
