Toyota's Most Powerful Land Cruiser Ever Isn't Coming to America. But Something Nicer Already Has

Yahoo

7 hours ago

The manufacturer's iconic nameplate gets supercharged with the Land Cruiser 300 Hybrid, only available overseas. But all hope is not lost.
Nameplates hardly get any more prestigious than the Land Cruiser.
Toyota's legendary SUV emerged from military prototypes used during the Korean War. And while the Land Cruiser has since evolved into one of the most luxurious vehicles on the road, it hasn't lost its reputation for durability and reliability, even if its context is decidedly more civilian than rugged now.
Estimated to ship in September, a new Land Cruiser on the way will push the envelope even further, thanks to a hybrid powertrain that makes it the most powerful, responsive and efficient SUV to ever wear the iconic nameplate.
Under the hood, the Land Cruiser 300 Hybrid boasts a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a parallel hybrid system, bumping the combined output to a formidable 457 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque — more power than that of the diesel variant sold in several markets.
Other features include a waterproofed battery area, Electric Power Steering and a built-in 1,500W AC inverter output, for drivers who do decide to take it off-grid.
Now onto the bad news: this new high-end Land Cruiser isn't coming to the US, at least to start, with an initial launch set for the Middle East to coincide with the region's commitments to carbon neutrality with UAE Net Zero 2050.
Pricing starts at 389,900 United Arab Emirates dirhams (around $106,000 USD). The vehicle will then make its way to Australia in 2026.
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That means US buyers will have to settle for the more humble 250 series for now, but all hope isn't lost out the gate.
The hybrid Land Cruiser 300 the same TNGA-F platform and output as the 2025 Lexus LX 700h, available in the US since early 2025.
However, power doesn't come cheap, as the ultra-luxe trim represents the manufacturer's priciest SUV to date — and by quite the margin.
With its best-in-class sound system, seats that massage and premium leather and wood treatments, the 2025 Lexus LX 700h starts north of $115,000 and up to $141,350 for the top trim. But damn if it isn't a nice ride.
Jack Seemer is the executive editor at Gear Patrol, with over a decade of experience in product journalism. He currently reports on a wide range of topics, including footwear, watches, EDC, cookware and more.