Toyota is ushering in a new chapter for its legendary Land Cruiser with the introduction of the Land Cruiser Hybrid 48V in Europe.
This marks the model’s first step into electrification, offering a mild-hybrid system that enhances performance, comfort, and fuel efficiency without compromising the Land Cruiser’s iconic off-road prowess.
At the heart of this evolution is a newly engineered 48V mild-hybrid system, which integrates seamlessly with the trusted 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine and eight-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission.
Built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) body-on-frame platform, the new Land Cruiser gains improved rigidity, enhanced handling, and refined on-road dynamics.
The hybrid system includes a motor-generator, a compact 48V lithium-ion battery, and a DC-DC converter, all designed to perform reliably under extreme conditions.
This configuration not only maintains the vehicle’s impressive 700mm wading depth, but also ensures durability across a range of challenging terrains.
Key enhancements of the Land Cruiser Hybrid 48V include:
Smoother stop-start functionality for a quieter, more refined urban driving experience.
Improved acceleration and deceleration, offering linear power delivery with enhanced responsiveness.
Preserved off-road capability, ensuring the hybrid system does not interfere with traction, crawl control, or ground clearance.
This compact hybrid system, also used in the new Toyota Hilux, uses regenerative braking to recharge the battery and assists the engine during acceleration. The result is improved fuel efficiency, especially during low-speed maneuvers, and a more composed ride in both urban and off-road environments.
The 48V battery, weighing only 7.6 kg, delivers an extra 12 kW of power and 65 Nm of torque during start-off. Its placement minimizes cargo space intrusion, and its water-resistant and temperature-controlled design ensures reliability across Europe’s varied climates.
Further enhancing performance is a new two-arm belt tensioner, developed specifically for diesel hybrid setups, which supports belt reliability on rugged trails.
Toyota plans to open order books soon, with the first deliveries expected by late 2025. With this electrified update, the Land Cruiser evolves while staying true to its heritage—offering durability, innovation, and capability in one modern package.