For the first time ever, Toyota has electrified its big boy SUV, the Land Cruiser. The Land Cruiser Hybrid combines over 70 years of off-road heritage with Toyota’s latest hybrid tech. The new model offers not just improved fuel efficiency, but performance and drivability while preserving the nameplate’s go-anywhere ability.
The powertrain is basically the same one fitted in the Lexus LX 700h (which was launched in the Philippines in March this year). With that, the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 gas engine (V35A-FTS) is paired with a parallel hybrid system delivering a combined 457 horsepower and 790 Nm of torque. This makes it the most powerful Land Cruiser ever produced boasting 20 percent more torque and 40 percent improved throttle response over its conventional gas-powered counterpart. Per Toyota, it does 10.9 km/L in mixed city/highway driving. The gearbox is a 10-speed automatic.
Cleverly, the electrified powertrain is designed for rugged performance. Tested in the harsh conditions of the Middle East, the hybrid system has battery cooling for its nickel-metal hydride battery. No worries when tackling high floods as the hybrid battery is encased in a waterproof structure located in the rear floor. This allows it to keep the same water wading depth as the conventional Land Cruiser. In the unlikely event that water does enter the tray, a water sensor positioned inside will detect it and alert the driver through a meter display.
In the worst case that the hybrid system fails, it can be driven purely in gasoline mode where the alternator can power the 12-volt auxiliary battery. It can even use all off its pertinent drive and terrain modes. It also maintains a sizeable fuel tank measuring either 68 or 98 liters depending on the variant.
The electrified powertrain aside, the Land Cruiser Hybrid gains a new electric power steering system for improved steering feel and maneuverability. It also comes with Adaptive Variable Suspension. The off-road centric GR Sport trim adds Electronic-Kinetic Dynamic Suspension (E-KDSS), front lockers, and all-terrain 18-inch tires.
Making the Land Cruiser Hybrid distinct from the rest of the line-up, it receives Jet Black bumpers and Hybrid / 457TT badging. The GR Sport keeps its unique GR Sport off-road bumpers.
Inside, the Land Cruiser Hybrid keeps its 7-seater layout and is filled to the brim with features such as four-zone climate control, a leather/wood steering wheel with power adjustment, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, heads-up display, and a 12.3-inch Display Audio system with a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11-inch display and 14-piece JBL speakers. In addition, there’s a 1,500-watt AC inverter to power household appliances and camping gear.
Safety-wise, the Land Cruiser Hybrid gets the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0.
Given the importance of the Land Cruiser nameplate in the Middle East, Toyota has opted to launch it there. Other markets will soon follow.
Toyota is playing innocent that hybrids and EVs are not good. They just want to sell you the old inventory.
ReplyDeleteToyota have been dragging their feet on EVs and electrification for years saying that they don't think it's the future (because the old executives honestly believe that). Only now are they moving (a little bit) faster. But it'll be when they start announcing full lineups of EVs for future release (on roadmaps), like what other Japanese brands like Honda and Mazda are doing now (and even then their projections are close to the 2030s), that you know that they've finally given in at which point they'll be admitting that they were wrong and are now late to the game. When will that be? I'll personally give it maybe 4-5 from now when their market share is properly threatened by chinese and even european EVs.
DeleteSame engine as the Lexus LX which is great news
ReplyDeleteAffordable and practical alternative to the Lexus LX then
My guess it'll be priced at 6 Million or 6.5 Million Pesos
The better question is what is the power to weight ratio of the car else it's just a pointless excuse of "but it's a hybrid"
ReplyDeleteSimilar to the Lexus LX
DeleteBut it has a higher torque at 790
ReplyDeleteMarami po ang bibili niyan, tulad po sa High Profile Businessmen, Politicians (President, Senator, Congressmen, Mayor and Village Chief or Barangay Chairman as well).
ReplyDelete