The Toyota Land Cruiser, a stalwart of uncompromising capability and enduring quality, enters a new chapter with the introduction of the Hybrid 48V powertrain—its first-ever electrified drivetrain in Europe.

Uniting robust mechanical engineering with modern hybrid technology, the latest Land Cruiser delivers an enhanced blend of power, smoothness, and off-road resilience.

Hybrid Performance Without Compromise

The new Hybrid 48V system integrates Toyota’s well-established 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine with an eight-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission, an electric motor-generator, a lithium-ion 48V battery, and a DC-DC converter.

Built on Toyota’s latest TNGA body-on-frame platform, the SUV maintains its 700 mm wading depth and rugged capabilities, while offering quieter operation, reduced vibrations, and seamless acceleration on both tarmac and terrain.

Engineering Excellence in Every Component

The permanent magnet synchronous motor-generator, positioned high on the engine block to avoid water intrusion, replaces the conventional alternator.

It charges the lithium-ion battery and provides regenerative braking, stop-start functionality, and torque assist. This results in smoother pullaways and deceleration, essential for both urban environments and steep gradients.

Toyota’s refinement of the stop-start system ensures rapid, quiet engine restarts with minimal shock. In heavy traffic or brief halts, the motor-generator remains connected, enabling restarts even at high engine speeds.

Drivers can select between NORMAL or LONG idling durations, the latter increasing stop time during air-conditioning use.

Intelligent Battery Integration

Weighing just 7.6 kg, the 13-cell lithium-ion battery delivers up to 12 kW of power and 65 Nm of torque when fully charged. Nestled beneath a restructured deck board, the battery is engineered for minimal cargo impact.

Cooling airflow is directed from the vehicle’s front for optimal thermal management, aided by a filter and fan system to prevent overheating or dust accumulation.

Looking Ahead

Ensuring belt reliability under rugged conditions is a custom-designed two-arm tensioner, built for diesel performance. The belt features high-strength aramid cords and a cotton-fabric ribbed surface, ensuring consistent friction in wet conditions.

Stoppers and protective bushings minimise noise, vibration, and grit intrusion during off-road usage.

All European Land Cruiser variants will feature the Hybrid 48V powertrain. Sales are underway, with deliveries commencing by late 2025.

Toyota’s latest offering redefines hybrid utility—fusing heritage, resilience, and refined electrification into a new benchmark for luxury SUVs in the modern age.