Toyota’s toughest SUV, the ‘Land Cruiser 300’, may be about to step into the electrified world with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option. This would be the first time the off-roading beast offers the ability
to run on electric power.
For decades, the Land Cruiser has always been known as a rugged, go-anywhere SUV which is trusted in deserts, mountains, and jungles. But times are changing now as Toyota already introduced a self-charging hybrid version earlier in 2025, making it the most powerful Land Cruiser yet with 457 horsepower. Now, reports from Japan suggest a plug-in hybrid model could be next, according to Carscoops.
What Would Change With a Plug-In Hybrid?
A plug-in hybrid would combine this SUV’s 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine with a bigger electric motor and a large battery pack. This combination could let drivers complete daily commutes or short trips without using fuel. On longer adventures, the petrol engine would take over which is perfect for remote areas and the places where charging stations are unavailable.Trade-Offs of Electrification
However, the move to plug-in technology won’t come without challenges, as adding a larger battery would:-- Increase the SUV’s weight
- Possibly cut down luggage space
- Limit the SUV to five seats instead of seven
- Reduce the fuel tank size, meaning fewer liters of petrol compared to the standard model
Still, Toyota believes the benefits of lower emissions, smoother performance, and added power might ignore these compromises.
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Bigger Picture
This is not Toyota’s first experiment with Land Cruisers. Back in 2023, the company explored plug-in, fully electric, and even hydrogen versions for the slightly smaller Land Cruiser 250, known as Prado. Now, it looks like electrification is slowly becoming part of the entire Land Cruiser lineup for a more greener approach.
If the rumors are true, then the Land Cruiser 300 PHEV could offer the perfect blend of old-school ruggedness with toughness and new-age efficiency, developing a heavy-duty SUV that can climb mountains by day and quietly run through the city on battery power by night.
For more interesting updates on, ICE, EVs and Hybrids, stay tuned to Times Now Auto.
