Land Cruiser Goes Mild Hybrid:

Just over a year since the latest generation Toyota Land Cruiser hit UK roads with its rugged retro styling and legendary off-road prowess, Toyota has now unveiled a more electrified — but still thoroughly practical — version: the Land Cruiser Hybrid 48V.

This new variant introduces a mild hybrid system to the tried-and-true 2.8-litre diesel engine. Rather than going fully electric or even plug-in hybrid, Toyota is keeping things simple and rugged. The 48V setup includes a small battery and a belt-driven motor-generator. It’s mounted high within the engine bay to preserve water-wading ability, and the battery is sealed for waterproofing — proof that off-road readiness hasn’t taken a back seat.

While it won’t run on electric power alone, the hybrid system does bring notable benefits. Expect smoother start-stop functionality, a bit more low-end torque, and a modest performance bump at startup — an additional 16bhp and 48lb/ft of torque. The combined output now hits 201bhp and 326lb/ft, all sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

This 48V mild hybrid setup replaces the non-electrified diesel as the sole engine option in the UK. Toyota hasn’t revealed pricing yet, but it’s likely to be a slight increase over the current Land Cruiser’s starting point of £77,845.

Toyota is staying true to the Land Cruiser’s identity: a dependable, go-anywhere machine built for real-world toughness. Now, it just happens to come with a touch of electrification.