2026 Toyota Land Cruiser petrol hybrid coming here too?
Toyota is preparing to launch a hybrid version of the Land Cruiser 300 Series in Australia that promises diesel-matching towing performance while delivering more power than the current turbo-diesel flagship.
Arriving in Australia from March 2026, the petrol-electric hybrid will be offered exclusively in the top-tier trims, sitting above the familiar 3.3-litre V6 diesel models.
Twin-turbo hybrid power
Instead of the 227kW/700Nm diesel, the hybrid pairs a 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 with an electric motor, a system already proven in the Tundra pick-up sold in the US. In that application, it produces a hefty 326kW and 790Nm, although Toyota Australia has yet to confirm final outputs for the LandCruiser as local testing and certification are still underway.
Early numbers from the Middle East, where the model has already launched, suggest as much as 341kW of power and combined fuel use of 9.2L/100km, paired with a 98-litre tank. That’s more grunt than the diesel, but without the big fuel savings many associate with hybrid badges.
Read more – 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 GR Sport review
No compromise on towing
Toyota is adamant that the new model’s hybrid badge won’t come at the expense of capability. Like the diesel, the hybrid LandCruiser will tow up to 3500kg, a must-have for the model’s core buyers.
Speaking at a pre-production drive, Toyota Australia sales and marketing boss Sean Hanley has been reported as saying the hybrid had to deliver on this front before it was approved for launch.
“The reason we’re launching this car is because there is no compromise on towing performance,” he said.
“That’s the difference between our Efficiency Hybrids, like the Camry or Corolla, and this Performance Hybrid system. It’s fit-for-purpose for markets like Australia.”
Premium pricing expected
While pricing is still under wraps, Toyota has confirmed the hybrid will command a premium over the diesel.
Toyota positions the hybrid as a premium offering, combining the refinement of petrol power with the muscle of a hybrid system tuned for heavy-duty use.
Five-seat only
One trade-off is packaging: the hybrid LandCruiser will be a five-seater only, whereas diesel versions can be specified with seven seats. Otherwise, spec levels are expected to mirror their diesel equivalents, with luxury trim and a full suite of off-road hardware.
What it means for NZ
Local timing hasn’t been confirmed, but with Australia set to launch in March, Kiwi customers could expect the LandCruiser Hybrid to arrive later in 2026. We’ve asked Toyota NZ to confirm if the LC hybrid is in fact a starter for NZ, but are yet to hear back.
