Salt in the Wound: Toyota Boosts Power for the Prohibited 300 Series Land Cruiser

      Toyota

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      When Toyota replaced the 200 Series Land Cruiser in 2021, the global market received the 300 Series, while the United States got a rebadged version of the smaller Land Cruiser Prado, albeit after a lengthy wait. Just as we were starting to adjust to that, Toyota introduced a far more powerful version of the global 300 Series. However, this may not be as disappointing as it initially appears.

      An enhanced hybrid powertrain is set to launch in the GR Sport and Sahara ZX models in Australia and other markets later this year. It features a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 paired with a single electric motor, which works alongside a 10-speed automatic transmission, mirroring the gasoline hybrid powertrain in the U.S.-market Tundra, Sequoia, and the Lexus LX, which is a variant of the 300 Series. This setup delivers 457 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque.

      Toyota, in a press release for the Australian market, highlights that this new output exceeds the current twin-turbo, 3.3-liter diesel V6 available in that country by 152 hp and 66 lb-ft. It also surpasses the non-hybrid twin-turbo, 3.5-liter V6 option in the 300 Series by 48 hp and 103 lb-ft. However, it matches the output of the U.S.-market Lexus LX 700h, essentially a 300 Series in an upscale package.

      The combination of a more powerful hybrid system with a standard Land Cruiser model sounds promising, yet the price difference isn't substantial. In Australia, the GR Sport and Sahara ZX hybrids start at the equivalent of $111,700 and $112,237, respectively. In the U.S., the 2027 Lexus LX 700h Overtrail—the most affordable model featuring the hybrid powertrain—begins at $116,785 including destination charges, alongside standard features like front and rear locking differentials, 33-inch all-terrain tires, and a front skid plate.

      Both the Australian GR Sport and Sahara ZX come with front and rear locking differentials and Toyota’s E-KDSS system. The Sahara ZX is equipped with just a Torsen limited-slip rear differential. Standard features on both models include adaptive dampers, Multi-Terrain Select drive modes, and “leather-accented” interiors with heated and ventilated front and outboard rear seats.

      While it’s unfortunate that we don’t have access to the 300 Series Land Cruiser, this situation illustrates why we don't. The large Land Cruiser does not provide enough market space for the LX, unlike the current U.S. Land Cruiser. This was evident during the production of the 200 Series, and judging by Toyota’s pricing strategy for the new 300 Series hybrid, the situation remains unchanged.

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