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

      Toyota

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      When Toyota finally unveiled the 300 Series Land Cruiser in 2021 to replace the 200 Series, the global market received the new model, while the U.S. got a rebadged, smaller version known as the Land Cruiser Prado—after a lengthy wait, no less. Just as we were beginning to adjust to this situation, Toyota introduced a more powerful variant of the global 300 Series. However, this may not be as significant a setback as it seems.

      An enhanced hybrid powertrain will be available in the GR Sport and Sahara ZX models in Australia and other regions later this year. It features a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 paired with a single electric motor and a 10-speed automatic transmission, similar to the gasoline hybrid powertrain used in the U.S. versions of the Tundra, Sequoia, and the Lexus LX, which shares its platform with the 300 Series. This setup generates 457 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque.

      Toyota notes in a press release for the Australian market that this power output exceeds the twin-turbo 3.3-liter diesel V6 available there by 152 horsepower and 66 pound-feet of torque. It's also more powerful than the non-hybrid twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 option in the 300 Series by 48 horsepower and 103 pound-feet. Notably, its output matches that of the U.S.-market Lexus LX 700h, effectively a more luxurious version of the 300 Series.

      The combination of the powerful hybrid system with a more basic Land Cruiser configuration sounds appealing, yet the price difference is not substantial. In Australia, the starting prices for the GR Sport and Sahara ZX hybrids are around $111,700 and $112,237, respectively. In the U.S., the 2027 Lexus LX 700h Overtrail—the most affordable model equipped with the hybrid powertrain—has a starting price of $116,785, including destination fees. This model also comes with front and rear locking differentials, 33-inch all-terrain tires, and a front skid plate.

      The Australian GR Sport also includes standard front and rear lockers and Toyota's E-KDSS. The Sahara ZX features a Torsen limited-slip rear differential only. Both models come equipped with adaptive dampers, Multi-Terrain Select drive modes, “leather-accented” upholstery, and heated and ventilated front and outboard rear seats.

      It's disappointing that we don't have access to the 300 Series Land Cruiser, but this situation highlights the reasoning behind it. The larger Land Cruiser would encroach on the LX's market position, unlike the current U.S. Land Cruiser. This was true during the time of the 200 Series, and judging by Toyota's pricing for the new 300 Series hybrid, it still applies.

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