When Toyota finally replaced the 200 Series Land Cruiser in 2021, the rest of the world got the 300 Series, while the U.S. got a rebadged version of the smaller Land Cruiser Prado (and after a few years’ wait at that). Just as we were starting to get over that, Toyota goes and introduces a much more powerful version of the global 300 Series. But this might not be as big a blow as it seems.
An upgraded hybrid powertrain arrives in the GR Sport and Sahara ZX models in Australia and other markets later this year. It consists of a twin-turbocharged, 3.5-liter V6 and a single electric motor integrated with a 10-speed automatic transmission, just like the gasoline hybrid powertrain available in the U.S.-market Tundra, Sequoia, and the 300 Series’ Lexus LX cousin. It produces 457 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque.
As Toyota points out in an Australian-market press release, that’s 152 hp and 66 lb-ft more than the twin-turbo, 3.3-liter diesel V6 currently available in that country. It’s also 48 hp and 103 lb-ft more than the 300 Series’ non-hybrid, twin-turbo, 3.5-liter V6 option. But it’s the same output as the U.S.-market Lexus LX 700h, which is essentially a 300 Series in fancy duds.
The more powerful hybrid system and a more basic Land Cruiser spec sounds like a heckuva combination, but the price difference isn’t that big. 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 least-expensive model with the hybrid powertrain—starts at $116,785 with destination. And that includes front and rear locking differentials, 33-inch all-terrain tires, and a front skid plate.
Front and rear lockers are also standard on the Australian-market GR Sport, along with Toyota’s E-KDSS. The Sahara ZX makes do with a Torsen limited-slip rear diff only. Adaptive dampers and Multi-Terrain Select drive modes are standard on both models, along with “leather-accented” upholstery and heated and ventilated front and outboard rear seats.
It’s still a bummer that we don’t get the 300 Series Land Cruiser, but this illustrates why. The big Land Cruiser doesn’t leave the LX enough breathing room, the way the current U.S.-market Land Cruiser does. That was the case when the 200 Series was around, and judging by the way Toyota is pricing the new 300 Series hybrid, it still is.
Got a tip? Send it im\n: tips@thedrive.com