Toyota introduces Land Cruiser Hybrid and Commercial

Toyota has announced a mild hybrid version of the Land Cruiser, as well as a factory-converted Commercial variant.

The models are based on the latest J250 Toyota Land Cruiser, with the mild hybrid variant adding a 48V system to the existing 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine, with an eight speed automatic gearbox, similar to the recently-introduced Hilux Hybrid.

Unlike Toyota’s full hybrid models, the hybridised Land Cruiser uses a small battery, weighing 7.6kg, and with a capacity of 4.3Ah.

The hybrid system increases the smoothness of the car’s start-stop system, with the electric motor acting as a starter, allowing for faster and quieter engine restarts, as well supplying limited drive power (around 16PS).

Drivers can chose the length of idle times allowed by the vehicle, selecting ‘Normal’ for increased efficiency, or ‘Long’ to allow for longer engine idling when the air conditioning is running.

Energy is recovered through regenerative braking.

The Land Cruiser’s off-road abilities are not compromised by the hybrid system, as the motor-generator is mounted high on the engine block, and the battery protected against water ingress, with the model able to wade in up to 700mm of water.

Once introduced in early 2026, the hybrid system will be standard on all UK-bound vehicles, including commercial models.