Toyota's most rugged SUV may soon get a charging port (3 photos)

Electrifying the legendary SUV

The Land Cruiser has long been associated with reliability and off-road capability, but Toyota is now integrating electrification into its most rugged SUV. Following the launch of a hybrid version of the Land Cruiser 300 in the Middle East, new reports from Japan suggest that this could be just the beginning.

Rumors suggest that a plug-in hybrid could soon join the lineup, giving the SUV true zero-emissions capability for short trips.

Technical Features and Developments

Launched in 2021 on the TNGA-F architecture, the Land Cruiser 300 was initially available with two V6 engines: a 3.5-liter bi-turbo gasoline engine and a 3.3-liter turbodiesel. In 2025, Toyota launched a new self-charging hybrid version that adds a single electric motor for a combined output of 457 hp, making it the most powerful full-size Land Cruiser to date.



The potential of a plug-in hybrid version

The first-ever Land Cruiser PHEV could combine a 3.5-liter V6 engine with a more powerful electric motor, improving performance both on and off-road. A larger battery will allow owners to complete daily errands or city trips without using fuel, while the internal combustion engine will maintain the SUV's capabilities in remote areas where charging stations are rare.

Compromises and limitations

These advantages are not without compromises. Additional equipment will increase weight and reduce space in the cabin or trunk. As a result, the PHEV may be limited to a five-seat configuration with reduced cargo capacity compared to non-electrified models.

Fuel tank capacity may also be smaller, with the standard model’s 80 liters and the hybrid version’s 68 liters. For comparison, the Toyota Alphard has 75 liters in the petrol version, 60 liters in the HEV and just 47 liters in the PHEV.



Land Cruiser family electrification plans

This is not the first time there has been talk of a plug-in hybrid Land Cruiser. Back in 2023, Toyota was reported to be evaluating plug-in hybrid, all-electric, and even hydrogen powertrains for the slightly smaller Land Cruiser 250 Series, also known as the Prado in some markets. The model, which is sold in the US and other countries, currently comes with a variety of petrol, diesel, and mild-hybrid diesel engine options, suggesting that electrification of the entire Land Cruiser family has long been on Toyota’s radar.

As of September 2025, Toyota has suspended orders for the petrol Land Cruiser in its domestic market and is reportedly limiting availability of the diesel version. According to Japanese publication Creative Trend, there are rumors of another powertrain joining the local lineup. The most likely addition is a conventional hybrid, already confirmed for wider markets outside the Middle East, although speculation points to something more ambitious: a plug-in hybrid system.

Toyota’s move to electrify even its most traditional models reflects a broader shift in the automotive industry. While the Land Cruiser has always been valued for its reliability in the most challenging conditions, the addition of plug-in hybrid technology could provide a bridge between the brand’s past and future. The development could also have significant implications for markets where environmental regulations are becoming increasingly stringent, offering a true SUV capable of meeting the demands of urban environments and environmental standards.