By Xolile Hopa

The Toyota Land Cruiser has built its reputation on going almost anywhere while shrugging off some of the toughest conditions. Now, Toyota has added a new ingredient to that formula with the introduction of hybrid power.

Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has introduced two petrol-electric hybrid derivatives to the local Land Cruiser 300 range, pairing the SUV’s 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine with Toyota’s hybrid electric technology.

The system produces a combined 341kW and 790Nm, making the hybrid the most powerful Land Cruiser ever sold in South Africa.

The petrol-electric powertrain makes its debut in the ZX, while a hybrid version of the GR-S is also joining the range. The existing 3.3-litre diesel derivatives remain available in the local line-up.

Despite the additional power, Toyota claims fuel consumption of 10L/100km for the hybrid. The powertrain is paired with the familiar 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel-drive system, retaining the Land Cruiser’s focus on towing and off-road capability.

One of the more interesting additions is a waterproof 1,500W AC power outlet positioned beneath the centre console. This can be used to power equipment while camping or provide backup electricity during a power outage.

There are also a few cosmetic changes to the range, including new exterior colours such as Magnetite Black and Classic White. Selected derivatives also receive revised interior trim combinations.

The arrival of the hybrid has also changed the positioning of the range. The ZX is now available exclusively with the new petrol-electric drivetrain, while the GX-R and existing GR-S continue with the 3.3-litre diesel engine.

Pricing

Toyota Land Cruiser 300 3.3D GX-R – R1,596,800

Toyota Land Cruiser 300 3.3D ZX – R2,150,400

Toyota Land Cruiser 300 3.5T ZX – R2,191,300

Toyota Land Cruiser 300 3.3D GR-Sport – R2,210,100

Toyota Land Cruiser 300 3.5T GR-Sport – R2,247,500

Toyota Land Cruiser 300 3.5T HEV ZX – R2,287,700

Toyota Land Cruiser 300 3.5T HEV GR-Sport – R2,343,800

The Land Cruiser 300 continues to come with a three-year/100,000km warranty and a nine-service/90,000km service plan. The hybrid battery is covered for eight years or 160,000km.