Next-Gen Toyota Land Cruiser Reportedly Going Hybrid

A new generation of the Toyota Land Cruiser is on the way and is scheduled for an August debut, according to Japan’s Best Car Web. But here’s the bigger news: it comes with a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain.

In an article published by Best Car Web, the Japanese automaker’s flagship SUV is said to bid goodbye to its current 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V-8 engine and will go for the same gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain used in the Lexus LC 500h coupe and LS 500h sedan. Both Lexus models also use a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 engine assisted by a pair of electric motors for a total output of 354 horsepower.

These figures are expected to be carried over to the Land Cruiser, although it’s uncertain if Lexus’ transmission setup stand a chance in off-roading.

This suggests that the Land Cruiser will be trading off horsepower in its upcoming generation. Fortunately for customers, it doesn’t mean the SUV will become slower. Despite the hybrid powertrain’s lower horsepower output, the new Land Cruiser is expected to shed off some pounds, offsetting the weight of the battery pack.

It is also reportedly going to ride the Toyota New Global Architecture-F (TNGA-F), which is said to keep the current model’s body-on-frame setup. The platform is expected to retain the Land Cruiser’s off-road capability and durability.

Moreover, Toyota is set to take a more evolutionary approach in redesigning the Land Cruiser. This means the SUV will still feature a blocky and relatively simple styling. But considering the direction of the company’s latest design language, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Land Cruiser gets a few flamboyant additions.

It remains to be seen, however, if the hybrid version of the Land Cruiser will make its way to the United States considering the brand’s dismal sales in 2019 (fewer than 4,000). But with the growing popularity of hybrid models in the U.S., it’s not impossible.