The Toyota Land Cruiser Diesel Becomes (Almost) Reasonable

The Toyota Land Cruiser, a global icon of off-roading, enters a new era with the introduction of an electrified Diesel engine in Europe.

A first that changes everything for the Land Cruiser, particularly in France, where this Hybrid 48V version should allow it to escape the discouraging CO2 penalty of 70,000 euros, resulting from CO2 emissions of 275 g/km. Thanks to this mild hybridization, the Land Cruiser should be accessible without astronomical tax penalties, while retaining its adventurous DNA.

This Hybrid 48V system relies on the well-known 2.8-liter turbodiesel block, to which an electric motor-generator, a compact lithium-ion battery, and a DC-DC converter are added. The result: smoother acceleration, a more fluid driving experience, and a more responsive and silent stop-start system. On the road and off the beaten path, performance is guaranteed. Toyota promises an unchanged wading depth of 700 mm and enduring robustness thanks to the already proven TNGA-F platform.

Less than 8 kg of electric sense

One of the major advantages of this powertrain is its ability to integrate without disrupting the original architecture. The hybrid elements have been specially designed to withstand extreme conditions, whether heat, humidity, or muddy terrains. The battery, for instance, weighs only 7.6 kg and is installed under the floor without compromising the loading space. In off-road driving, the motor-generator contributes to regenerative engine braking, improving traction management and crossing capabilities.

Orders are already open in Switzerland, with deliveries expected by the end of 2025. Nothing has been announced yet for France, but the arrival of this electrified version could well mark the grand return of the Land Cruiser on the roads… and in the trails, without the prohibitive fiscal axe of the ecological penalty.

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