Toyota LandCruiser and HiLux diesel hybrids in the works

Despite diving head-first into fully-electric vehicles this year with the all-new Toyota bZ4X, Toyota’s dedication to hybrid technology looks set to continue with diesel-electric powertrains now in the spotlight.

The latest intel out of Japan points to a pair of new diesel-electric hybrid engines being readied for large SUVs and light commercial vehicles such as the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series, LandCruiser Prado, HiLux, HiAce and Fortuner, based on 2.5-litre and 3.5-litre combustion engines.

As we’ve reported, Toyota has previously confirmed that it will release hybrid versions of the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series and Toyota HiLux ute no later than 2030.

That confirmation came a couple of years after Toyota Australia also revealed that hybrid diesels for HiLux were possible for its future product line-up. 

Now, according to BestCar in Japan, whose Toyota-related info has been largely accurate to date, the auto giant is developing the new diesel-electric powertrains as it works towards offering electrified options across every model line – including its harder-core 4x4 off-road SUVs and workhorse utes.

Toyota’s truck subsidiary Hino already offers bigger-displacement diesel-electric hybrid engines on light-duty models such as the Hino 300 Series.

Diesel remains the powertrain of choice among Toyota large SUV and ute buyers, and combining electrification could bring advantages on a variety of fronts, from emissions and economy through to pulling power and towing.

That said, local sources suggest that while diesel hybrids cannot be ruled out, the focus within Toyota will still be on petrol-electric powertrains.

For the new Toyota LandCruiser, the 300 Series will almost certainly get a V6 petrol-electric hybrid for starters.

While pure-electric powertrains are a possibility for Toyota’s heavy-duty off-road vehicles, large SUVs and light commercial vehicles in the future, another option has been flagged as well – hydrogen fuel-cell.

Toyota is still investing in hydrogen-powered vehicle development and has said the longer range compared to current EVs makes it attractive for bigger vehicles like the LandCruiser 300 Series.