Under the bonnet is the 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine the new Land Cruiser has used since it was launched last year, but this is now paired with a small 48V lithium-ion battery and an electric motor-generator that can contribute an extra 16bhp and 65Nm of torque.
The main benefit is a quicker, quieter and smoother engine stop-start system, which will help when in town or heavy traffic. However, the hybrid tech should also make acceleration smoother and more consistent through the rev range, providing a more comfortable driving experience.
Toyota even claims the hybrid system enhances the Land Cruiser’s already immense ability to tackle obstacles off-road, and in no way compromises the 4×4’s ability to operate in “extreme conditions and rough terrain”.
The motor-generator is used to recharge the hybrid system’s battery, so drivers don’t have to worry about finding a plug out in the wilderness. It’s able to recuperate energy when the Land Cruiser is slowing down, with the regen function also improving efficiency.
Handily, the instrument display will show drivers if the hybrid system is recuperating energy or assisting the engine.
To protect the electrified assistance from whatever Land Cruiser owners want to throw at their vehicle, the motor-generator has been mounted high up on the engine block ensuring that the 4×4 can still wade through water up to 700mm deep. The battery has also been protected against water, while a filter helps prevent the build-up of dust in the cooling paths and a fan is meant to maintain the unit’s performance in high temperatures.
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