2023 Toyota Land Cruiser hybrid

The LandCruiser Prado's diesel engine will survive when Toyota at last updates its iconic SUV, with diesel-hybrid technology breathing new life into a tow-ready 2.8-litre turbo-diesel, according to new reports.

The reports also tie neatly into Toyota Australia's own comments this week that the brand is now fast-tracking diesel-hybrid technology for models like the LandCruiser Prado, the 300 Series, and the Toyota HiLux.

And the long wait is at last almost over, with credible reports out of Japan pointing to an all-new Prado launching globally around the middle of 2023, meaning there is less than a year to go.

The reports, which have surfaced in Japan's Best Car Web, suggest the new Prado will launch with two electrified engines – one petrol, one diesel – next year, with the latter sure to be high on Toyota Australia's wish list.

"It makes sense that the LandCruiser, the Prado, the HiLux and other commercial vehicles are going to have to adopt some sort of electrification as we get closer to (2030). And when we say by 2030, I don’t want people to interpret that as 2029 and 2030. On the journey to 2030 we'll start making those arrangements," Toyota Australia’s vice president of sales and marketing, Sean Hanley, told CarsGuide recently.

“Acceleration of electrification right now is clear in this market - we’re seeing it. And as an agile company we need to be adaptable to those requirements.”

According to the reports, that change could be happening sooner rather than later, with the all-new Prado to be fitted with a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel equipped with twin electric motors and a lithium-ion battery, with the electrification delivering a smoother driving experience and lower fuel use without compromising on towing or off-road capability.

It will no doubt come as music to the ears of Prado fans, with fears the diesel engine could be scrapped entirely in the face of ever-stricter emissions regulations.

Much like the 300 Series, the Prado will also be offered internationally with a petrol engine, but whether or not the option makes it to Australia remains to be seen. In the case of the Prado, it will be a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol-hybrid system currently at work in the Toyota RAV4.

The reports also suggest the exterior dimensions of the Prado will be largely unchanged – with the new model measuring 4825mm in length, 1885mm in width and 1850mm in height, with a 2790mm wheelbase – and seating for five or seven will be available.

What will change, however, is the platform, with the new Prado to ride on Toyota's TNGA architecture, which will see a bump in technology on offer such as a big 12.3-inch screen on top-spec models.

The bad news? It will also be more expensive, with Japanese media forecasting price rises of up to one million yen, or $10,500, for the electrified Prado.

All will be revealed soon enough as the countdown to the new model continues.

The iconic off-roader has finally been redesigned, after a full 15 years. The new generation has brought a full load of novelties, which includes changes in every aspect. There is a new platform, new design, new interior, new engines etc. Considering all this, it makes sense to expect no bigger changes for the 2023 Toyota Land Cruiser, which will represent the second production year. However, the latest reports suggest something different. It looks like we are about to see a hybrid powertrain in the offer, for the first time in a Land Cruiser. Other than that, things shouldn’t change too much.

The overall layout will remain the same and the next year’s model will bring familiar features and characteristics. This SUV offers a fantastic combination of off-road performance and luxury, while we also like the long list of standard equipment very much. Furthermore, we like the new powertrain options, which are both capable and efficient.

We expect to see the 2023 Toyota Land Cruiser sometime in the last quarter of the year.

2023 Toyota Land Cruiser hybrid

As we’ve just mentioned, the 2023 Toyota Land Cruiser will represent the second production year of the new generation. So, there’s no doubt that most things will remain the same. The recent redesign has brought a lot of novelties and improvements, starting from the new TNGA-F platform. The new model is significantly lighter and brings a new suspension setup. Such a combination provides a much better on-road ride quality, whether it’s about comfort or handling. At the same time, the off-road performance remains at an impressive level, especially if you opt for versions that bring additional off-road hardware, such as three locking differentials, a two-speed transfer case and additional suspension upgrades.

Interestingly, the wheelbase remained the same as in the previous generation, while other dimensions have remained pretty similar. Simply, Toyota’s engineers didn’t want to compromise off-road performance. Still, there is a completely new styling, based on the company’s new design language, which looks really amazing.

Interior

The same thing is with interior design. We expect to see the same layout, which came completely new recently. The dashboard looks modern and attractive, though it’s much more important that the build quality is at an impressive level. The materials are super-fine, while the attention to detail is extraordinary.

2023 Toyota Land Cruiser hybrid

As we’ve just mentioned, Toyota kept pretty similar dimensions to the previous generation, so the amount of interior space is also pretty similar. The front seats are massive and well-shaped, with excellent support. Furthermore, the second row also accommodates adults with ease. On the other hand, the third row is tight and works mostly for kids.

Features

As we are talking about the second production year, it’s hard to expect bigger changes in terms of standard and available equipment. Most things should remain the same, so base models should come standard with goodies like a 12.3-infotainment screen, 7-inch instrument cluster digital screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 10-speaker audio system, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, 8-way power-adjustable passenger seat, heated and ventilated front seats, quad-zone climate control, wireless charging, head-up display.

Considering the very long list of standard equipment, it’s no wonder that the list of options is quite short. Some of the options you can get are goodies like a sunroof, memory seats, heated and ventilated second-row seats, a center cool box, power tailgate.

2023 Toyota Land Cruiser Engines

One of the most anticipated things for the 2023 Toyota Land Cruiser is the hybrid powertrain. Allegedly, we could see Toyota’s new system under the hood of the Land Cruiser. Practically, that would be the same system found in the new Tundra and Sequoia, which combines a turbo V6 engine with electric motors, for a total output of 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque.

The rest of the lineup would remain the same. So, you may count on the new 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6, which puts out around 409 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, and provides notably better performances that the 5.7-liter V8 from the previous generation.

Also, there is the recently-introduced 3.3-liter V6 turbodiesel, which puts out around 304 horsepower and 700Nm of torque.

Finally, you can also find a good-old 4.0-liter V6 in some parts of the world. That engine puts out around 270 horsepower and comes in pair with an older-generation 6-speed automatic transmission. The rest of the lineup comes in pair with the new 10-speed automatic gearbox.

2023 Toyota Land Cruiser hybrid

2023 Toyota Land Cruiser Release Date and Price

We expect that the 2023 Toyota Land Cruiser will arrive sometime in the last quarter of the year, with a starting price of around AU$128.000 in Australia. The version for the Middle East goes around AED 230.000.

Is Land Cruiser going to be hybrid?

Toyota Australia has committed to giving the Land Cruiser 300 Series a hybrid engine option by the end of the 2020s, and the Sequoia's hybrid engine gives Toyota a turn-key option.

Is there a 2023 Land Cruiser?

Toyota is trying to keep the Land Cruiser on the competitive side of the big SUV segment. As a result, they have introduced a new special edition version, dubbed the Land Cruiser Matte Black.

Is the FJ Cruiser coming back in 2023?

The FJ Cruiser was discontinued stateside after the 2014 model year, then Toyota discontinued it back home in Japan after 2016. The FJ Cruiser still is available in a few markets, but come December 2022, production of the 4Runner-twinned utility vehicle will finally come to a screeching halt.

How much does the 2022 Land Cruiser cost?

Used pricing data reveals that the median price of the 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser ZX hit 17.05 million yen ($129,000) in late July. That is more than double the suggested retail price of a new Land Cruiser in Japan, Nikkei Asia reports. It's not just the Land Cruiser that is feeling the impacts.