Toyota bets on electrification in the Off-Road segment: Land Cruiser 300 Hybrid debuts in Eastern Europe
The King of Off-Road Goes Electrified: The New Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Hybrid Arrives in Eastern Europe
For almost 75 years, the Toyota Land Cruiser has been more than just a vehicle, but a symbol of Japanese resilience and engineering. In January 2026, the legend takes a giant step into the future: the Japanese manufacturer officially launched the Land Cruiser 300 Performance Hybrid, the most powerful and technologically advanced version in the model's history, now confirmed for selected markets in Eastern Europe, including Romania.
Uncompromising Power: V6 Twin-Turbo and 457 HP
Under the hood of the new LC300, we no longer find only the brute force of conventional combustion engines. The heart of the system is a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, assisted by an electric motor ingeniously integrated between the combustion unit and the 10-speed automatic transmission.
The result is impressive:
- Total power: 457 hp
- Engine torque: 790 Nm
- Efficiency: The ability to run purely electric (with the combustion engine off) at speeds of up to 30 km/h.
Toyota representatives say that this setup not only reduces emissions, but also improves throttle response by 40% compared to the previous diesel version, providing an instant burst of power, crucial both when overtaking and on rough terrain.
Off-Road Skills and Premium Features
Although it has become "greener", the Land Cruiser 300 Hybrid has not lost its DNA. The car can still cross 700 mm water fords and retains the attack and departure angles that made it famous.
The model will be available in three distinct equipment versions:
- VX: The balanced version, with 18-inch wheels, 12.3-inch digital dashboard and JBL audio system with 14 speakers.
- ZX: Emphasis on luxury and urban elegance.
- GR Sport: Oriented towards extreme performance and an aggressive rally-inspired design.
Availability and Price in Romania
Although the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 has long been a rarity in official showrooms in Europe (often being imported through parallel channels), the launch of the Hybrid version in January 2026 marks an official opening to Eastern Europe.
- Estimated price: In the Romanian market, given the taxes and premium positioning, the price for the new Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Hybrid is expected to start at approximately EUR 145,000 – 155,000 (VAT included) for the base VX variant. Higher trims, such as the GR Sport, may exceed the EUR 180,000 threshold.
- Deliveries: The first units ordered in January are expected to reach customers in Romania starting in the second quarter of 2026.
Sales and Market Interest
The segment of luxury SUVs capable of real off-roading is steadily growing in Romania. The Land Cruiser 300 Hybrid comes to compete directly with models such as the Range Rover or the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while offering the legendary advantage of Toyota reliability. Local dealers anticipate long waiting lists, given that demand for the 300 series globally has consistently exceeded production capacity in recent years.