Toyota Land Cruiser Future Options: PHEV, Hydrogen, and EV

author: FutureCar Staff    

The Toyota Land Cruiser, known for its rugged off-roading capabilities, is set to stay on the road until 2030. In order to achieve this, Toyota's engineers are currently evaluating the costs and benefits of different powertrain options including electric, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and hydrogen.

While the latest generation of the Land Cruiser maintains its old-school appearance, the engineers are determined to keep it relevant in the face of tightening emissions regulations worldwide. To kickstart this mission, the new Land Cruiser is equipped with Toyota's i-Force Max hybrid powertrain. This combines a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission, an integrated electric motor, and a 1.87 kWh battery. The result is an impressive combined output of 326 hp (243 kW / 331 PS) and 465 lb-ft (630 Nm) of torque.

However, the i-Force Max hybrid powertrain may not be sufficient to meet the compliance requirements in all markets where Toyota intends to sell the Land Cruiser. To address this, the automaker is exploring alternative options such as plug-in hybrid, hydrogen, and all-electric drivetrains for the model.

The Land Cruiser's engineers have the advantage of flexibility as the vehicle is built on the TNGA-F platform, designed to accommodate various powertrain options including new energy drivetrains and internal combustion engines. However, modifications will still be necessary to integrate a new powertrain, and each option presents its own set of compromises.

According to Keita Moritsu, the Land Cruiser's chief engineer, each powertrain option has its own challenges and advantages. The electric option, for example, offers zero local emissions but may face limitations in extreme temperatures. Since the Land Cruiser is intended to be reliable even in remote locations, this may not be the ideal solution.

While a plug-in hybrid could address some of the range concerns, it still relies on an engine and therefore generates local emissions. This could potentially impact Toyota's reputation as a company resistant to fully electric vehicles.

Another option being considered is a hydrogen fuel cell system, which would offer excellent range but would require bulky equipment that could reduce passenger volume. Additionally, the lack of refueling infrastructure for hydrogen poses a challenge.

Toyota has not yet made a final decision on the powertrain option for the Land Cruiser. The company is carefully evaluating the costs and benefits of each option to determine the most suitable path forward.

FutureCar Staff