Toyota Launches First-Ever Land Cruiser 300 Hybrid in the Philippines, Australia, and the Middle East — Ahead of Japan

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Toyota is rolling out the first-ever hybrid (HEV) version of its new Land Cruiser 300 in several overseas markets ahead of its Japan launch. Featuring a parallel-hybrid system that combines a V6 twin-turbo engine with an electric motor, this model boasts the strongest specs in the model’s history, and has already gone on sale at dealerships in the Middle East, Australia, the Philippines, and elsewhere.

Launch Background

• In June 2025, the model made its world premiere through Toyota’s UAE and Australian operations, drawing attention as the first-ever hybrid Land Cruiser.

• It was then progressively rolled out in parts of Eastern Europe starting in January 2026.

• In the Philippines, it was unveiled at the 10th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS), which opened on June 4, 2026, and officially went on general sale starting June 24 — reaching actual dealership sales in a Southeast Asian market ahead of Japan.

Powertrain Specifications

• Engine: HEV — 3.5L V6 twin-turbo gasoline (V35A-FTS); previous diesel (reference) — 3.3L V6 twin-turbo diesel

• Motor: HEV — one electric motor (parallel hybrid); previous diesel (reference) — none

• System max output: HEV — 457 PS (engine 415 PS + motor 49 PS); previous diesel (reference) — 302-309 PS

• Max torque: HEV — 790 Nm (engine 650 Nm + motor 250 Nm); previous diesel (reference) — approx. 700 Nm

• Transmission: HEV — 10-speed AT; previous diesel (reference) — 10-speed AT

The nickel-metal hydride battery is positioned high in the rear floor of the vehicle, allowing the model to retain its off-road capability and high wading performance even after going hybrid.

Pricing in the Philippines

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) began sales on June 24 under the official model name “Land Cruiser 300 3.5 V6 ZX HEV.”

• Priced from ₱6.93 million (approx. ¥18.3 million)

• The Precious White Pearl color commands a slight premium, priced at ₱6,945,000-6,956,000

• About ₱1.2 million (more than 30%) higher than the existing 3.3-liter diesel model sold alongside it (₱5.75 million-5.77 million)

At the same time, PIMS 2026 also saw the debut of the retro-styled new Land Cruiser FJ (₱2,235,000-2,575,000) and the electric Hilux BEV (₱2.99 million), as Toyota significantly expanded its electrified lineup in the Philippine market.

Outlook for Japan Launch

As of mid-2026, Toyota has not yet made an official announcement regarding the timing of a formal Japan launch. Several automotive trade media outlets speculate that around September-October 2026 is the most likely window. Domestic orders for the current Land Cruiser 300 remain suspended, and some observers expect orders to resume once the hybrid version is introduced. The expected price range in Japan is estimated at ¥8.5 million to over ¥10 million.

Conclusion

This once again follows Toyota’s typical pattern of global rollout — introducing the hybrid version first in overseas markets (particularly the Middle East, Australia, and the Philippines) while carefully gauging demand and production capacity before determining the timing of its home-market Japan launch. The official Philippine launch on June 24 is a symbolic milestone in that actual retail sales began there ahead of the Japan market.

Sources: Manila Bulletin, AutoIndustriya, Zigwheels.ph, CarGuide.PH, TopGear.com.ph, Motor Fan, Kuruma no News (published June 2026)

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