2025 Toyota Land Cruiser Debuts with 48V Hybrid System Across Europe

Toyota has officially ushered in a new chapter for its legendary Land Cruiser by introducing the model’s first electrified drivetrain. The Toyota Land Cruiser Hybrid 48V, revealed in late 2024, will become standard on all European models, with deliveries expected to begin by the end of 2025. 

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The new 48V mild hybrid system builds upon the Land Cruiser’s established 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, pairing it with an electric motor-generator, a 48V lithium-ion battery, and a DC-DC converter. This setup has been designed for seamless integration into the vehicle’s existing powertrain, eliminating the need for significant reengineering.

Unlike Toyota's full hybrid systems, the 48V unit is more compact, which allows for easier packaging, particularly in rugged vehicles where space and weight distribution are critical. Despite being a mild hybrid, the system introduces tangible gains in engine responsiveness, refinement, and fuel efficiency. 

Engineered to endure harsh environments, the hybrid components are carefully positioned to maintain the SUV’s off-road performance. The motor-generator is mounted high on the engine block, ensuring the Land Cruiser retains its 700 mm water wading capability. Additionally, the electric system supports smooth and linear acceleration, both on tarmac and rough trails. 

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The permanent magnet synchronous motor-generator not only assists with propulsion but also supports regenerative braking. When the driver lifts off the throttle, energy is recuperated and stored in the battery, helping to power the stop-start system and assist in subsequent accelerations. 

Drivers can fine-tune the stop-start performance through two selectable modes—NORMAL and LONG. The latter extends idle stop duration when climate control demands are low, promoting fuel savings during extended stops.

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Despite its added complexity, the hybrid system has been thoughtfully packaged. The lithium-ion battery, comprising 13 cells and weighing only 7.6 kg, is tucked beneath a revised rear deck layout to minimise impact on cargo space. It can provide up to 16 bhp of additional power and 65 Nm of torque during acceleration, especially useful during stop-start conditions or when climbing over obstacles.

Cooling air is channelled from the front of the vehicle to maintain battery temperatures, while a dedicated filter prevents dust accumulation, crucial for performance longevity in dusty or sandy environments. Meanwhile, both the battery and DC-DC converter are water-resistant.

Another area of innovation lies in the belt-driven motor-generator system. Toyota employs a two-arm belt tensioner, specially designed for diesel engine operation under rugged conditions. It features a high-strength aramid core and a noise-reducing cotton fabric layer, ensuring durability, quietness, and reliable performance in wet weather. 

Toyota has confirmed that all European-spec Land Cruiser models will be equipped with the Hybrid 48V system. While exact pricing and specifications will vary by market, order books are expected to open in the coming months, with the first customer deliveries slated for late 2025.