Toyota developing a diesel-electric hybrid powertrain for 4x4 vehicles

Updated Aug 02, 2021 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

We might see a diesel hybrid Land Cruiser soon.   

Practically every major carmaker (and a few obscure ones) in the world are already jumping on the electric vehicle (EV) bandwagon. But many potential customers are still skeptical that the transition will be complete by 2050, especially for diesel powertrains that still see widespread use in both commercial and recreational applications. 

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

A diesel hybrid Toyota SUV sounds good in terms of power output and reduced emissions

One compromise being floated is hybrid option, and if speculations are true, Toyota could be among the first to offer this. According to unconfirmed reports, the world’s second-biggest car company is looking to broaden its hybrid model range by the time the 2030s roll around, and that a diesel-electric hybrid is already in the works. 

Although Toyota has been using hybrid diesel engines for the Dyna and Toyoace light duty trucks in the Japanese market since 2011, this has yet to trickle down to its range of large passenger models. This includes the Land Cruiser, Land Cruiser Prado, Hiace Wagon, and the Granace.    

Toyota Dyna

Toyota previously offered a diesel hybrid option on its Dyna series of light-duty trucks

Rumors say that the company is focusing on the development of 2.5-liter and 3.5-liter diesel engines that can accommodate hybrid technology in the near future. Toyota’s longest-running series, the Land Cruiser, recently premiered its next-generation model with a 3.3-liter diesel among the engine choices. Meanwhile, the Land Cruiser Prado is slated to enter its fifth generation by summer 2023 and is believed to offer a 2.5-liter diesel hybrid engine in 2024.   

A diesel-electric hybrid powertrain could make its way to 4x4 off-road models as well as more of Toyota’s commercial offerings. The aim is to have the carmaker’s lineup exclusively comprise hybrids in Japan, minimizing or even completely removing vehicles that rely solely on combustion powertrains from its stable. 

It’s important to note that this information remains largely unsubstantiated as of this writing, especially considering that Toyota is already at the forefront of an alliance between five Japanese brands to develop electric powertrains for commercial vehicles and Kei cars.    

Stay tuned for more industry updates at Philkotse.com.

Know more about Toyota Land Cruiser 2024

Toyota Land Cruiser

The Toyota Land Cruiser is the one of Toyota longest-selling models. In the modern era, this model fits into the full-size SUV class, and it can seat up to seven. Toyota Land Cruiser 2023 Price Philippines starts at ₱5,340,000 for the entry-level VX 3.3 4x4 AT, while the top-of-the-line Toyota Land Cruiser ZX 3.3 4x4 AT is priced at ₱5,732,000

Locally, the 2023 Toyota Land Cruiser is available in two variants: the Land Cruiser VX, and the Land Cruise ZX. Under the hood of both of these trims is a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 diesel engine capable of making up to 302 horsepower and 700Nm of torque. Both variants also come with a ten-speed automatic gearbox, and a 4x4 drivetrain. 

Size-wise, the Philippine-spec Toyota Land Cruiser is 5,130mm long, 1980mm wide, and 1,945mm in height. Both also have a wheelbase length of 2,850mm, and a ground clearance of 225mm. 

Competing against the Toyota Land Cruiser in the Philippine market is the Nissan Patrol, Chevrolet Suburban, Ford Expedition, BMW X3, and Land Rover Range Rover

₱ 5,340,000 - ₱ 5,732,000

Explore
Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Author

Joseph holds a degree in Journalism from the University of the Philippines Diliman and has been writing professionally since 1999. He has written episodes for CNN Philippines' motoring show Drive, and has worked on corporate projects for MG Philippines and Pilipinas Shell. Aside from being Philkotse.com’s Content Lead, he also writes content for numerous car dealerships in the U.S., spanning multiple brands such as Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Maserati, among others.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kapatilya

View more