Toyota LandCruiser 300 hybrid versus diesel: power, fuel use and price

A different kind of hybrid LandCruiser

The Toyota LandCruiser 300 Performance Hybrid has brought a petrol-electric alternative to Australia’s diesel-powered 300 Series range. Offered only in the GR Sport and Sahara ZX grades, it uses electric assistance primarily to increase output rather than cut fuel consumption. Its 341kW and 790Nm system figures are 114kW and 90Nm above those of the existing V6 diesel, while its official combined-cycle fuel-use figure is higher. ²³

Both powertrains use a 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive with low range. The hybrid combines a 3445cc twin-turbo petrol V6 with one electric motor positioned between the engine and gearbox; the diesel is a 3346cc twin-turbo V6 producing 227kW and 700Nm. Toyota claims a 0–100km/h time of 6.5 seconds for the hybrid Sahara ZX and 6.6 seconds for the hybrid GR Sport. Those are manufacturer claims, not independently measured times. ²³

Fuel use and driving findings

Official combined-cycle consumption is 10.0L/100km for the Performance Hybrid and 8.9L/100km for the diesel. The hybrid requires 95 RON premium unleaded and has a 98-litre tank; the diesel has 110 litres across two tanks. Chasing Cars also lists extra-urban figures of 8.0L/100km for the hybrid and 7.6L/100km for the diesel, with a wider gap on the urban cycle: 13.7L/100km against 11.1L/100km. ¹²

The two publications’ launch drives produced different results, under different conditions. Chasing Cars recorded 13.1L/100km during what it described as a brisk drive in the Sahara ZX Hybrid. CarExpert reported 10.9L/100km in its Sahara ZX test and described a drive that included country roads and off-road trails. Neither figure should be treated as a direct, controlled fuel-economy comparison with the diesel. ¹³

Both outlets found the hybrid responsive in their Sahara ZX drives. Chasing Cars praised its power delivery, steering and comfort on Queensland country roads, while CarExpert reported strong acceleration and a comfortable ride over rough ground. CarExpert also noted wind noise around the mirrors, proximity sensors that sounded frequently in tight off-road sections, and differential whine in low range. These impressions concern the Sahara ZX Hybrid tested, not a full comparison of both hybrid grades. ¹³

Packaging, towing and equipment

The hybrid battery sits beneath the luggage area and raises the cargo floor slightly, leaving both Performance Hybrid grades with five seats. Diesel 300 Series variants are available with five or seven seats, depending on grade. The hybrid retains a 3500kg braked towing rating. CarExpert lists a 2715kg kerb weight and 665kg payload for the Sahara ZX Hybrid; 4X4 Australia lists diesel kerb weights of 2495–2630kg and payloads of 650–785kg across the diesel range, so the applicable comparison depends on variant. ²³

The grades retain different off-road hardware. The GR Sport has locking front and rear differentials, E-KDSS suspension and 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tyres. The Sahara ZX has 20-inch wheels and a Torsen limited-slip rear differential. 4X4 Australia lists 231mm of ground clearance for the hybrid against 245mm for the diesel. CarExpert reports a 700mm wading depth for the hybrid Sahara ZX and says it negotiated the trails used on its launch drive. ¹²³

Performance Hybrid additions include electric rather than hydraulic power steering, an electric climate-control compressor and a 1500W auxiliary power outlet in the luggage area. CarExpert lists a 40:20:40 split-folding rear bench for the hybrids. Both top grades have a 14-speaker JBL audio system, while the Sahara ZX adds dual rear-seat entertainment screens. CarExpert lists 910 litres of cargo capacity behind the rear seats and 1842 litres with them folded for the Sahara ZX Hybrid. ¹³

Price and availability

In pricing published on 16 July, 4X4 Australia listed the GR Sport Performance Hybrid at $156,060 and the Sahara ZX Performance Hybrid at $156,810, both before on-road costs. CarExpert published the same figures on 15 July. At $147,160 and $147,910 respectively, the equivalent diesels were $8900 less on that pricing basis. The lower-priced GX, GXL, VX and Sahara remained diesel-only grades. ²³

Chasing Cars’ 15 July review instead quoted $155,990 for the hybrid GR Sport and $156,740 for the hybrid Sahara ZX before on-road costs, $70 below the figures subsequently published by 4X4 Australia. The publications do not establish why the prices differ. Chasing Cars said the first batch at its launch was entirely Sahara ZX models and described the GR Sport as imminent; that account does not give a delivery date for either grade. ¹²³

Where it fits in the 300 Series

The 300 Series arrived in Australia in late 2021 with a twin-turbo diesel V6 in place of the previous generation’s diesel V8. A January 2026 Westside Auto guide described the petrol hybrid as forthcoming and suggested its fuel economy might improve on the diesel’s. The later published figures establish the opposite on the combined cycle: 10.0L/100km for the hybrid against 8.9L/100km for the diesel. ²⁴

Running-cost terms remain relevant alongside the purchase price and fuel figures. Chasing Cars lists capped-price servicing at $450 per visit for the first five years or 100,000km, with visits due every six months or 10,000km. CarExpert lists a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty for the Performance Hybrid and a $4500 total capped-price service cost over that five-year period. ¹³