LC300 Hybrid variant announcement

[hawkQTR]

Key changes:

• LC300 is now getting VJH310 powertrain (1M-HEV) 457hp @790nm which is the same as the lx700h setup
• New front/ rear bumper (GR is kept the same)
• Upgraded rear power outlet leveraging the hybrid battery.
• Downgraded gas tanks (of course). The main variants will get 98L tanks but GR will get the lovely 68L

More info

https://www.toyotaqatar.com/vehicle/Land-Cruiser-Hybrid?lang=en

 

[Oakleyguy]

Good news with this, is that hopefully that means we'll see more cargo solutions, third row seat deletes, and aftermarket fuel tank options on the hybrid.

 

[Joe T]

Yeah that 18 gallons is a hang up. 21 is too small already. Referencing the US spec LX.

Also I like the old front bumper on the 300.

 

[MRego]

Also I like the old front bumper on the 300.

God have mercy! Toyota takes the mothership and EXTENDS the fricking bumper down and it is now closer to the chin in the LX. And for some LCs there is no AHC, so it just axes its manhood all together. While at it, let's just add that camel hump in the back of the 3-row. Hopefully they don't touch the GR and add a second tank.

 

[hawkQTR]

God have mercy! Toyota takes the mothership and EXTENDS the fricking bumper down and it is now closer to the chin in the LX. And for some LCs there is no AHC, so it just axes its manhood all together. While at it, let's just add that camel hump in the back of the 3-row. Hopefully they don't touch the GR and add a second tank.

I agree with you, the hybrid is usually only offered on the higher trims (VX/VXR, which are equivalent to the ZX), and these are typically positioned as the 'luxury' versions. It's not too surprising, since Toyota has been doing this for a while — even back when the LC200 got its facelift. The lower trims often come with cleaner bumper cuts, like the one in the photo below. That said, bumpers can vary by market and spec, so there’s still a chance we might see a lower-trim hybrid pop up.

 

[hawkQTR]

Yeah that 18 gallons is a hang up. 21 is too small already. Referencing the US spec LX.

Also I like the old front bumper on the 300.

This is where I think Toyota’s kind of struggling to stay true to what customers actually want. They’re really focused on hitting global targets and market promises — like cutting 200 kg across generations — but in doing that, some models are losing what made them special to begin with. I get it, it’s a tricky balance... but then I wonder: how on earth did they decide that reducing the fuel tank was a logical trade-off on an off-road-focused trim like the GR or the LX Overtrail? Like, are we supposed to 'overtrail' next to a gas station or what.. I'm pretty sure there were other trade-offs on the table and Toyota went for the cheapest option rather than making a proper R&D investment to tackle this.

 

[Joe T]

They drank the cool-aid. Everything from the erratic idle and torque converter strategy etc.

 

[Jetboy]

This is where I think Toyota’s kind of struggling to stay true to what customers actually want. They’re really focused on hitting global targets and market promises — like cutting 200 kg across generations — but in doing that, some models are losing what made them special to begin with. I get it, it’s a tricky balance... but then I wonder: how on earth did they decide that reducing the fuel tank was a logical trade-off on an off-road-focused trim like the GR or the LX Overtrail? Like, are we supposed to 'overtrail' next to a gas station or what.. I'm pretty sure there were other trade-offs on the table and Toyota went for the cheapest option rather than making a proper R&D investment to tackle this.

It's possible that the range is increased even on the trail from the hybrid system? But it does seem like the systems isn't a great fit for at least the overland market. It's a lot of stuff to squeeze into a relatively small vehicle. Although - are they really focused on overlanding anymore? It's kind hard to get very serious about offroad functionality with a 6,200lb midsize SUV on 32 inch tires. By the time its trail ready you're looking at probably 8k lbs(?)

I think Toyota may be taking the first step of a series of moves to differentiate the LC250 and LC70 as the overland platforms and the LC300 is the urban lifestyle SUV. I suspect Toyota would say if you want to go tour the outback, choose a LC250 with the diesel or an LC70. IIRC the LC250 diesel has a fuel range of around 900 miles (1500km). When you compare that to the LX600 that has about 350 miles of range it's a pretty stark contrast.

 

[eNx]

I never owned an LC 200 so I dont know what their US range but on my 700h, I can get about 300+ miles mix driving and not going pass 0 in the fuel gage. On my 460, I could get about 375 mix miles. Still not a deal breaker, since they'll be after market solution.

 

[Oakleyguy]

I can hands down say (including offroad) that my range is better in the LX7 than in my 200 series despite the smaller tank. Offroad economy has surprised me most, so the hybrid motor has shown its worth there.

As a data point, I recently got 24MPG from Fruita to Denver, including an excursion up some trails to camp overnight north of glenwood springs.

 

[Joe T]

It's possible that the range is increased even on the trail from the hybrid system? But it does seem like the systems isn't a great fit for at least the overland market. It's a lot of stuff to squeeze into a relatively small vehicle. Although - are they really focused on overlanding anymore? It's kind hard to get very serious about offroad functionality with a 6,200lb midsize SUV on 32 inch tires. By the time its trail ready you're looking at probably 8k lbs(?)

I think Toyota may be taking the first step of a series of moves to differentiate the LC250 and LC70 as the overland platforms and the LC300 is the urban lifestyle SUV. I suspect Toyota would say if you want to go tour the outback, choose a LC250 with the diesel or an LC70. IIRC the LC250 diesel has a fuel range of around 900 miles (1500km). When you compare that to the LX600 that has about 350 miles of range it's a pretty stark contrast.

With the AHC (and I assume KDSS in other markets) the 300/600 platform is pretty damn good off road.

As far as overlanding I would get a Tundra. I am about to set up one to send to central Asia and when we off road there its hours at a time. Think of those videos on YouTube of Russians crossing flowing rivers etc. Just a TRD Pro Crewmax/5.5 bed with a camper shell, tires, and a winch.

I don’t think even a 21 gallon tank would work very well there without adding some traveling headaches. TRD Pro Tundra has 32 gallons.

 

[Oakleyguy]

With the AHC (and I assume KDSS in other markets) the 300/600 platform is pretty damn good off road.

As far as overlanding I would get a Tundra. I am about to set up one to send to central Asia and when we off road there its hours at a time. Think of those videos on YouTube of Russians crossing flowing rivers etc. Just a TRD Pro Crewmax/5.5 bed with a camper shell, tires, and a winch.

I don’t think even a 21 gallon tank would work very well there without adding some traveling headaches. TRD Pro Tundra has 32 gallons.

The case for the LongRanger tanks really comes into play for that use type.

 

[Jetboy]

With the AHC (and I assume KDSS in other markets) the 300/600 platform is pretty damn good off road.

As far as overlanding I would get a Tundra. I am about to set up one to send to central Asia and when we off road there its hours at a time. Think of those videos on YouTube of Russians crossing flowing rivers etc. Just a TRD Pro Crewmax/5.5 bed with a camper shell, tires, and a winch.

I don’t think even a 21 gallon tank would work very well there without adding some traveling headaches. TRD Pro Tundra has 32 gallons.

AHC is a very cool system. It handles a lot of different terrains pretty well. Would probably be better with IRS because it could help with the ground clearance more if you wanted to stay with smallish tires. But it is a neat design. I'm not sure it overcomes the more fundamental shortcomings for a vehicle I'd use for long term offroad adventures. It just doesn't make very efficient use of the footprint. It's too expensive, too heavy, too small inside, and too fragile when compared to a other options even within the Toyota fleet current or past to be on my short list. I would use it to tow an offroad toy to the trailhead or a travel trailer around the national parks.

I also have a Tundra - a 5.7 Tundra on 35s with Fox suspension ,camper shell, and a winch. It's quite good in terms of range, power, comfort on and offroad, and tows well. It could be better if Toyota had added or offered features from the LC - namely locking fr/rr diffs and MTS. Unfortunately it looks like the 3rd gen Tundra is not going to have a front locker anytime soon or probably not at all because of how the ADD system is now internal to the carrier.

I'd love to have AHC in a Tundra and some better sound damping though. Toyota really should offer AHC in the Tundra and Sequoia.

 

[henke]

I can hands down say (including offroad) that my range is better in the LX7 than in my 200 series despite the smaller tank. Offroad economy has surprised me most, so the hybrid motor has shown its worth there.

As a data point, I recently got 24MPG from Fruita to Denver, including an excursion up some trails to camp overnight north of glenwood springs.

Did you notice any break in effects on mpg? I live in a hilly area and have been getting 17.5 about 900 miles in...

 

[VLX]

LX way nicer looking, especially the F-Sport version.

 

[Jurwin]

Spec sheet for the two top trims VXR Hybrid and GR sport Hybrid

Really odd that the VXR gets 98 liters fuel capacity which is 25.8 US gallon and the GR sport gets 68 liters which is 17.9 US gallon.
Both trims are listed as having 3rd row seats.

 

[Jurwin]

LX way nicer looking, especially the F-Sport version.

GR Hybrid wins

 

[GXTOLX]

LX way nicer looking, especially the F-Sport version.

well on some views yes. the sides and rear of LC look better imho. The front of the LX looks killer.
not liking how toyota skimped out on running boards for LX. look at LC ZX version and you will see much nicer running boards that are painted all around. will have to see about swapping that out on mine if i get a chance. not a big deal if you plan on putting sliders. my lx stays on road so no need for sliders for me.

 

[Joe T]

Yeah I would definitely get a black or white GR if it was available. I would just hope the fit and finish is better than a GX or Capstone Tundra.

I do like my Onyx Black Fsport. Photo whore these again.