Toyota Motor Corporation has launched the first-ever hybrid electric model in its iconic Land Cruiser series, introducing the new Land Cruiser HEV to the Middle East market. This historic debut highlights Toyota’s vision for sustainable mobility while honouring seven decades of engineering legacy and off-road excellence.
The new Land Cruiser HEV will be made available in Jordan through Markazia Toyota, marking the first regional rollout of this electrified model. It blends advanced hybrid technology with the rugged reliability and all-terrain performance that has defined the Land Cruiser since its inception in 1951.
Toyota’s decision to launch the hybrid Land Cruiser in the Middle East underscores the brand’s longstanding relationship with the region. For decades, the Land Cruiser has been a trusted companion across deserts, mountains and harsh terrains — a reputation Toyota aims to build upon with this electrified version.
“With the global momentum toward carbon neutrality, it’s important to offer electric alternatives for our flagship models,” said Masaya Uchiyama, Chief Engineer overseeing the project. “Introducing the Land Cruiser Hybrid in the Middle East is symbolic, as the region’s feedback has been vital in the vehicle’s evolution.”
Toyota’s hybrid system offers tangible performance benefits. The HEV variant delivers a 20% increase in torque and a 40% improvement in accelerator response compared to conventional internal combustion models. These enhancements allow for smoother, more powerful and efficient driving across various terrains.
Importantly, Toyota has preserved the Land Cruiser’s foundational traits. The HEV has undergone rigorous testing in environments that mirror real-world challenges — from the dunes and deserts of the Middle East to muddy trails and steep climbs. Lessons drawn from Toyota’s motorsport experience, including the grueling Dakar Rally, were integrated to enhance endurance and performance.
To ensure operational integrity in remote locations, the vehicle is engineered with redundancy. In the unlikely event of a hybrid system failure, it can continue operating on its combustion engine alone. Additionally, the hybrid battery compartment is fully waterproofed, maintaining the model’s signature water fording capabilities.
The vehicle’s interior layout has been redesigned to accommodate the hybrid system without compromising space or utility. It features a third-row seat option, along with a flexible cargo area, maintaining practicality alongside innovation.
This launch is part of Toyota’s broader multi-pathway strategy toward carbon neutrality. Rather than focusing on a single technological solution, the company continues to develop a diverse range of eco-friendly vehicles tailored to different markets and needs.
“The Land Cruiser HEV is not just an evolution of a model — it represents a shift in how we balance heritage with innovation,” said a Toyota spokesperson. “It’s a promise to customers that they don’t have to choose between performance and sustainability.”
As the world moves toward cleaner transportation, Toyota’s hybrid Land Cruiser stands as a milestone — not only for the brand but for electrified off-road vehicles globally. The new model offers a powerful statement: the road to sustainability can be forged without losing sight of tradition.
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