On June 23, 2025, Toyota officially announced that its iconic SUV, the Land Cruiser, will be the first model to adopt the company's new 48V mild hybrid electric drivetrain. This marks a significant step in Toyota's electrification journey, blending proven durability with modern technology to meet evolving market demands.
Scheduled for release by the end of 2024, the new Land Cruiser combines Toyota's legendary quality, durability, and reliability with a refreshed design and enhanced performance. Built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, the vehicle offers increased body rigidity, greater off-road capabilities, and stable, confident on-road performance.
The newly introduced 48V mild hybrid system integrates Toyota's 2.8-liter turbo diesel engine and 8-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission with an electric motor generator, a 48V lithium-ion battery, and a DC-DC converter. All components are strategically designed and positioned for extreme environments, maintaining the vehicle's full capability, including up to 700 mm of water fording.
The motor generator is a permanent magnet synchronous unit driven by the engine to charge the lithium-ion battery. It also features regenerative braking to capture energy when the driver releases the accelerator, improving efficiency and delivering smooth deceleration. On both highways and off-road trails, the system provides linear acceleration and a refined driving experience.
The 48V system significantly enhances the vehicle's start-stop function, delivering quicker, quieter, and smoother engine restarts-especially useful in heavy traffic. Since the motor generator remains constantly connected to the engine, restarts are virtually instantaneous, even at higher engine speeds. Drivers can choose between "Normal" and "Long" stop-start modes via the multi-information display to match their preferences and driving conditions.
The lithium-ion hybrid battery is composed of 13 cells, with a capacity of 4.3 Ah and a lightweight design of just 7.6 kg. It is compactly housed under the improved deck layout, preserving cargo space. When fully charged, the battery can provide up to 12 kW of additional power and 65 Nm of torque to the drivetrain. Its cooling system draws in air from the front of the vehicle, which is cooler than cabin air, and includes a filter to prevent dust buildup and a fan to maintain performance in hot conditions.
To enhance system stability and driving response, Toyota equips the electric motor system with a dual-arm belt tensioner-specially developed for diesel-powered vehicles. It ensures consistent belt tension and supports smoother engine restarts and better acceleration, even under rough terrain conditions. The high-strength aramid cord and cotton fabric belt construction offer excellent water resistance, friction stability, and durability. The mechanism is further reinforced with bushings to prevent the intrusion of dirt and gravel, reducing noise and vibration during operation.
Compared to Toyota's full hybrid systems, the 48V mild hybrid setup is more compact and easier to integrate into existing vehicle platforms without requiring major redesigns. This has enabled Toyota to extend its application to other models such as the new Hilux, supporting the brand's broader electrification strategy.
By introducing the 48V mild hybrid system on the Land Cruiser, Toyota demonstrates its ability to electrify traditional off-road vehicles without compromising performance. It brings improved fuel efficiency, enhanced drivability, and better everyday usability-delivering a refined, eco-conscious, and capable SUV for global customers.
