WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT THE NEW LAND CRUISER... IS HYBRID ONLY A BAD CALL?

EV Channels Review

The TFL team discusses the controversial shift towards hybrid powertrains in off-road vehicles, using the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser as a prime example. While acknowledging concerns about added complexity and potential reliability issues compared to traditional V8s, they highlight Toyota's extensive hybrid experience as a mitigating factor. The discussion delves into the pros and cons of various electrification approaches, including standard hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and range extenders, examining their impact on off-road drivability, torque delivery, and weight. The hosts express excitement for the new Land Cruiser's hybrid system, noting its potential for improved low-end torque and well-integrated battery placement, while remaining cautiously optimistic about the broader adoption of these technologies for off-roading, suggesting range extenders might be the future for extensive overland use.