Toyota Land Cruiser 300 facelift (2027): what we know so far

The Toyota Land Cruiser 300 update that the Western press wrote about as the “facelift 2027” is no longer a rumor: on September 16, 2026, Toyota officially unveiled the refreshed “300” in Japan, with sales there starting on October 1. The main news is not the design, but the powertrain: the non-electrified gasoline V6 has been dropped, replaced by a 457 hp hybrid. The exterior changes are more modest than the renderings promised and mostly concern the bumpers. We break down what has been confirmed by press releases and what has remained at the level of assumptions.

Contents

• In brief: what we know so far
• How the update appeared across different markets
• A hybrid instead of the gasoline V6
• What changed on the outside
• Interior and equipment
• Rumors vs. facts
• How to get the look of the updated model right now

In brief: what we know so far

• Officially unveiled. The Japanese version — September 16, 2026, sales from October 1. In Europe, the hybrid LC300 was announced back on January 15, 2026 for selected Eastern European markets.
• The non-hybrid gasoline V6 has been discontinued from the Japanese lineup. The 3.3 L diesel and the new 3.5 L hybrid remain.
• The hybrid is the most powerful Land Cruiser in history: 457 к.с. and 790 Нм combined.
• Design changes are targeted: unique front and rear aero bumpers for the hybrid ZX trim, a black grille for the base GX, two new colors. There are no new headlights or taillights in the press release.
• Equipment has been upgraded across all versions, and the hybrid gets seven seats with power-operated third-row folding.

How the update appeared across different markets

The modernization came in waves, so it is easy to get confused in the news. The first to show the hybrid version was Toyota’s European division: in January 2026 it was announced for selected Eastern European markets in VX, ZX, and GR Sport trims, all five-seaters. Then the hybrid appeared in the Middle East and in Australia, where it is offered only in two top trims. Japan received the update last, but in the most complete form: together with the hybrid, the trim range, equipment, and colors were revised there.

We covered more about the hybrid system itself and how it behaves off-road in the review Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Hybrid.

A hybrid instead of the gasoline V6

After the update, the Japanese lineup consists of two powertrains. The 3.3 L twin-turbo diesel V6 remains unchanged. The pure gasoline 3.5 L V6 without an electric component has been removed, replaced by a parallel hybrid: the same 3.5 L twin-turbo V6 plus an electric motor integrated into the 10-speed automatic. The layout is borrowed from the Lexus LX 700h.

The hybrid’s price is paid in weight and range. The battery under the cargo floor took up part of the tank volume, and the system itself added about 170 kg compared with the gasoline version it replaced. Wading depth has remained 700 mm. The European version, according to Toyota, can pull away and drive on electricity only up to 30 km/h — useful in traffic jams and on slow technical off-road sections. In Australia, hybrid output is listed as 341 кВт; in Japan — 457 к.с. (336 кВт). Torque is the same everywhere, 790 Нм.

What changed on the outside

If you were expecting a new front end with different headlights — no, that did not happen. The body, lighting, and silhouette are the same as in 2021. The changes are concentrated in the lower part of the front and rear.

Hybrid ZX

It received its own aero bumpers front and rear with deep black chrome trim. The front bumper has enlarged side air intakes that extend downward to the protective skid section, and sportier fog-light surrounds. The rear has a black chrome molding strip. Toyota calls these bumpers exclusive specifically to the hybrid ZX.

Base GX

The diesel GX has been reoriented toward practical off-road use: electric front and rear differential locks as standard, 265/65 R18 tires on silver 18-inch wheels, aluminum side steps, and a black radiator grille with a chrome surround. The interior is cloth, with manual seat adjustment.

Colors and Modellista

Neutral Black and Platinum White Pearl Mica have been added to the palette. At the same time, the Modellista atelier released a body kit for the updated LC300: front and rear bumper add-ons, fender extensions, side steps, a tailgate garnish, a small roof spoiler, and 20-inch wheels. More on it in a separate piece: new Modellista for Land Cruiser 300.

Interior and equipment

The cabin architecture has not changed, but the equipment list has expanded noticeably. All Japanese versions now have wireless smartphone charging, the ITS Connect module, and a cold-climate package. The ZX and GR Sport versions received a cooler box, a JBL audio system with 14 speakers and 12 channels, a rear-seat entertainment system, Multi-Terrain Monitor cameras, a digital rearview mirror, front and rear dashcams, and tire-pressure monitoring.

Hybrid versions are seven-seaters: the third row is split 50:50, folds with power assistance, and has backrest recline adjustment. A partition shelf has appeared in the luggage compartment, and 100 V outlets rated at 1500 W can power household appliances or work as an emergency power source.

Rumors vs. facts

For years, “restyling 2027” was surrounded by renderings and videos with new headlights, a reshaped rear end, a different steering wheel, and a large screen. Some of this matched reality only in name. Here is the bottom line:

• Confirmed: a 457 к.с. hybrid V6, the отказова from the non-electrified gasoline V6 in Japan, the hybrid’s smaller fuel tank, new bumpers for the hybrid ZX, richer equipment.
• Not confirmed: new headlights and taillights, a changed silhouette, a new center console — Toyota’s official materials do not mention this.
• Unknown: whether other markets will receive the Japanese design changes and to what extent. The European hybrid ZX has its own aero kit, but Toyota does not specify whether it is identical to the Japanese one.

How to get the look of the updated model right now

Since the factory changes are concentrated in the bumpers and grille, you can freshen up a 2021–2025 LC300 in the same ways — without replacing the vehicle. Here is what delivers the most noticeable effect:

1. Bumpers. They are what distinguishes the updated ZX from the old one. Complete bumpers or body kit sets for Land Cruiser 300 change the front end more than any add-on trim pieces.
2. Radiator grille. A black grille with minimal chrome is the approach Toyota used on the GX. A GR Sport-style grille works similarly.
3. Lighting. The factory headlights did not change, so LED headlights, fog lights, or taillights with a different light signature are a way to stand out even against new vehicles. Options are in the lighting for Land Cruiser 300 section.
4. Side steps and wheels. The aluminum steps standard on the GX are another “updated” detail that is easy to replicate.

Before replacing bumpers, it is worth checking that the new part has mounting points for the parking sensors, cameras, and headlight washers of your trim, and that nothing blocks the radar zone of the safety systems. Most of these bumpers are supplied ready for painting — factor that into your budget and timelines. A full list of parts for the model is compiled on the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 tuning page.

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