Toyota Chart the Path to a Tailored future

Toyota Australia have expanded their headstrong dive into a market that continues to embrace electrification.

Four new Toyota models that harness their Multi Pathway Strategy

That makes it sound like they’re late to the party. In reality though, Toyota pioneered automotive electrification well before it was both fashionable or government mandated.  

Remember the Prius? That was launched in Australia back in 2001, and since then, the brands’ Efficiency Hybrid concept has been refined and permeated across the line-up.

It’s been interesting watching the Japanese brand from the sidelines. Everything is strategic and focussed on maintaining the quality standards that have made the brand and its offerings the choice for those looking for simple and trouble-free motoring.

Maintaining this position means decisions are always considered and never flippant, even if the world around it is moving at a far more rapid pace. These are not negatives in my eyes, in fact it’s an endearing trait.

After a couple of days in sunny Queensland sampling 4 models, it became clear that things are shifting at Toyota.

They represent an expansion of the brand’s Multi-Pathway Strategy which “reflects the diverse needs of Australian motorist” according to Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations John Pappas. He went on to say that the changes “will further drive its target to achieve 30 per cent of its total sales being zero and low-emission vehicles – PHEV, BEV and FCEV – by the end of 2030.”

They join the BZX4, the brands’ first foray from a traditional ICE and Efficiency Hybrid range. The new models are spread across the market too; large off-road SUV in the form of the Performance Hybrid Landcruiser 300 series, The BEV BZX4 Touring, The PHEV Rav4 mid-sized SUV, and the BEV Hilux ute.

Landcruiser 300 Performance Hybrid

The new PHEV Performance Hybrid Landcruiser 300 Series

The big dog goes hybrid, with a 3.5L twin turbo petrol engine mated to electric motor slotted between the engine and the gearbox driven by a 6.5Amp hour nickel metal hydride NiMH battery in the floorpan.

It’s a drivetrain that already exists in the Tundra full-size pickup. The combination provides 341Kw and a staggering 790Nm of torque and promises 10L/100km. The remaining drivetrain is unchanged, offering all the off-road prowess that makes the Landcruiser one of the best known and respected large off-road capable SUV’s in the world

The drivetrain is available in Sahara ZX and GR trims, with little to no change to the models otherwise.

See the full written and video review here.

RAV4 PHEV

The 2026 Rav4 PHEV GR Sport

Supplementing the current ICE and Efficiency Hybrid drivetrain options, PHEV variants are now available. The XSE offers 201Kw of power through a combined 2.5L 4 cylinder engine, which is mated to a single front electric motor.

But the headline comes in the form of the all-new GR Sport variant, which adds a second motor to the rear axle for a combined 227Kw through all four wheels and bespoke styling inside and out. Each provides drive through a CVT gearbox.

Able to charge in just 2.5hr through an AC wall socket, and offering a claimed 154km EV-only range for the 2WD and 144km for the AWD variant, it really takes this popular mid-sized SUV to a new frontier.

Read the full written review here.

BZ4X Touring

The 2026 Toyota BZ4X Touring

The result of the joint project between Subaru and Toyota gains a new variant in the form of the Touring.

It’s an interesting and bold move to see the brands’ first full-electric passenger vehicle expansion present in the form a wagon.  

140mm of extra overall length results in a 151-litre increase of luggage space out to 1603 litres. Adventure is at the heart of the model, with roof rails rated to carry 80kg, skidplates underneath and a 1500w inverter inside.

It’s powered by dual motors offering 280Kw of power and 488km of range.

Hilux BEV

The 2026 full-electric Toyota Hilux

Last but certainly not least is the first full electric Hilux. It’s a true pioneering model, representing the first ever body-on-frame full electric utility to make it to our shores.

Building on a legacy that dates back decades, this is perhaps the most significant model in this quartet. Much like the Landcruiser and the RAV4, this is very much a drivetrain adjustment rather than a re-engineering of the model.

This means the remainder of the rugged and popular utility remains unchanged. 144kw of power comes courtesy of a motor on each axle, resulting in an AWD drivetrain. The independent nature of the motors mean that each end can receive 0-100% of power depending on the conditions.

Range is limited to a maximum of 315km through a 59.3Kw battery pack, with the brand claiming to have a focus on mining and industry as the target for the model

See the full written and video review here.

 Toyota are certainly not sitting still in an increasingly competitive Australian car market. But will it be enough to stave off a litany of new market entrants?

Only time will tell…