Interview: Al-Futtaim Toyota’s Jacques Brent on the Launch of the 2025 Land Cruiser Hybrid in the UAE

The Toyota Land Cruiser is a name synonymous with reliability, power, and off-road mastery across the Middle East. Now, for the first time in its storied history, it’s going hybrid. The launch of the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser Hybrid marks a pivotal moment, not just for the legendary SUV but for Toyota’s broader electrification journey in the region. 

To understand what this move means for the UAE and beyond, DriveArabia sat down with Jacques Brent, Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Toyota & Lexus. From performance gains to sustainability goals, and customer education to carbon neutrality, Brent sheds light on how this hybrid powerhouse fits into Toyota’s long-term vision for cleaner, smarter mobility in the Gulf.

How does the launch of the 2025 Land Cruiser Hybrid mark a milestone in Toyota’s electrification strategy in the UAE?

The Middle East debut of the 2025 Land Cruiser Hybrid represents a defining moment in Toyota’s electrification journey. For the first time, a hybrid variant of the iconic Land Cruiser is being introduced in the Middle East, underscoring Toyota’s resolve to blend legendary performance with low-emission technology. It signals a bold step forward in offering customers sustainable choices without compromising the heritage of durability and capability that the Land Cruiser name stands for.

What role does the UAE play in Toyota’s global roadmap toward sustainable mobility and hybrid innovation?

The UAE is a key market in Toyota’s global vision for sustainable mobility. With its ambitious Net Zero 2050 targets, progressive energy policies, and strong customer appetite for advanced automotive technologies, the UAE offers a unique ecosystem to pilot next-generation hybrid solutions. Launching the Land Cruiser Hybrid here ahead of global markets highlights Toyota’s confidence in the UAE as a strategic innovation hub for low-emission mobility.

How does Al-Futtaim Toyota’s introduction of the Land Cruiser Hybrid reflect its long-term commitment to sustainability and carbon neutrality?

Al-Futtaim Toyota’s launch of the Land Cruiser Hybrid is a natural extension of its enduring commitment to the UAE’s sustainability agenda. It reflects a broader strategy to accelerate carbon neutrality by expanding its hybrid portfolio across all segments, from family sedans to flagship SUVs. This milestone underscores Al-Futtaim Toyota’s leadership in driving cleaner mobility and reinforces its role as a partner in the UAE’s sustainable future.

In what ways is Al-Futtaim investing in electrified mobility solutions for the UAE market beyond this launch?

Beyond the launch of the Land Cruiser Hybrid, Al-Futtaim Toyota continues to expand its lineup of electrified vehicles, invest in customer education, and support the development of charging infrastructure in collaboration with key stakeholders. Initiatives like hybrid test-drive campaigns, eco-driving programs, and aftersales support tailored for hybrid vehicles reflect a long-term investment in making electrified mobility accessible, practical, and rewarding for UAE drivers.

What performance advantages does the hybrid system bring to the Land Cruiser without compromising its off-road legacy?

The LC300 Hybrid carries forward the Land Cruiser legacy for a new generation: rugged reliability, durability, and unstoppable off-road capability with electrified performance. The hybrid powertrain delivers 457hp and a commanding 790 Nm of torque, powered by a 3.5-litre Twin Turbo V6 engine working in tandem with a parallel hybrid system.

This gives a 20% boost in torque and 40% quicker accelerator response compared to conventional engines, giving drivers more power, more precision, and more efficiency, no matter the terrain. Instant torque, smoother acceleration, and improved fuel efficiency, while maintaining the rugged off-road performance the model is celebrated for. By integrating electrified power with advanced suspension and four-wheel-drive technologies, the hybrid variant enhances driving confidence both on and off the road, proving that sustainability and strength can go hand in hand.