Meet the Chinese LandCruiser powered by Toyota! The GAC GS8 is more familiar than you think

We've seen lots of Chinese rivals to the mighty LandCruiser, but we don't often see them packing Toyota's own technology under the hood.

But so it is with the 2022 GAC GS8, an undeniably handsome large SUV that is built both for its domestic market and export to other countries.

And while it's designed for softer on-road duties than something like the LC300 or Prado, its trump card is that this rival for some of Japan's most iconic vehicles is, in fact, powered by Toyota.

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GAC is one of Toyota's domestic partner in China, and so has been able to adopt the Japanese marque's tried and tested hybrid powertrain for its looming SUV.

It rides on the brand's GPMA platform, but doesn't appear to be a ladder-frame set-up. Instead, it features a verson of the THS, or Toyota Hybrid System, which it pairs with a locally produced engine.

The combination of a petrol engine up front and an electric motor at the rear axle means the GS8 is all-wheel drive, but doesn't appear set-up for the kind of off-road antics you can expect from the Prado or the 300 Series.

Instead, it hovers between an off-roader, like the LC300, and a full-size SUV with a more road-focused approach, like the Hyundai Palisade or Kia Telluride.

The turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine up front produces some 142kW, while the electric motor at the rear adds another 40kW, for a total system output of around 180kW.

We're yet to learn the official dimensions of the seven-seat SUV, but the outgoing model stretched some 4800mm in length, and road on a 2800mm wheelbase, and this one looks to be even bigger.

Inside, the tech is properly on point, too, with a big 12.25-inch digital driver display joined by a massive 14.6-inch central touchscreen, all of which is surrounded by an endless sea of leather that adds up to a pretty premium-feeling space.

In terms of price? Well in its home market, the GAC GS8 is expected to start at a bargain basement $32,900 in the local currency.

But while GAC has made noises about an Australian launch in the past, there's no plan that we're aware of to bring the big SUV Down Under.