The next chapter in the story of the venerable Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series is set to begin with the Australian arrival of the heavily upgraded 4x4 range, sporting new styling, upgraded technology, and a second powertrain option never before offered on the 70 Series.
Since its launch in 2007, the current-generation 70 Series range has been available exclusively with the 1VD-FTV 4.5-litre turbo-diesel V8 engine and five-speed manual transmission.
However the upgraded LandCruiser introduces the 1GD 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, for the first time in the 70 Series.
Priced from $75,600 plus on-road costs1 for the WorkMate 76 Series Wagon equipped with the new four-cylinder engine, the versatile 70 Series range is offered in five-door Wagon, three-door Troop Carrier, and Single and Double-Cab Chassis configurations.
All models are available with both powertrain options except the Workmate 76 Series Wagon, which is only available with the 2.8-litre four-cylinder engine.
Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said the upgraded LandCruiser 70 Series would benefit a wide range of customers looking for a tough and capable 4x4.
“For decades, the 70 Series has been the vehicle of choice for the farming, mining and agricultural sectors, as well as a favourite of off-roading and overlanding enthusiasts,” Mr Hanley said.
“The introduction of the new powertrain will not only broaden the appeal of the 70 Series range to more customers, but helps reduce weight, improve payload and reduce fuel consumption compared to the V8, delivering on customer demands.
“It gives our customers the power of choice between the torque-rich four-cylinder automatic and the tried-and-true manual V8 across all four 70 Series body styles, providing a wide range of alternatives for buyers.”
The new 2.8-litre four-cylinder powertrain has been proven over the years in a range of Toyota 4x4 models and produces 150kW at 3400rpm and 500Nm from 1600-2800rpm, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Multiple mechanical changes have been made to the engine specifically for the 70 Series to ensure optimal cooling and performance in tough conditions and under heavy towing loads, with all models of the 70 Series’ maintaining a strong 3500kg braked towing capacity2
The 4.5-litre turbo-diesel V8 produces 151kW at 3400rpm and 430Nm from 1200-3200rpm and, paired with a five-speed manual, will continue to be offered on all 70 Series variants with the exception of the 76 Series WorkMate.
As before, the LandCruiser 70 Series range is equipped with a part-time 4x4 system with low-range gearing, durable live axles and front coil suspension.
All GXL grades add front and rear locking differentials for ultimate off-road traction, which are optionally available on the GX Single-Cab Chassis and WorkMate Double-Cab Chassis.
The updated LandCruiser 70 Series is immediately recognisable thanks to its updated exterior styling, clearly influenced by previous generations of LandCruiser.
The halogen headlamp cluster has been replaced by circular LED headlamps with manual levelling and Automatic High Beam3, with outboard turning lamps that hark back to the pre-2007 70 Series.
A new square grille with a black mesh pattern and ‘TOYOTA’ lettering sits above a three-slot cooling vent inspired by the 75 Series LandCruiser, with a small hood vent above the grille borrowed from the original 40 Series model.
A wide bumper and black overfenders give the 70 Series a muscular stance and sense of stability, paired on GX and GXL grades with dark grey metallic 16-inch alloy wheels.
The retro-inspired changes continue inside the cabin with a new-look instrument cluster designed to resemble the speedometer of the 40 Series, with the addition of a 4.2-inch colour multi-information display.
A new 6.7-inch multimedia system is compatible with wired Apple CarPlay®4 and Android Auto™5, and offers hands-free smartphone pairing supported by new switches mounted on the steering wheel.
Below the air-conditioning unit, a 12V power outlet, two USB-C ports on GXL and bank of switches provide extra functionality and smartphone charging options.
The fitment of a new automatic transmission has meant 1GD-equipped grades gain a new centre console consisting of a lidded centre storage box, cupholder and multiple small item compartments.
Wagon variants are made more functional with new second-row seats with 60:40 split folding functionality, and can be tumbled forward to maximise cargo space.
WorkMate and GX variants are upholstered in durable vinyl trim, while GXL grades gain grey fabric upholstery.
The comprehensive update also ushers in new safety features for the 70 Series range, starting with lane departure alert3 which will issue audible warnings if the system detects the vehicle is leaving its lane.
Road sign assist3 is linked with the multi-information display to read speed signs and display the current speed limit, which can be used to alert drivers if they are exceeding the speed limit by reversing the colours on the display.
Automatic high beam3 is provided by the new standard LED headlights, which can automatically dim the high beams if the system detects a vehicle in front, and will automatically reactivate the high beams once the vehicle is gone.
Four-cylinder versions gain downhill assist control3 for steady, controlled off-road descents, automatically modulating the brakes to safely navigate steep declines.
Wagon variants also gain a new reversing camera with static guidelines, helping to make parking in tight spaces easier.
The new features join the existing Toyota Safety Sense features including the Pre-Collision System3 with pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection and intersection assistance.
The LC70’s classic colour palette continues with French Vanilla, Silver Pearl, Graphite, Merlot Red, Sandy Taupe and Midnight Blue, while the Wagon adds a new Eclipse Black hue.6
The upgraded LandCruiser 70 Series is covered by a five-year/unlimited kilometre Toyota Warranty Advantage7.
This is extended to seven years on engine and driveline8, with capped-price servicing for the first five years/100,000km (whichever comes first) and each 6-month/10,000km service costing $5259.
1 Manufacturer's list price provided for media purposes only. Statutory charges or other on-road costs not included.
2 Towing capacity subject to regulatory requirements, and vehicle & equipment design limitations. Ask your dealer for more information, including Toyota Genuine Towbar capacity and availability.
3 Driver assist feature. Only operates under certain conditions. Check your Owner’s Manual for explanation of limitations. Please drive safely.
4 CarPlay® is a trademark of Apple, Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries.
5 Android Auto™ is a trademark of Google LLC.
6 Toyota Australia reserves the right to vary or discontinue the current interior and exterior colours, trims and colour/trim/model combinations. Colours and trims displayed are a guide only and may vary from actual colours due to printing/display process. See your Toyota dealer to confirm availability when ordering your vehicle.
7 The standard Toyota Warranty Advantage period is 5yrs, with unlimited kms, from delivery. Excludes vehicles used for a commercial purpose, such as taxis, hire vehicles and vehicles transporting people or goods for payment including rideshare. The commercial vehicle Toyota Warranty Advantage period is 5 years from delivery or 160,000kms (whichever occurs first). See toyota.com.au/owners/warranty or your vehicle’s Warranty and Service Book for T&Cs. This warranty does not limit and may not necessarily exceed your rights under the Australian Consumer Law.
8 The Toyota Warranty Advantage Extended Engine and Driveline coverage is for 7yrs from delivery, provided your vehicle is properly serviced and maintained per its Warranty and Service Book. Excludes vehicles used for a commercial purpose, such as taxis, hire vehicles and vehicles transporting people or goods for payment including rideshare. See toyota.com.au/owners/warranty for details. This warranty does not limit and may not necessarily exceed your rights under the Australian Consumer Law.
9 Max price quoted is model specific. Applies to standard scheduled logbook servicing (normal operating conditions) for 5 years/100,000km (whichever occurs first) up to a max. 10 services. Excludes Government & Rental vehicles. For details see your Toyota dealer or visit Toyota.com.au/advantage.
