TOYOTA’S VENERABLE WORKHORSE, the LandCruiser 70 Series, arrives in Australian showrooms in November priced from $75,600 plus on-road costs for the 76 Series WorkMate wagon.
Along with enhancements to exterior styling, comfort and convenience features, and safety technology, the 70 Series introduces a six-speed automatic transmission for the first time, teamed to the tried-and-tested 1GD four-cylinder 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine which has also been upgraded to suit the hardcore usage required of a 70 Series engine.
Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said the changes to the new LandCruiser 70 Series would make it even more appealing to customers looking for a rugged 4×4 designed for both work and play.
“For generations the LandCruiser 70 Series has provided support for countless Australians in the toughest conditions the country has to offer, thanks to its rugged durability, strong towing and unparalleled off-road performance,” Mr Hanley said.
“Introducing the new automatic transmission, four-cylinder powertrain to the LandCruiser 70 Series range will broaden its appeal even further, making it more accessible to a wider cross-section of customers than ever before.”
“Along with the upgrades to safety, convenience and styling, there has never been a better time to own a LandCruiser 70 Series.”
The heavily reworked LandCruiser 70 Series range enhances convenience and technology for all owners while also introducing new active safety features to the line-up, offering the new four-cylinder engine option will also help to make the 70 Series range more accessible by helping to satisfy overwhelming customer demand for the fan-favourite commercial vehicle range.
The adoption of the four-cylinder engine comes with a number of mechanical upgrades for the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel powertrain to improve cooling and reliability in heavy-usage scenarios, starting by increasing the diameter of the cooling fan and adding an isolation crank pulley to reduce the load on the engine’s serpentine belt.
A newly designed oil pan, strainer and oil level sensor have been introduced to improve oil delivery in off-camber and hilly situations, while the orientation of the oil filter has been adjusted to suit the new vehicle.
Noise, vibration and harshness levels have also been reduced by introducing a balance shaft.
Like the 1GD engine, the accompanying six-speed automatic transmission has also been upgraded for use in the 70 Series, with a deeper oil pan, optimised oil strainer intake position and newly added oil catch tank.
The automatic transmission features a power/haul mode to best make use of the 70 Series’ full 3,500kg braked towing capacity, while a second start switch can help pull the vehicle out of sticky situations.
A transmission guard adds extra underbody protection for the oil pan, while the breather hose has been raised to a height of 900mm to assist water crossing performance.
The new LandCruiser 70 Series is easily identifiable by its redesigned front end which introduces a range of heritage-inspired design touches including new circular LED headlamps with Automatic High Beam, which can automatically detect other cars on the road and turn the high beams on and off to suit.
A new black mesh grille melds with the heritage-inspired bonnet and turn signals, while dark grey alloy wheels and overfenders provide a tough visage on 76 and 79 Series GX and GXL grades. 76 Series wagon variants are now available with the new Eclipse Black hue, joining the six existing colours.
Inside, the redesigned LandCruiser 70 Series range adds a larger 6.7-inch touchscreen multimedia system with voice recognition and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster display and a new-look speedometer and tachometer whose design harks back to LandCruisers of yesteryear.
New control buttons for multimedia, active safety features and voice recognition have been added on the steering wheel, and the fitment of the automatic transmission has seen the centre console redesigned with greater amenity including a centre storage box.
GXL grades gain two new USB-C ports which replace the existing 12V socket, while the 76 Series gains a reversing camera for easier parking ability around town.
Toyota has expanded the LandCruiser 70 Series’ suite of Toyota Safety Sense active safety features to now include Downhill Assist Control, Road Sign Assist and Lane Departure Alert, joining the existing Pre-Collision System which is designed to provide autonomous emergency braking in a range of driving scenarios.
The new 1GD four-cylinder powertrain will be offered on all LandCruiser 70 Series grades, and is tuned to produce a strong 150kW from 3000-3400rpm with 500Nm of torque available across a wide 1600-2800rpm rev band.
Meanwhile, the venerable 1VD 4.5-litre turbodiesel V8 engine will continue to be sold alongside the 1GD on all variants bar the 76 Series WorkMate, producing 151kW at 3400rpm and 430Nm of torque from a low 1200rpm all the way through to 3200rpm.
With solid front and rear axles, sturdy ladder-frame chassis, a payload of up to 1,380kg depending on variant, and a low-range transfer case with locking front and rear differentials on GX and GXL, the LandCruiser 70 Series remains the ultimate choice for hard everyday work or exploring Australia’s vast backyard.
LandCruiser 70 Series pricing
| 1GD-FTV | 1VD-FTV | |
| 76 Series Wagon WorkMate | $75,600 | – |
| 76 Series Wagon GXL | $79,800 | $83,900 |
| 78 Series Troop Carrier WorkMate | $79,200 | $83,300 |
| 78 Series Troop Carrier GXL | $82,500 | $86,600 |
| 79 Series single cab chassis WorkMate | $76,800 | $80,900 |
| 79 Series single cab chassis GX* | $78,800 | $82,900 |
| 79 Series single cab chassis GXL | $80,900 | $85,000 |
| 79 Series double cab chassis WorkMate* | $79,300 | $83,400 |
| 79 Series double cab chassis GXL | $83,500 | $87,600 |
Options:
Premium paint: $675
*Front and rear differential locks: $1500