IT WOULD TAKE A LANDCRUISER anorak to see where the changes have been made, but Toyota tells us it has “significantly upgraded” the model. In other 70 Series news, it will be offered with a four-cylinder turbodiesel engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission for the first time when it arrives in Australia in Q4 2023.
In addition to the new powertrain, the upgraded 70 Series brings refreshed styling, a significant increase in safety technology and comfort and convenience features, and an upgraded multimedia system.
The new powertrain will be available across the range that includes four body styles and three grades, and will join the V8 turbodiesel/five-speed manual variants offering customers more choice for this iconic 4WD model.
Toyota Australia President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said the expanded range and substantial upgrades to the LandCruiser 70 Series demonstrated Toyota’s commitment to continuing to meet the needs of Australian customers.
“The LandCruiser 70 Series has built up a loyal and passionate fanbase with customers drawn to its rugged styling and legendary off-road performance and this substantially upgraded model builds upon those strengths,” Mr Hanley said.
“Now with a new powertrain including an automatic transmission for the first time, along with the significant increase in safety and convenience technology, the LC70 is an ideal vehicle for those working on the land or as a tool of trade and recreational users heading off on an outback adventure,” he said.
The new 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine in the LandCruiser generates a maximum power of 150kW at 3400rpm and peak torque of 500Nm between 1600rpm and 2800rpm, 70Nm greater than the existing V8 diesel engine.
This engine will be mated exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission and will be offered in three Single Cab grades – Workmate, GX and GXL – and two grades – Workmate and GXL – for Double Cab, Troop Carrier and Wagon variants.
The proven 4.5-litre V8 turbodiesel generates a maximum power of 151kW at 3400rpm and peak torque of 430Nm from 1200rpm to 3200rpm.
This engine is paired with a five-speed manual gearbox and is offered in the same grades and body styles as the 2.8-litre powertrain with the exception of the Wagon that will only be available in GXL specification.
From a visual perspective, the significantly upgraded LandCruiser 70 Series maintains its rugged appearance with a redesigned front end that references the design of the iconic LandCruiser 40 Series.
Likewise, the interior of the vehicle has undergone a styling refresh to enhance its appeal and accommodate a number of substantial feature upgrades.
The instrument cluster and centre console have been redesigned for improved ergonomics, visual ease and practicality including the addition of a 4.2-inch multi-information display (MID).
The multimedia system has also been upgraded and now features a 6.7-inch touchscreen on all grades that is now compatible with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Toyota has also substantially improved the safety technology in the new LandCruiser 70 Series with the addition of lane departure alert, road sign assist (speed signs only) and automatic high beam as part of the Toyota Safety Sense suite of advanced driver assistance features.
Further details and Australian specifications will be released closer to the launch of the upgraded Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series.