The LandCruiser 70 Series has received its most significant update in years, with Toyota Australia confirming the upgraded range arrives with a second powertrain option, a redesigned exterior drawing on earlier LandCruiser generations, and new safety features including lane departure alert and road sign assist.
Since the current generation went on sale in 2007, the 70 Series has been offered exclusively with a 1VD-FTV 4.5-litre turbo-diesel V8 and five-speed manual transmission. That changes with the 2024 update, which adds Toyota's 1GD 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel paired with a six-speed automatic as a second powertrain across the range.
At a Glance
- New 1GD 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel automatic joins the existing 4.5-litre V8 manual across the 70 Series range.
- Four-cylinder produces 150kW at 3400rpm and 500Nm from 1600 to 2800rpm; V8 makes 151kW and 430Nm from 1200 to 3200rpm.
- Pricing starts from $75,600 plus on-road costs for the WorkMate 76 Series Wagon with the four-cylinder engine.
- Retro styling cues include circular LED headlamps, a square mesh grille, three-slot cooling vent inspired by the 75 Series and a hood vent borrowed from the 40 Series.
- New safety technology includes lane departure alert, road sign assist, automatic high beam and, on four-cylinder variants, downhill assist control.
Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said the addition of the new powertrain was a direct response to customer demand. "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," Mr Hanley said. "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."
All models are available with both powertrain options except the WorkMate 76 Series Wagon, which is offered exclusively with the 2.8-litre four-cylinder. The 3500kg braked towing capacity is maintained across all variants regardless of engine choice. The 4.5-litre V8 continues with 151kW and 430Nm, matched to the five-speed manual on all variants except the 76 Series WorkMate.
The exterior redesign is the most visually striking change. Circular LED headlamps with automatic high beam replace the previous halogen cluster, with outboard turning lamps recalling pre-2007 models. A square black mesh grille with "TOYOTA" lettering sits above a three-slot cooling vent drawn from the 75 Series, and a small hood vent references the original 40 Series. GX and GXL grades wear dark grey metallic 16-inch alloy wheels, while wide bumpers and black overfenders complete the muscular look.
Inside, the instrument cluster takes design cues from the 40 Series speedometer and gains a 4.2-inch colour multi-information display. A new 6.7-inch multimedia unit supports wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with steering wheel-mounted controls for hands-free phone pairing. Below the air-conditioning controls sit a 12V outlet and two USB-C ports on GXL grades. Wagon variants gain 60:40 split-fold second-row seats that tumble forward to maximise cargo space, and a new reversing camera with static guidelines is also fitted to Wagon body styles.
Automatic-equipped models gain a new centre console with a lidded storage box, cupholder and small item compartments. WorkMate and GX grades retain vinyl upholstery, while GXL models step up to grey fabric.
The full pricing range spans from $75,600 (76 Series WorkMate Wagon, four-cylinder) to $87,600 (79 Series Double Cab Chassis GXL, V8 manual), all plus on-road costs. Optional front and rear differential locks are priced at $1,500 on eligible grades, and premium paint adds $675. Servicing is capped at $525 per interval for the first five years or 100,000km, with a five-year unlimited-kilometre warranty extended to seven years on engine and driveline components.
For existing and prospective 70 Series owners, the arrival of an automatic transmission option alongside the proven V8 manual represents a meaningful expansion of what has long been one of Australia's most capable working 4x4 platforms.
