Toyota Australia has rolled out a meaningful mid-cycle update to the LandCruiser 70 Series, lifting passive safety and interior comfort across all seven variants in the cab-chassis, troop carrier and wagon lineup. The changes arrive with a price increase of just $600, or approximately one per cent, on every model.
The updated range is priced from $57,640 for the cab-chassis, $58,540 for the wagon and $64,540 for the troop carrier, with option prices remaining unchanged.
At a Glance
- Driver and front passenger airbags now standard across all seven 70 Series models.
- Prices rise by $600 per model, starting from $57,640 for the cab-chassis.
- New double DIN head unit features USB, iPod control, Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming.
- Telescopic steering column adjustment and a new four-spoke urethane steering wheel added.
- 76 Series wagon gains a moulded roof lining for improved headroom and comfort.
The headline safety addition is the fitment of driver and front passenger airbags as standard equipment. To accommodate the airbag system, Toyota has fitted an extended front bumper, along with warning lamps for both the airbags and the driver's seatbelt.
Inside, the cabin has received considerable attention. A newly adopted telescopic steering column joins a four-spoke urethane steering wheel, and the dashboard has been refreshed with a revised instrument cluster and a facelift to its overall appearance. A bottle holder has also been added alongside the gear-shift lever.
The audio system is entirely new. The 70 Series now carries a 200mm double DIN head unit with AM/FM tuner, a single CD player with MP3 capability, a USB input with full iPod control, and a 3.5mm auxiliary jack. Bluetooth hands-free telephone capability and Bluetooth audio streaming round out the connectivity options.
GXL models receive new fabric trim in either Bluish Gray or Oak. Exterior colour choices span French Vanilla, Sandy Taupe and Midnight Blue across all models, with Silver Pearl, Graphite, Merlot Red and Vintage Gold available on cab-chassis and wagon variants. All models also get a redesigned sun visor.
The LandCruiser 76 five-seat wagon gains a moulded roof lining for added headroom, along with a resin garnish on the front pillar and header. The front-passenger assist grip has been relocated to the A-pillar.
The powertrain remains unchanged. Every model in the range is driven by a 4.5-litre turbocharged and intercooled high-pressure injection V8 diesel producing 151kW at 3400rpm and 430Nm of torque from just 1200rpm, held through to 3200rpm. Toyota describes this as the flattest torque curve of any engine in its lineup. Drive is sent through a five-speed manual transmission with a two-speed transfer case. Fuel consumption is rated at 11.5L/100km for cab-chassis models and 11.9L/100km for wagons and troop carriers on the ADR81/02 combined cycle.
For 70 Series owners, the 2009 update represents a solid safety and usability step forward at a modest price premium.
