Toyota Australia is updating the LandCruiser 70 Series pickup and wagon range with two things 70 owners have asked for: better active safety and more payload. The updated models reach Australian dealerships in November 2022.
The big addition is a pre-collision safety system with autonomous emergency braking (AEB), including pedestrian and cyclist detection. It brings the 70 closer to what buyers now expect on safety, without changing its working-vehicle character.
At a Glance
- Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection added to the 70 Series range.
- Gross vehicle mass (GVM) rises beyond 3,500kg, moving the range from the light to the medium goods vehicle category.
- Increased GVM supports greater payload capacity across the pickup and wagon lineup.
- The 151kW/430Nm 4.5-litre V8 turbo diesel and 3,500kg towing capacity are carried over.
- On-sale date confirmed for November 2022, with full pricing and specification details to follow closer to launch.
The AEB system sits on top of anti-lock braking, traction control, vehicle stability control and hill-start control. Toyota says design refinements made the GVM increase possible, shifting the 70 Series from the light to the medium goods vehicle category. That means more usable payload, whether you're on the tools or building a heavy-duty tourer.
Toyota Australia Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations, Sean Hanley, said the changes were about keeping the nameplate here. "The upcoming changes are designed to ensure that the legendary LandCruiser 70 Series will continue to be available for the foreseeable future in the Australian market, where its popularity resulted in more than 13,900 sales last year," Mr Hanley said.
"The increase in GVM is sure to appeal to owners who use the 70 Series as a tool of trade or are seeking an even greater ability as a heavy duty recreational off roader. Combined with heavy-duty suspension and 3,500kg towing capacity, these upgrades will enhance the versatility and rugged reputation for this legendary vehicle," he said.
Under the bonnet, the 4.5-litre V8 turbo diesel carries over, making 151kW and 430Nm through a dual-range transfer case to all four wheels. Toyota will release the rest of the specification and pricing closer to the November on-sale date.
If you already own a 70 and payload drives how you load or modify it, the move to the medium goods vehicle category is the detail to watch.
