Toyota Australia has rolled out its most significant update to the LandCruiser 70 Series in recent memory, re-engineering the range from the ground up to secure a five-star ANCAP safety rating for the single cab-chassis while also cutting fuel consumption and adding electronic safety hardware across every body style.
The changes, which come with modest price increases, are the result of more than five years of local development work by Toyota's Australian engineering team, supported by the company's Japanese parent.
At a Glance
- Single cab-chassis earns five-star ANCAP rating thanks to a new, stiffer frame, five airbags and 12 new or thicker body panels.
- The 4.5-litre turbo-diesel V8 now returns 10.7L/100km on the combined cycle, a reduction of up to 10.1 per cent, aided by a diesel particulate filter and piezo-electric injectors.
- Vehicle stability control, active traction control, hill-start assist, brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution are now standard across the entire range.
- Single cab-chassis prices rise by $5,500, while the wagon, troop carrier and double cab-chassis increase by $3,000.
- All variants are covered by Toyota Service Advantage capped-price servicing at $340 per service.
The single cab-chassis receives the most extensive work. Its ladder frame is larger and stiffer, featuring thicker side rails and seven cross-members, including one that is entirely new and three that have been re-engineered. Toyota says the added torsional rigidity reduces noise, vibration and harshness while also sharpening handling and stability. Telescopic dampers have been recalibrated locally to suit the revised frame, with ride comfort reported to be unaffected.
Safety hardware on the single cab now includes five airbags, up from two, with the addition of dual side curtain-shield airbags and a driver's knee airbag. Twelve new or thicker body panels, new bucket seats designed to mitigate whiplash, under-dash passenger padding and a steering link repositioned behind the front axle all contributed to the top ANCAP score. Front seatbelt pre-tensioners and a passenger seatbelt reminder are also newly standard.
The steering link relocation on the single cab also necessitated a change to the fuel tank arrangement, replacing the previous setup with a single 130-litre tank, matching the capacity already used in the wagon and double cab-chassis. The troop carrier retains its twin 90-litre tanks.
Power figures for the 4.5-litre V8 turbo-diesel remain at 151kW and 430Nm, but the addition of a diesel particulate filter and piezo-electric injectors, combined with taller gearing in second and fifth ratios of the five-speed manual, brings combined-cycle consumption down to 10.7 litres per 100km. Cruise control joins the standard equipment list for the first time.
The WorkMate grade gains a wider single-piece 16-inch steel wheel, replacing the previous split-rim design, now paired with tubeless tyres.
The electronic safety suite fitted to all variants includes VSC, which automatically disengages in low range, and A-TRC, which operates in both high and low ranges and can be switched off for sand driving. The updated hill-start assist control holds the vehicle stationary for approximately two seconds on an incline. A new bank of 10 fuses has also been added to simplify accessory fitment.
The full range of drive-away prices is as follows: Wagon WorkMate $60,990, Wagon GXL $64,990, Troop Carrier WorkMate $64,890, Troop Carrier GXL $67,990, Double Cab-Chassis WorkMate $64,990, Double Cab-Chassis GXL $68,990, Single Cab-Chassis WorkMate from $62,490, Single Cab-Chassis GXL $66,490. Options include air-conditioning at $2,761 fitted, premium paint at $550 and diff locks at $1,500 on the single cab GXL and double cab WorkMate.
Toyota Australia's executive director sales and marketing, Tony Cramb, said the updates were intended to secure the nameplate's long-term future, noting that Australians have purchased more than a quarter of a million 70 Series vehicles, representing nearly one in five of all units sold globally, with local demand sitting at around 8,000 units per year.
"The only alternative was to walk away from this model, and that was not an option," Mr Cramb said.
The 70 Series retains its maximum 3,500kg towing capacity and full payload capability simultaneously, which will remain a key consideration for fleet and trade buyers assessing the updated range.
