LandCruiser 70 Series Engines: 4.5L V8 vs 2.8L Four-Cylinder
One of the most asked questions about the LandCruiser 70 Series is simply: what engine is in it? For most of its modern Australian life the answer was the 4.5 litre V8 turbo diesel. From 2024 Toyota added a second option, a 2.8 litre four-cylinder turbo diesel paired with an automatic, so the range now offers both. This page lays out what each engine is, the headline figures, and how to think about the choice.
Always confirm the exact specification of any individual vehicle with Toyota or the seller, since outputs and availability vary by build date and configuration. The figures below are the widely published Australian specifications and are a guide, not a quote.
The Two Engines
In the current Australian 70 Series range there are two diesel engines:
- 4.5L V8 turbo diesel (1VD-FTV). The long-serving V8, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. This is the engine that built the modern 70 Series reputation.
- 2.8L four-cylinder turbo diesel (1GD-FTV). The newer option introduced in 2024, shared in design with the HiLux and Prado families, paired with a 6-speed automatic.
Both are turbo diesels driving through a part-time four-wheel-drive system. The headline difference buyers notice is cylinders and gearbox: a manual V8 on one side, an automatic four-cylinder on the other.
Power, Torque and Gearbox
| Engine | 4.5L V8 (1VD-FTV) | 2.8L four-cylinder (1GD-FTV) |
|---|---|---|
| Cylinders | V8 turbo diesel | Inline four turbo diesel |
| Approx. power | Around 151 kW | Around 150 kW |
| Approx. torque | Around 430 Nm | Around 500 Nm |
| Gearbox | 5-speed manual | 6-speed automatic |
On paper the two engines make similar peak power. The four-cylinder makes its torque higher and offers an automatic, which many buyers prefer for towing and stop-start work. The V8 delivers its character through eight cylinders and a manual, which is exactly why a large part of the 70 Series following will only buy the V8.
Is the Four-Cylinder as Good as the V8?
This is the heart of the debate, and the honest answer is that they suit different drivers.
The 2.8L four-cylinder brings an automatic gearbox to the 70 Series for the first time, makes strong torque, and tends to be the easier vehicle to live with in traffic and when towing, where the auto does the work. It is the practical, modern choice.
The 4.5L V8 has decades of proven service behind it, the sound and character that the 70 Series is known for, and a simple, well-understood manual driveline. Many long-term owners and remote-area operators value that track record and will not move off it.
Neither is a wrong answer. If you want an automatic and the latest driveline, the four-cylinder makes sense. If you want the traditional 70 Series experience and the V8 reputation, the V8 is still there.
Common questions
What engine does the LandCruiser 70 Series have?
The current Australian 70 Series is offered with two turbo diesel engines: a 4.5 litre V8 (1VD-FTV) with a 5-speed manual, and a 2.8 litre four-cylinder (1GD-FTV) with a 6-speed automatic, introduced in 2024. Both drive through a part-time four-wheel-drive system.
Is the 2.8L four-cylinder as good as the 4.5L V8?
They suit different drivers. The 2.8 litre four-cylinder brings an automatic gearbox and strong torque, and is the easier vehicle in traffic and when towing. The 4.5 litre V8 has decades of proven service, the traditional 70 Series character, and a simple manual driveline. Neither is a wrong choice.
How much power and torque does the 70 Series make?
As a guide, the 4.5 litre V8 makes around 151 kW and 430 Nm, and the 2.8 litre four-cylinder makes around 150 kW and 500 Nm. Outputs have varied over the years and by build date, so confirm the figures for the specific vehicle with Toyota or the seller.
Does the 70 Series come in an automatic?
Yes. The 2.8 litre four-cylinder turbo diesel introduced in 2024 is paired with a 6-speed automatic. The 4.5 litre V8 continues with a 5-speed manual. So if you want an automatic 70 Series, it is the four-cylinder.
Whichever engine you run, the cabin is the same
The V8 and the four-cylinder share the same 70 Series dash and cabin, so the same upgrades fit either one:
- 70 Series head units with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto
- 70 Series cruise control kits
- 70 Series intercooler fan kits for hard-working diesels