Four-cylinder Toyota LandCruiser priced

TOYOTA Australia has priced its upgraded and keenly anticipated LandCruiser 70 Series range ahead of the model’s arrival this November.

Now offered with the tried-and-tested 1GD-series four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine familiar to the HiAce, HiLux and Fortuner ranges, the LandCruiser 70 Series line-up begins at $75,600 plus on-road costs (full pricing details below) and is offered as standard with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Price rises for V8 models range from $8300 to $8800, while the $71,000 plus on-road costs 76 Series WorkMate five-door wagon is now deleted from the line-up.

The LandCruiser 70 Series also sports exterior styling enhancements, new comfort and convenience features and upgraded safety equipment.

Characterised by LED headlights with automatic high beam, the updated design of the ‘70’ also sees the addition of a new black mesh grille with “heritage inspired” bonnet and turn signals, and dark grey alloy wheels and over-fenders on 76 and 79 Series GX and GXL variants.

Further, the 76 Series wagon range is now available with a new Eclipse Black paint hue joining the carry-over six colours already available throughout the range. Metallic paint is a $675 option.

Inside, the updates extend to a larger 6.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with voice recognition and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 4.3-inch digital instrument cluster display, and new-look instrumentation that recalls the FJ40 series LandCruiser.

New multimedia and safety assist control buttons have been added to the steering wheel, while the console has been “redesigned with greater amenity” in mind. GXL grades gain two USB-C ports which replace the existing 12-volt socket, while the 76 Series line-up adds a reversing camera.

Across the range, an expanded suite of Toyota Safety Sense technologies joins the range, now offering downhill assist control, road sign assist, and lane departure alert – the features join the existing pre-collision system with autonomous emergency braking (AEB).

Toyota says the adoption of the four-cylinder engine for LandCruiser 70 Series comes with several mechanical upgrades which improve cooling and reliability in “heavy-usage scenarios”.

The changes include the addition of a larger diameter cooling fan and an isolation crank pulley to reduce the load on the engine’s serpentine belt.

A newly designed sump pan, strainer and oil level sensor has also been introduced, aimed at improving oil delivery in “off-camber and hilly situations”, while the orientation of the oil filter has been adjusted to suit its new location.

Toyota says noise, vibration and harshness levels have also been reduced thanks to the inclusion of a balance shaft. The unit delivers 150kW from 3000 – 3400rpm and 500Nm from 1600 – 2800rpm.

The Aisin-sourced six-speed automatic transmission fitted as standard across the LandCruiser 70 Series range is likewise adapted to the application with a deeper oil pan, optimised oil strainer intake position, and new added oil catch tank.

The automatic transmission now features a power/haul mode to “best make use of the 70 Series’ full 3500kg braked towing capacity”, while a second gear start switch can “help pull the vehicle out of sticky situations”.

For the 70 Series, Toyota has also fitted an underbody guard for the transmission, while the breather hose has been raised to a height of 900mm to assist water wading.

Toyota will continue to sell the LandCruiser 70 Series with the venerable 1VD-series 4.5-litre V8 turbo-diesel on all variants bar the 76 Series WorkMate. The existing unit makes comparable power to the newly introduced four-cylinder (151kW at 3400rpm), but significantly less torque (430Nm from 1200 – 3200rpm). It is available only with a five-speed manual transmission.

The ‘70’ range continues to feature solid front and rear axles, a sturdy ladder frame chassis, a payload of up to 1380kg, and a low-range transfer case with available locking front and rear differentials on GX and GXL grades (+$1500).

“For generations the LandCruiser 70 Series has provided support for countless Australians in the toughest conditions the country has to offer, thanks to its rugged durability, strong towing and unparalleled off-road performance,” said Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing and franchise operations, Sean Hanley.

“Introducing the new automatic transmission, four-cylinder powertrain to the LandCruiser 70 Series range will broaden its appeal even further, making it more accessible to a wider cross-section of customers than ever before.

“Along with the upgrades to safety, convenience and styling, there has never been a better time to own a LandCruiser 70 Series.”

2024 Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.