Big updates revealed for Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series

Toyota’s tough and rugged four-wheel drive ute has received some massive upgrades that will make it better in almost every way.

Toyota has also ushered in a range of changes for its rugged LandCruiser 70-Series ute.

The tough four-wheel drive beloved by Aussie farmers and adventurers now comes with a four-cylinder turbodiesel engine and six-speed automatic transmission.

Toyota has added a 2.8-litre four-cylinder diesel option to the LandCruiser 70 Series range.

Previously the 70-Series was only available with a V8 turbodiesel engine and manual gearbox.

The 2.8-litre four-cylinder unit is borrowed from the current best-selling HiLux ute. It makes 150kW and 500Nm, which compares favourably to the V8’s 151kW/430Nm.

The V8 and manual combo will still be offered going forward.

There are no official fuel figures yet, but the new motor is sure to be more efficient than the V8 that drinks 10.7L/100km.

The 70 Series is beloved by Aussie 4WDers.

Toyota Australia has struggled to gain supply of the 70-Series recently with wait times blowing out to almost two years. The company was also forced to stop taking new orders to keep the wait times under control.

The new engine will be available across the range that includes four body styles: single cab, dual cab, troop carrier and wagon, and Workmate, GX and GXL trim grades.

Toyota Australia head of sales and marketing, Sean Hanley, says the new LandCruiser 70-Series will continue to meet the needs of Aussie customers.

It is the first time it has been offered with an auto transmission.

“The LandCruiser 70 Series has built up a loyal and passionate fanbase with customers drawn to its rugged styling and legendary off-road performance and this substantially upgraded model builds upon those strengths,” says Mr Hanley.

It has also received a range of sterling updates, including a reworked front end that is a throwback to the LandCruiser 40 Series.

The interior has been brought into the 21st century, too. There is now a 6.7-inch touchscreen that is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, previous examples had no smartphone mirroring. The driver’s instruments are now a mix of analog readouts and a small 4.3-inch digital information screen.

The LandCruiser 70 Series has received some modern tech updates.

Toyota has also added lane keep assist, speed sign recognition and auto high beam safety tech. This joins the recent addition of auto emergency braking tech.

Toyota Australia will reveal exact specification and prices closer to the updated LandCruiser 70 Series arrival towards the end of the year.

Originally published as Big updates revealed for Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series