It's undoubtedly a peculiar sensation to climb into the cockpit of a Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series and see two pedals and an automatic gear shifter.
Note: This review has been revised since its initial publication in February 2024. The well-established V8 turbo-diesel engine is no longer part of the lineup, and instead, the newer 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel motor now comes with a manual transmission choice.
The pricing and specs of the tested vehicle, the LandCruiser 79 Series GX single-cab/chassis auto model, remain unaltered.
We've revised crucial elements like pricing and specs using the latest data at hand. You can check out the initial edition of this review for comparison. here .
You can additionally review the most recent pricing and details article here .
WATCH: Paul’s video assessment of the 2024 Toyota LandCruiser 79 dual-cab/chassis GXL auto variant
Aside from what's beneath that massive hood, there's a four-cylinder diesel engine taken from the HiLux and Prado Instead of the well-known V8 – truly a bold new era, which Toyota refers to as 'the next chapter'.
The four-cylinder powertrain is essential for attracting a broader range of enthusiasts to this iconic off-road vehicle. Particularly, fleet operators are interested in this automatically shifting workhorse, which can be easily operated by anyone and consumes less diesel fuel during operation.
In addition to the updated engine, the impressive Cruiser 70 series receives a revamped front section, fresh interior display systems, and several driver assistance features.
In this scenario, we're at the wheel of the popular LC79 single-cab/chassis model; however, the Land Cruiser range also includes the LC79 dual-cab/chassis variant, the LC78 Troop Carrier, and the LC76 Wagon options for purchase.
What is the price of the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series?
The LandCruiser 70 Series series starts at $75,600 excluding on-road costs, and goes up to $83,500 prior to on-road expenses.
To view how the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series compares with similar vehicles, take a look at our comparison. comparison tool
How does the interior of the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series feel?
The vinyl seats and door panels, cleanable flooring, and rigid plastics certainly aren’t plush; however, this stripped-down cabin is designed to withstand rough treatment for many years. Thus, it’s more practical to view it from this perspective.
The stolen steering wheel taken from a HiLux can be adjusted for both rake and reach. Behind it lies a brand-new instrument panel featuring an intriguing speedometer design along with a contemporary-style trip computer positioned beside it.
The dashboard is quite shallow and has a more pickup-like design rather than an SUV, giving it a robust feel. The interior maintains simplicity with a standard display, traditional manual air conditioning knobs, and sturdy plastic materials throughout.
It has an old-school charm in numerous aspects, which makes it delightful during a short-term borrow of one week yet is intentionally crafted this way. The manual quarter windows, side windows, and mirrors are less likely to malfunction, and even if they do, they can be relatively simple to repair out in the field.
Although Toyota has included a modest touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity as an accommodation, it appears rather like an add-on accessory. Despite my efforts, I was unable to successfully operate Android Auto throughout the duration of my testing.
The automated gearshift is located beside an independent shift lever for engaging low- and high-range four-wheel drive. It also features buttons and knobs to adjust power and haul throttle settings, as well as controls for downhill assistance and trailer brake modulation.
The storage options include a compact center console between the seats, some area behind each seat, a spot roughly the size of a smartphone along the central tunnel, two cup holders, and a glove box.
To view how the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series compares with similar vehicles, take a look at our comparison. comparison tool
What’s under the bonnet?
The 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, which is used in the HiLux, has been part of the LandCruiser 70 Series lineup for more than a year. At first, this motor was exclusively paired with an automatic gearbox; however, a manual option has recently become available as well.
To view how the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series compares with similar vehicles, take a look at our comparison. comparison tool
What is the driving experience like for the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series?
Turn the key, and what strikes you initially about the 2.8-litre diesel engine is its relative silence when idling, and how much more soothing it feels to operate using a six-speed automatic transmission—especially once you hit 110 km/h, as this taller final gear does an excellent job of keeping RPM levels low.
Across all metrics, the four-cylinder surpasses the V8. In our tests—which you can watch in the linked video—it accelerated from 0-100 km/h in just 12.7 seconds, beating the V8 by 2.0 seconds; at speeds between 80-120 km/h, it did so in 11.2 seconds, ahead of the V8 by 1.0 second; for the quarter-mile run, it clocked 18.3 seconds; and it also proved more efficient under load using a trailer dyno test.
In theory, it seems obvious, yet the V8 undoubtedly offers some advantages. The experience of shifting gears manually, the deep-throated roar, the potential for customization, along with its prestige and probable higher resale value down the line – all these elements make this car truly one-of-a-kind. Keep in mind; such an automobile won’t come around again.
When it comes to fuel usage, Toyota stated 9.6L per 100km, but my actual experience yielded around 12L per 100km during mainly highway travel, which didn’t measure up as well as advertised.
Although the engine hadn't been thoroughly broken in yet, the LandCruiser’s weight and angular design imply that it can never be fuel-efficient, despite having four wheels.
The LC70’s mechanics are straightforward and robust, focusing on off-road capability, cargo hauling, and towing rather than on-road luxury.
It features solid axles, leaf springs at the rear, and hydraulic power steering with an impressive 14.4-meter turning radius. Despite this, it’s worth noting that it comes equipped with rear disc brakes, unlike some pickup trucks which still utilize drum brakes.
The truck boasts a robust 3510kg gross vehicle mass along with a 2130kg curb weight, which leaves nearly 1400kg available for cargo space including the tray. Additionally, its 7010kg gross combined mass allows it to tow up to 3.5 tonnes while still being fully loaded with maximum payload.
For clarity, the LC70 boasts a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) that is 460kg heavier and a Gross Combination Mass (GCM) that is 1160kg more substantial compared to those of a HiLux SR cab/chassis.
The cramped cabin can lead to knee bumps against the window controls for taller individuals, yet it offers an impressive vista of the roadway thanks to the slim supports, despite the extensive hood stretching out front. However, maneuvering this sizable vehicle isn’t particularly easy due to its dimensions, absence of a rearview camera, and the cumbersome hydraulically assisted steering.
Given its slim rear track (which is 95mm narrower compared to the front), along with robust rear leaf springs and beam axles, it tends to bounce and wiggle over poor road conditions when empty. However, this vehicle isn’t meant for cruising around in pristine, like-new condition anyway...
The classic features extend to off-road driving, where the LC70 remains as the sole model equipped with manual locking hubs. You can switch these from Automatic—where they engage when the transfer case shifts into 4H or 4Lo—to Locked using a lug wrench.
You activate the 4WD using the secondary shift lever, and with a ground clearance of 316mm, along with low-range gears, locked differentials at both ends, and all-terrain Dunlop Grandtrek tyres, nothing will hinder your progress. However, comfort remains elusive due to significant head movement and cumbersome handling from the stiff steering.
When it comes to after-market modifications, the possibilities are endless. A whole sector has been established to cater to these enhancements.
Although Toyota has limited the driver assistance features, it does include cruise control and a lane departure warning system, which can be quite beneficial during extended trips.
To view how the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series compares with similar vehicles, take a look at our comparison. comparison tool
What do you get?
Describing the LandCruiser 70 as merely basic would be putting it mildly.
WorkMate highlights:
- 16-inch steel wheels
- Full spare tyre
- LED headlights, DRLs
- Automatic high beam
- Steel side steps
- Snorkel
- Manual antenna
- Vinyl seats and flooring
- Winding windows
- Manual air-conditioning
- 6.7-inch touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- USB, 12V and Bluetooth
- 2-speaker audio system
GX adds:
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Over fender flares
GXL adds:
- LED fog lights
- Chrome bumper, drip rails
- Aluminium steps
- Cloth seats, carpet floors
The LC70 comes with a range of colours including French Vanilla, Silver Pearl, Graphite, Merlot Red, Sandy Taupe, and Midnight Blue.
To view how the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series compares with similar vehicles, take a look at our comparison. comparison tool
Is the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series considered safe?
Although the LandCruiser 70 no longer has an ANCAP rating due to how long ago it was last assessed, the two-door cab/chassis model previously held a five-star rating.
The standard safety features comprise dual frontal airbags, side-curtain airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, lane departure warning, and autonomous emergency braking (AEB).
To view how the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series compares with similar vehicles, take a look at our comparison. comparison tool
What is the running cost of the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series?
The enhanced LandCruiser 70 Series comes with a five-year, unrestricted kilometre warranty, which extends to seven years for the engine and drivetrain components.
To view how the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series compares with similar vehicles, take a look at our comparison. comparison tool
CarExpert’s Perspective on the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series
If retro appeal were crucial for high marks, the LandCruiser 70 would receive a flawless score of 10.
A 70 Series Cruiser serves as both a robust workhorse and a personal passion project, unlocking access to numerous after-market enhancements and customizations along with an extensive support network.
Although basic technology doesn't necessarily guarantee durability, Toyota boasts an impressive track record. For countless Aussies navigating dusty terrains with reddish soil and swarms of flies, this seems to be the most practical option available.
In most ways, the LandCruiser 70 carries forward the disadvantages of its long-outdated design regarding driving experience and interior feel – yet this isn’t exactly surprising.
It's evident that the four-cylinder outperforms the V8 across all metrics except for one: the larger engine produces peak torque over a broader range of revolutions, which might make it feel more manageable.
This certainly doesn't imply that Australians will readily surrender their cherished manual V8 vehicles, naturally.
If you're thinking about purchasing a Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series, consider contacting one of CarExpert’s reliable dealers through this link.
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