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Toyota has surprised the world's media with the unveiling of a facelift for the venerable 2024 Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series – with the option of 2.8-litre diesel four-cylinder power and an even more retro look.
The covers were unexpectedly taken off the first major update for the LandCruiser 70 Series since 2007 – and the latest since the vehicle launched 38 years ago – at the unveiling of the new Prado.
Toyota Australia has confirmed the new 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine will be coupled exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission, and will be available alongside the current 4.5-litre turbo-diesel V8 and five-speed manual transmission for the time being.
It has not been confirmed if order books will re-open for the LandCruiser 70 Series when the updated model arrives between October and December 2023.
The 2.8-litre turbo-diesel produces 150kW at 3400rpm and 500Nm from 600-2800rpm – 70Nm more but 1kW less than the V8, which continues to produce 151kW at 3400rpm and 430Nm from 1200-3200rpm.
Buyers will be able to option the four-cylinder and automatic transmission across the range, in all three single-cab chassis variants – Workmate, GX, and GXL – and the Workmate and GXL grades in the dual-cab chassis, five-door wagon and Troop Carrier. The V8 will be dropped from the Workmate wagon – but will remain available in all other model grades.
It will be the first four-cylinder Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series sold in Australia since 1991, and the first automatic version since a four-speed gearbox was discontinued in 1990.
The latest update for the 70 Series wears a new front fascia with an even more retro-inspired look than today's model – including bold circular LED headlights referencing the sealed-beam headlights of the original 1985 model. The front end appears to have been completely redesigned, with a new bonnet, front wheel arches, bumper and grille – which has slim retro cut-outs similar to early 70 Series models, and 'TOYOTA' script. There is a new alloy wheel design for Japanese models, but this is not shown in the Australian media images.
Inside, there is a new 6.7-inch infotainment touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for the first time – but the new system does not resemble any other infotainment screen in the Toyota range, and it is unclear if it is an in-house Toyota design.
The instrument cluster has been redesigned with a retro-inspired central speedometer, and a 4.2-inch digital instrument display with a digital speedometer for the first time.
The advanced safety suite has been expanded to include lane departure alert, speed sign recognition and automatic high-beams. It is in addition to autonomous emergency braking technology – with pedestrian and cyclist detection – which was added last year.
The 2024 Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series is due in Australian showrooms between October and December 2023. Prices are due to be announced closer to launch.
Drive.com Australia