With all the fuss surrounding the recent launch of the 2024 Land Cruiser in the USA, you might not have noticed that, a day later, Toyota unveiled an upgraded Land Cruiser 70 Series in Australia! That’s the good news. The bad news is that there is no clear sign that this superb vehicle will be released in the USA; however, it will be available in Japan, Australia, and other global markets. (It is also worth noting that the new 2024 Land Cruiser is wearing the Prado branding globally, and in Australia, the Prado is set to feature the 1GD-FTV 2.8-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, which has been upgraded with 48-volt technology to enhance fuel efficiency in urban environments).
The LandCruiser 70 Series has been extensively upgraded and is set to hit the Australian market in Q4 of 2023. One of the most notable improvements is the introduction of a four-cylinder turbo diesel engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, marking the first time such a powertrain option is available for this iconic 4WD model.
The new 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel engine delivers an impressive 200 horsepower and 369 pound-foot of torque. This represents a substantial 52-pound-foot increase in torque compared to the under-tuned, existing V8 diesel engine. Toyota will offer this powertrain across various configurations, including four body styles and three grades, providing customers with a wide range of choices for their Land Cruiser 70 Series.
For those who prefer the tried-and-true V8 turbo diesel engine, fear not, as it will still be available in the upgraded 70 Series. This engine generates 200 horsepower and a peak torque of 317 pound-foot. Paired with a five-speed manual gearbox, the V8 engine will be offered in most grades and body styles, excluding the Wagon variant, which will only come in GXL specification.
The exterior of the Land Cruiser 70 Series retains its rugged charm but receives an interesting facelift with a redesigned front end reminiscent of the iconic Land Cruiser 40 Series. Inside the vehicle, the interior has been refreshed with improved ergonomics and upgraded features. The instrument cluster and center console have been redesigned for enhanced practicality and visual appeal. Notably, a new 4.2-inch multi-information display (MID) has been added for added convenience.
The multimedia system has also undergone a significant upgrade, boasting a new 6.7-inch touchscreen on all grades. Notably, the system is now compatible with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, providing drivers with seamless smartphone integration.
Toyota has prioritized safety with the upgraded LandCruiser 70 Series. The vehicle comes equipped with advanced driver assistance features as part of the Toyota Safety Sense suite. This includes lane departure alert, road sign assist (speed signs only), and automatic high beam, further enhancing the safety of the iconic 4WD model.
While Toyota has provided some key details about the upgraded LandCruiser 70 Series, additional information and Australian specifications will be released closer to the vehicle’s launch. Australians rejoice; we will watch with envy from afar.
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