Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series 2024: automatic transmission, 500Nm turbo-diesel four cylinder added

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The iconic Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series has come in for an important update that will make the workhorse both safer and more modern for buyers.

Set to arrive in the fourth quarter of 2023, the 70 Series Land Cruiser will be getting a significant update, bringing retro styling, updated interior and a new engine option. 

For the first time ever, the 70 Series will be powered by the same 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine as the current Toyota Hilux, producing 150kW/500Nm. It’s coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission.

That works out to be 1kW less power than the existing 4.5-litre single-turbo-diesel V8 engine that has powered the 70 Series for years – and 70Nm more torque. 

The V8 will continue to be available in Australia with a five-speed manual transmission

The new-to-Land-Cruiser engine will be available across the range in three grades for single cab and two grades for double cab, troop carrier and wagon variants. 

What else is new for the 70 Series in 2024?

Exterior styling wise, the 70 Series now looks a little different to before thanks to new LED circular headlights, however the body shape has stayed much the same as before. 

Toyota says the front end has been inspired by the iconic Land Cruiser 40 Series and looks somewhat like the newly-announced US-market Toyota Land Cruiser that will likely become the Prado here in Australia. 

Inside, Toyota has finally added a larger 6.7-inch touchscreen that is compatible with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 4.2-inch instrument display also now features in the driver cluster. 

The steering wheel has also been updated with a new unit which is also found in the Hilux.

In terms of standard safety, the Land Cruiser 70 Series is now fitted with lane departure alert, road sign assist and automatic high beam though no word on an official ANCAP rating for the range just yet.

Toyota Australia says that further details and pricing will be announced closer to the vehicle’s on-sale date.