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Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series 2024 review

Let's be clear from the beginning. If you're one of the many, many people who's willingly put down a deposit and are patiently (or impatiently) awaiting the arrival of your Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series there is nothing I can do to change your mind.

You think this nearly 40-year old off-roader with an ageing V8 diesel engine, limited safety and a price that defies logic is the perfect vehicle for you. But, Toyota has made some major changes (relatively speaking) that may make you want to rethink your order.

The 2024 LandCruiser 70 Series - which incorporates the 76 Series Wagon, 78 Series Troop Carrier and 79 Series utes - has arguably had the most comprehensive upgrade since it first arrived way back in 1984.

Behind a new-look front end design lies a new powertrain for the 70 Series, the 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel and six-speed automatic from the HiLux.

This a seismic change for a genuine automotive icon, so we headed to the heart of LandCruiser country, Broken Hill, to put this upgraded 70 Series through its paces.

Toyota didn't have any 78 Series Troop Carriers available for this initial drive, so our review will focus on the 79 Series single and dual cab utes as well as the 76 Series Wagon.

Price and features – Does it represent good value for the price? What features does it come with?

In some respects this is a very simple question to answer - no. No, the 70 Series does not represent good value for the price. How can any car that costs $79,300 and comes with wind-up windows possibly represent good value?

Well, if you need to access remote locations in Australia's vast landscape and don't mind winding up the windows yourself, there isn't much else to choose from. And certainly no other vehicle on sale with the proven track-record of the 70 Series.

That's why the 70 Series range costs so much, beginning at $75,600 for the 76 Series Wagon WorkMate with the four-cylinder diesel.

The 2024 LandCruiser 70 Series - which incorporates the 76 Series Wagon, 78 Series Troop Carrier and 79 Series utes - has arguably had the most comprehensive upgrade since it first arrived way back in 1984. The 2024 LandCruiser 70 Series - which incorporates the 76 Series Wagon, 78 Series Troop Carrier and 79 Series utes - has arguably had the most comprehensive upgrade since it first arrived way back in 1984.

For that price the WorkMate variants get the aforementioned wind-up windows, miss out on the small, 1980s era digital clock and get '80s style vinyl-trimmed seats.

But, air-conditioning is standard across the range, as is the new 6.7-inch multimedia touchscreen and a 4.2-inch digital display on the instrument panel.

The new media system also means you can use wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The sound system is just two-speakers in the ute and four speakers in the Wagon.

It does now feature the same steering wheel as the Toyota HiLux as well as a new instrument display and a multimedia touchscreen. It does now feature the same steering wheel as the Toyota HiLux as well as a new instrument display and a multimedia touchscreen.

Stepping up to the mid-range GX models, which is only available with the utes, there's still do-it-yourself windows but you do get the digital clock and a pair of USB-C ports.

The GXL trim level ups the luxury, with power windows and '80s spec fabric upholstery.

Design - Is there anything interesting about its design?

This is one area of significant change for the 70 Series, probably the biggest change in its lifespan, with a completely overhauled front end design.

Toyota calls it a 'retro' change, but given the 70 Series has never truly modernised, you could argue there's nothing retrospective about it - it's just its most modern look.

Design is one area of significant change for the 70 Series, probably the biggest change in its lifespan. Design is one area of significant change for the 70 Series, probably the biggest change in its lifespan.

Changes include an all-new grille, with 'TOYOTA' lettering in the centre, as well as new round LED headlights with daytime running lights.

These do have a retro look to them, because they're inspired by the original 40 Series 'FJ' LandCruiser, but given the detailing and technology in the lights they look a bit out of place with the rest of the 1980s era design.

Toyota was candid that it was very mindful of only changing what it felt was necessary, because why mess with a winning formula.

The Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series is available with multiple seating configurations. The single cab chassis has only two seats while the dual-cab ute and wagon have five-seat layouts. The Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series is available with multiple seating configurations. The single cab chassis has only two seats while the dual-cab ute and wagon have five-seat layouts.

Practicality – How practical is its space and tech inside?

Despite its big, boxy exterior the 70 Series feels like Doctor Who's TARDIS in reverse - big on the outside, small on the inside. In the Wagon and the Dual Cab ute there's surprisingly little space in terms of passenger room and small item storage.

The seats seem unchanged from the '80s so are flat and lack lateral support (although the steering wheel is more modern and appears borrowed from the HiLux).

In the Wagon and the Dual Cab ute there’s surprisingly little space in terms of passenger room and small item storage. In the Wagon and the Dual Cab ute there’s surprisingly little space in terms of passenger room and small item storage.

There's decent room up front, and the high seating position gives you a good view of the road ahead. However, the rear seats are tight on knee and foot space, as well as limited on amenities; no air-con vents, cupholders or even door pockets.

In fact, only the Wagon gets front door pockets, and even then they are extremely narrow and only suitable for thin items like a muesli bar or some papers.

Despite its big, boxy exterior the 70 Series feels like Doctor Who’s TARDIS in reverse - big on the outside, small on the inside. Despite its big, boxy exterior the 70 Series feels like Doctor Who’s TARDIS in reverse - big on the outside, small on the inside.

The good news for those who opt for the four-cylinder is the layout around the automatic transmission has allowed Toyota to create some extra small item storage space between the seats. There are two cupholders and two other small recesses in which to keep odds and ends.

The new media screen is an obviously modern touch (especially as it sits above the '80s air-con sliders) but notably it doesn't run Toyota's usual interface and instead has a much simpler operating system.

The new media screen is an obviously modern touch. The new media screen is an obviously modern touch.

Under the bonnet – What are the key stats for its engine and transmission?

The good news for 70 Series die-hards is the V8 engine isn't going anywhere - at least not anytime soon. Toyota is adamant it will continue to offer the 4.5-litre turbo-diesel for as long as demand and regulations allow.

However, there's no logical reason to choose it anymore. The new four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine is simply a better choice in terms of performance and efficiency.

Behind a new-look front end design lies a new powertrain for the 70 Series. Behind a new-look front end design lies a new powertrain for the 70 Series.

While it has been taken from the HiLux it's been modified to ensure it's up to the more hardcore off-roading tasks the 70 Series will be expected to do.

For comparison, the V8 makes 151kW/430Nm but the four-cylinder produces 150kW/500Nm, a significant 70Nm advantage.

Toyota Australia management hopes that by offering a more fuel efficient and automatic option it will open the door to new customers.

There is certainly no other vehicle on sale with the proven track-record of the 70 Series. There is certainly no other vehicle on sale with the proven track-record of the 70 Series.

Efficiency – What is its fuel consumption? What is its driving range?

As mentioned above, the four-cylinder is smaller but boasts a significant performance advantage while using less diesel.

It has a claimed economy figure of 9.6L/100km, compared to 10.7L/100km for the V8.

Thanks to the utes and the wagon having huge 130-litre fuel tanks, the 70 Series boasts a maximum driving range of more than 1350km.

As mentioned above, the four-cylinder is smaller but boasts a significant performance advantage while using less diesel. As mentioned above, the four-cylinder is smaller but boasts a significant performance advantage while using less diesel.

Perfect for accessing remote regional areas, which is this vehicle's speciality. Even with the V8 engine the range is more than 1200km.

The Troop Carrier only has a 90-litre tank, but that's still good enough for more than 900km with the four-pot and nearly 850km with the V8.

Driving – What's it like to drive?

When it comes to assessing the driving dynamics of the 70 Series it's important to remember context. This is not a vehicle you buy because you want to go camping one week a year and then drive around the inner-city and suburbs.

At least you wouldn't unless you enjoy making life hard for yourself.

When it comes to assessing the driving dynamics of the 70 Series it’s important to remember context. When it comes to assessing the driving dynamics of the 70 Series it’s important to remember context.

Even on the freeways out of Broken Hill the 70 Series, the ute and Wagon, felt unsteady at 100km/h. Around town the slow steering makes it hard work negotiating tight intersections and parking.

Instead, the 70 Series range is designed for unsealed roads or, as Toyota likes to say, 'no roads'. Remote locations that may not have even an access trail.

The new four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission also make for an easier off-road experience. The new four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission also make for an easier off-road experience.

And in those conditions it shines, showing off its immense capability that very few other vehicles on the market today can match.

The new four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission also make for an easier off-road experience.

With more torque the four-cylinder has no trouble matching the 3500kg braked towing capacity of the V8, too. With more torque the four-cylinder has no trouble matching the 3500kg braked towing capacity of the V8, too.

You simply drop it into low range (using the stubby lever, not some fancy modern dial) and point it where you want to go.

It has an amazing ability to scramble over rocks and through sand and ruts (even if it still has mis-matched tracks front and rear).

It has an amazing ability to scramble over rocks and through sand and ruts (even if it still has mis-matched tracks front and rear). It has an amazing ability to scramble over rocks and through sand and ruts (even if it still has mis-matched tracks front and rear).

With more torque the four-cylinder has no trouble matching the 3500kg braked towing capacity of the V8, too.

We pulled a 3100kg caravan with the four-cylinder and it showed little sign of struggle even going uphill.

This is not a vehicle you buy because you want to go camping one week a year and then drive around the inner-city and suburbs. This is not a vehicle you buy because you want to go camping one week a year and then drive around the inner-city and suburbs.

Safety – What safety equipment is fitted? What is its safety rating?

Despite only limited upgrades over the past 39 years, remarkably the 79 Series still has a five-star ANCAP rating, although it officially expires in December.

But that does serve as a reminder to read the fine print when it comes to safety ratings to know exactly what you're getting.

Given the multitude of changes to ANCAP's rating system since the 79 Series was tested in 2016, it's not possible it would still achieve the maximum score if re-tested.

Thanks to the utes and the wagon having huge 130-litre fuel tanks, the 70 Series boasts a maximum driving range of more than 1350km. Thanks to the utes and the wagon having huge 130-litre fuel tanks, the 70 Series boasts a maximum driving range of more than 1350km.

While it still misses a lot of modern technology, to Toyota's credit it has added what it could over the years. This includes autonomous emergency braking in previous years, while for 2024 the company has added lane departure warning with steering assist, road sign assist for speed limits and automatic high beam lights.

The automatic models also add hill descent control, while the wagon has a reversing camera as standard now.

Ownership – What warranty is offered? What are its service intervals? What are its running costs?

The 70 Series is covered by Toyota's standard five-year/unlimited km warranty, and some owners may test that mileage coverage, given how many you see in remote areas.

The entire range is covered by the company's usual capped price servicing program for the first five years/100,000km.

Servicing intervals are only every six months or 10,000km, whichever comes first, which is shorter than average but not too unusual for a diesel.

Each visit will cost $525 per service, so $1050 per year and $5250 over the first five years.

It's staggeringly overpriced, is hard work to drive on sealed roads and feels very out-dated in most respects. So, why does the LandCruiser 70 Series have a multi-year waiting list?

Put simply, you don't buy the 70 Series for what it is, you buy it for what it does. It can take you places few other vehicles on the market can, especially since the Land Rover Defender decided to go down a more luxurious path.

The Ineos Grenadier is arguably the closest rival but it's even more expensive and, to be blunt, doesn't have the nearly four-decades of proven capability the 70 Series does.

Instead, the biggest question about this updated LandCruiser is just how willing people will be to take a chance on the four-cylinder engine. It is categorically the better choice, but even Toyota Australia's top management admit buyers will choose the V8 on emotion.

The problem with that is orders for the V8 remain on pause while the company tries to reduce the backlog of customers waiting. If it were me waiting, I'd head down to my local Toyota dealer and take the four-cylinder for a test drive because if you do you might be pleasantly surprised and decide to change your order.

$75,600

Based on new car retail price

Daily driver score

3.8/5

Adventure score

3.8/5

adventureguide rank

  • Light

    Dry weather gravel roads and formed trails with no obstacles, very shallow water crossings.

  • Medium

    Hard-packed sand, slight to medium hills with minor obstacles in all weather.

  • Heavy

    Larger obstacles, steeper climbs and deeper water crossings; plus tracks marked as '4WD only'

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