Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series to Get Revamped Engine Line-Up in Australia

After pausing orders in the middle of 2022 due to high demand, Toyota is set to re-open orders for the LandCruiser 70 Series in Australia by the end of this year. The new release will include a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine option that will be sold alongside the 4.5-litre V8 turbo diesel.

The new engine option is expected to deliver more power and torque than the V8, with better fuel economy and lower emissions. This will allow for better towing and payload capabilities, as well as off-road abilities. While exact specifications have not been confirmed, the 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel in the Toyota HiLux is currently available in several configurations with outputs ranging from 150kW to 165kW.

Key Features

In addition to the new engine, the LandCruiser 70 Series is expected to receive other upgrades such as a new infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a new steering wheel from the Toyota HiLux 70th anniversary edition, and minor cosmetic changes to the exterior.

The new four-cylinder engine option will also bring an automatic transmission option to the LandCruiser 70 Series for the first time in over 30 years. However, it is uncertain if this engine option will allow the vehicle to return to a narrower front-wheel track width, which was widened in 2007 to accommodate the V8. This led to some instability on deep rutted tracks due to the rear wheels being positioned narrower than the front wheels.

Plans For The Future

Toyota Australia has confirmed that it will continue to offer a V8 engine option for the LandCruiser 70 Series in the years ahead, despite concerns that the new four-cylinder engine would replace it. The LandCruiser 70 Series is one of the oldest new vehicles still on sale today, and Toyota dealers have been advised to expect "a big change" as it approaches its 40th year in production.

The last time four-cylinder power was available in the LandCruiser 70 Series in Australia was over 30 years ago with the Toyota LandCruiser Bundera. It had the option of a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol or a 2.4-litre four-cylinder diesel from 1985 to 1991. The new 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine option has become available due to the vehicle's return to Japanese showrooms after an absence of almost 10 years, using this engine.

Summary

Toyota is expected to re-open orders for the LandCruiser 70 Series in Australia by the end of 2023, with a new 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel engine option.

This engine, borrowed from the Toyota HiLux, is expected to have more power and torque than the V8 and deliver better fuel economy and lower emissions without sacrificing towing, payload, or off-road ability.

The LandCruiser 70 Series will also receive other upgrades such as a new infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as minor cosmetic changes to the exterior. The V8 engine will still be available, and Toyota has confirmed it will continue offering a V8 engine with the 70 Series in the years ahead.