In the world of rugged, go-anywhere vehicles, few names carry as much weight as the Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series. Despite its seemingly timeless design, this legendary off-roader continues to make waves. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the details of this iconic vehicle, its features, its capabilities, and why it remains a favorite among off-road enthusiasts.
A Glimpse into the Past
The Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series may look like a relic from a bygone era, but don’t be fooled—this is a brand-new vehicle that proudly carries on the tradition of its predecessors. In Australia, it’s available in various configurations, with the Cab Chassis Single Cab GXL being the top-tier option. While this particular variant comes with a price tag just shy of $80,000, the 70 Series range starts at a more moderate $71,000. However, there’s a catch; you can’t simply order one. Toyota ceased taking orders about a year ago due to an astonishing waiting period, ranging from two to four years, depending on your chosen color and specifications.
Competing in a Niche Market
The Land Cruiser 70 Series faces minimal competition in its niche market. Its rivals include the now-discontinued Land Rover Defender and the upcoming Ineos Grenadier. However, there are very few vehicles that can truly match the 70 Series in terms of its off-road prowess. In this review, we’ll explore its capabilities both on and off the beaten path.
Exterior Features
The Land Cruiser 70 Series boasts a straightforward and functional design. Recent updates have introduced safety features like autonomous emergency braking, stability control, and side airbags, enhancing its safety credentials. The front sports a robust plastic bumper with a touch of chrome and ample space for accessories like winches and bull bars. Under the hood, a top-mounted intercooler ensures efficient cooling for the diesel V8 engine.
Moving to the sides, you’ll find 16-inch alloy wheels, front and rear diff locks, and auto-locking hubs. The wheel arch cladding and snorkel emphasize its rugged nature. Manual-adjustable wing mirrors and sturdy side steps complete the picture. Keep in mind that the 70 Series is sold as a cab chassis, meaning it comes without a tray, which can be added separately.
Impressive Payload and Towing Capacity
One of the standout features of the Land Cruiser 70 Series is its impressive payload and towing capacity. With a braked towing capacity of 3.5 tons, this vehicle can handle heavy loads with ease. Moreover, it recently received an upgrade in its Gross Combination Mass (GCM), allowing for a substantial 6,900-kilogram limit. This means you can tow a 3,500-kilogram load while still having room for cargo inside the vehicle. It’s a testament to the 70 Series’ versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
Inside the Cabin
Stepping inside the 70 Series Exterior, you’ll encounter a no-nonsense interior. While the design remains largely unchanged, recent updates have brought improvements, including a color touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation. It’s worth noting that there’s no support for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, but you do get Bluetooth connectivity and voice recognition for making calls. The cabin is adorned with hard plastics, which, while not luxurious, are sturdy and practical.
In terms of build quality, the Land Cruiser 70 Series maintains Toyota’s reputation for reliability. Despite a few minor quirks, this vehicle is built to withstand the test of time. Its simplicity contributes to its longevity, and it’s not uncommon to find Land Cruiser 70s with extremely high mileage.
Infotainment and Safety
The infotainment system features a 6.1-inch touchscreen display with a CD player, USB port, and map card. The two-speaker stereo system provides adequate audio quality. Safety technology includes autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, but you won’t find advanced features like blind-spot monitoring. Cruise control is standard, offering basic convenience for highway driving.
Practicality and Storage
The Land Cruiser 70 Series offers decent connectivity options, with two 2.1-amp USB outlets, a 12-volt outlet, and phone storage slots. The center console and glove box provide additional storage space. For beverages, you’ll find a bottle holder on one side, while the other side offers a single bottle holder. While practicality isn’t the 70 Series’ primary focus, it still provides adequate storage solutions for daily use.
Comfort and On-Road Performance
On the comfort front, the Land Cruiser 70 Series is equipped with manual air conditioning controls. While it lacks modern climate control features, the air conditioner performs exceptionally well, making it suitable for outdoor adventures. The seats are manually adjustable, and the steering column offers tilt and reach adjustments for optimal driving comfort. The cabin layout ensures that essential controls are easily accessible while driving.
Engine, Power and Transmission
When it comes to on-road performance, the Land Cruiser 70 Series reveals its utilitarian roots. The Australian version is powered by a 4.5-liter turbocharged diesel V8 engine, producing approximately 150 kilowatts of power and just over 400 newton-meters of torque. Mated to a five-speed manual transmission, this engine may not set any speed records, but it’s known for its durability and reliability.
In real-world driving, the Land Cruiser 70 Series delivers a smooth and predictable driving experience. Its lazy acceleration means you’ll need to work the gears, but it’s well-suited for both highway cruising and off-road adventures. The manual gearbox is easy to operate, making it suitable even for those new to manual transmissions. However, at higher speeds, the cabin can become noisy, due in part to the vehicle’s utilitarian design.
Off-Roading Prowess
Where the Land Cruiser 70 Series truly shines is off-road. With its full-time two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive high range, and four-wheel drive low range modes, it’s a versatile and capable off-roader. Equipped with front and rear differential locks, it can tackle challenging terrains with confidence.
The Land Cruiser 70 Series boasts a 36-degree approach angle and a 27-degree departure angle, allowing it to conquer steep inclines and declines. Ground clearance exceeds 300 millimeters, ensuring that you won’t be hindered by obstacles on the trail. Its leaf-sprung suspension strikes a balance between comfort and payload capacity, making it suitable for heavy loads and off-road adventures.
In practice, the Land Cruiser 70 Series exhibits impressive off-road capabilities. Its traction control system, while functional, can be overly cautious and may require disabling in more challenging situations. Nonetheless, with the right modifications, this vehicle can tackle almost any off-road obstacle with ease.
How much is the new 70 series Landcruiser?
The 2023 Toyota Landcruiser 70 Series offers a pricing spectrum starting at $69,000 for the base model SUV. This model is available in three configurations: Dual Cab, SUV, and Single Cab.
Verdict: An Unmistakable Classic
The Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series may be considered overpriced by some, especially considering its simple interior and lack of modern conveniences. However, this vehicle is not meant for the average urban commuter. It’s a true workhorse designed for those who require unmatched off-road capabilities and reliability in the harshest environments.
While it faces minimal competition, the Land Cruiser 70 Series continues to be a favorite among enthusiasts, farmers, and adventurers who demand a vehicle that can handle everything nature throws its way. If you can withstand the lengthy waiting period and are looking for a legendary off-roader, the Land Cruiser 70 Series is an unmistakable classic that’s still going strong today.
