FOUR-CYLINDER ENGINE AND AUTOMATIC TRANMISSION FOR NEW 70-SERIES LANDCRUISER


WorkMate Single Cab Chassis

Whenever you travel around the great Aussie bush every second vehicle seems to be a
Toyota 70-Series LandCruiser. Some in much loved condition, others that have led a
rough life – but all are still going strong and hard, even with too little maintenance.

One reason for its popularity is that it has been developed specifically for the Australian
environment, with a tough ladder-frame chassis, live-axles, impressive ground clearance,
part-time 4×4, powerful yet efficient engine, excellent load-carrying capacity and long
touring range.

Until now all 70-Series variants have been powered – and we mean powered – by a 4.5-
litre V8 turbo diesel engine mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.

That’s set to change with the arrival of the upcoming MY2024 70-Series which will add a
second engine option – a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine with six-speed
automatic transmission.

In addition to the new powertrain the heavily upgraded 70-Series range will come with
some styling modifications, upgraded technology and safety features.

As before, body styles are WorkMate 76-Series wagon, five-door Wagon, three-door
Troop Carrier, and single and double-cab chassis.

All models are available with both powertrain options except the Workmate 76 Series
Wagon, which is only available with the 2.8-litre four-cylinder engine.

The new 2.8-litre four-cylinder powertrain has been proven over the years in a range of
Toyota 4×4 models including Prado and HiLux. It produces 150kW at 3400rpm and
500Nm from 1600 to 2800rpm.

There are three equipment levels: WorkMate, GX and GXL

Appearance-wise very little has changed, and that will suit rusted-on 70-Series owners
quite nicely thank you.

The previous halogen headlights have been replaced by circular LED lights. A new
square grille with a black mesh pattern and ‘TOYOTA’ lettering sits above a three-slot
cooling vent inspired by the 75 Series LandCruiser, with a small hood vent above the
grille borrowed from the original 40 Series model.

A wide bumper and black overfenders give the 70 Series a muscular stance and sense
of stability, paired on GX and GXL grades with dark grey metallic 16-inch alloy wheels.

As before, the LandCruiser 70 Series range is equipped with a part-time 4×4 system
with low-range gearing, durable live axles and front coil suspension.

All GXL grades add front and rear locking differentials for ultimate off-road traction,
which are optionally available on the GX Single-Cab Chassis and WorkMate Double-
Cab Chassis.

The retro-inspired changes continue inside the cabin with a new-look instrument cluster
designed to resemble the speedometer of the 40 Series, with the addition of a 4.2-inch
colour multi-information display.

A new 6.7-inch multimedia system is compatible with wired Apple CarPlay and Android
Auto, and offers hands-free smartphone pairing supported by new switches mounted on
the steering wheel.

Below the air-conditioning unit, a 12V power outlet, two USB-C ports on GXL and bank
of switches provide extra functionality and smartphone charging options.

The fitment of a new automatic transmission has meant 1GD-equipped grades gain a
new centre console consisting of a lidded centre storage box, cupholder and multiple
small item compartments.

Wagon variants are made more functional with new second-row seats with 60:40 split
folding functionality, and can be tumbled forward to maximise cargo space.


GXL Wagon

WorkMate and GX variants are upholstered in durable vinyl trim, while GXL grades gain
grey fabric upholstery.

New safety features in all models include lane departure alert, road sign assist and
automatic high beam. The four-cylinder versions also get downhill assist control while
the wagon variants gain a new reversing camera with static guidelines.

The new features join the existing Toyota Safety Sense features including the Pre-
Collision System with pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection and intersection
assistance.

The upgraded LandCruiser 70 Series is covered by a five-year/unlimited kilometre
Toyota Warranty Advantage. This is extended to seven years on the engine and
driveline.

Capped-price servicing for the first five years/100,000km (whichever comes first) and
each 6-month/10,000km service is priced at $525.

MODEL RANGE
76 Series 2.8-litre WorkMate Wagon: $75,600
76 Series 2.8-litre GXL Wagon: $79,800
76 Series 4.5-litre GXL Wagon: $83,900
78 Series 2.8-litre Troop Carrier WorkMate: $79,200
78 Series 4.5-litre Troop Carrier WorkMate: $83,300
78 Series 2.8-litre Troop Carrier GXL: $82,500
78 Series 4.5-litre Troop Carrier GXL: $86,600
79 Series 2.8-litre Single Cab Chassis WorkMate: $76,800
79 Series 4.5-litre Single Cab Chassis WorkMate: $80,900
79 Series 2.8-litre Single Cab Chassis GX: $78,800
79 Series 4.5-litre Single Cab Chassis GX: $82,900
79 Series 2.8-litre Single Cab Chassis GXL: $80,900
79 Series 4.5-litre Single Cab Chassis GXL: $85,000
79 Series 2.8-litre Double Cab Chassis WorkMate: $79,300
79 Series 4.5-litre Double Cab Chassis WorkMate: $83,400
79 Series 2.8-litre Double Cab Chassis GXL: 83,500
79 Series 4.5-litre Double Cab Chassis GXL: 87,600
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your
local Toyota dealer for drive-away prices.

About Alistair Kennedy

Alistair Kennedy is Automotive News Service and Marque Publishing's business manager and the company's jack-of-all-trades. An accountant by profession, he designs the Marque range of motoring book titles, operates the company's motoring bookshop on the NSW Central Coast and the associated web site, as well as its huge digital and hard copy database. Whenever we can escape from the office he does so to cover new vehicle releases and contributes news stories. Alistair's other interests include cricket and family history on which he has written three books.
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