Facelifted 2024 Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series revealed

The facelifted 2024 Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series has made its surprise world debut today and it will arrive in Australia in the fourth quarter of this year brandishing a new retro-look front-end design, refreshed interior, improved multimedia, more safety gear and a mild-hybrid four-cylinder diesel automatic powertrain for the first time.

The first major Toyota LandCruiser facelift since 2007 follows the arrival of the more expensive MY23 model bringing autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and a GVM upgrade in late 2022.

However, Toyota Australia’s LC70 order book remains closed due to overwhelming demand and a waiting list that stretches well into 2024, so new orders will take more than 12 months to fill and customers already in the queue will inevitably pay more for the MY24 model.

The big news for the 2024 Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series is the availability of the same 48-volt mild-hybrid equipped 2.8-litre four-cylinder engine that will come to the top-selling HiLux range early next year, producing 150kW of power at 3400rpm and 500Nm of torque over 1600-2800rpm.

That’s 70Nm more than the 70 Series’ existing 4.5-litre V8 turbo-diesel (151kW at 3400rpm and 430Nm over 1200-3200rpm), which continues to be available only with a five-speed manual, while the downsized electrified diesel will be matched exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission, so it remains to be seen whether it is any cheaper than the V8.

The first four-cylinder Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series sold in Australia since 1991 – and the first automatic version since a four-speed gearbox was discontinued in 1990 – will be offered in three Single Cab ute grades (Workmate, GX and GXL) and two grades (Workmate and GXL) for Double Cab, Troop Carrier and Wagon variants (the V8 Wagon is GLX-only).

Accompanying the new downsized diesel-auto drivetrain is a redesigned front-end that recalls the iconic LandCruiser 40 Series of the 1960s, bringing bold circular LED headlights that make it look dramatically newer than the existing 70 Series that dates back to 1984, alongside what appears to be a new bonnet, front wheel-arches, bumper and grille.

Inside, a redesigned instrument cluster (with new 4.2-inch information display) and centre console are claimed to bring improve ergonomics and practicality, while a new 6.7-inch infotainment touch-screen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity will be standard in all vehicles.

In addition to the MY23 LC70’s new AEB system, the new model will bring lane departure alert, road sign assist (speed sign recognition only) and automatic high-beam as part of its Toyota Safety Sense driver assistance suite.

“The LandCruiser 70 Series has built up a loyal and passionate fanbase with customers drawn to its rugged styling and legendary off-road performance and this substantially upgraded model builds upon those strengths,” said Toyota Australia sales, marketing and franchise operations president Sean Hanley.

“Now with a new powertrain including an automatic transmission for the first time, along with the significant increase in safety and convenience technology, the LC70 is an ideal vehicle for those working on the land or as a tool of trade and recreational users heading off on an outback adventure.”

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