Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series four-cylinder matches V8 capability

Toyota Australia says its new 2024 Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series four-cylinder will match the in-demand V8 on every metric – and carry more weight.

Official figures released by the manufacturer this week reveal the 79 Series single-cab and double-cab utes will offer an average of 60kg more payload than their V8 equivalents, with a payload range of between 1115kg and 1380kg depending on the variant.

That compares with a payload range of 1060kg and 1320kg for the V8.

What’s more, the four-cylinder turbo-diesel automatic powertrain also matches the V8’s 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity, in a clear sign that Toyota isn’t wanting to dilute the robustness of its legendary workhorse with the introduction of a smaller engine.

Speaking at the launch of the 2024 LandCruiser 70 Series range this week, Toyota Australia vice-president of sales, marketing and franchise operations Sean Hanley said the new four-cylinder was subject to a rigorous six-year development program in different parts of outback Australia.

Hanley is adamant the 2.8-litre engine is more than capable enough to wear the LandCruiser badge.

“With the four-cylinder there is no compromise on LandCruiser capability. It does reduce CO2 emissions – it meets Euro5 emissions standards right now,” he said.

In something of a surprise, however, the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel, which misses out on the 48-volt mild-hybrid tech destined for some HiLux variants next year, only reduces combined fuel consumption by about 10 per cent over the V8 – at 9.6L/100km versus 10.7L/100km.

The decision to offer the 2.8-litre solely as a six-speed automatic will open it up to fleets and business buyers, Hanley believes.

“Fleets are very attracted to the four-cylinder for various reasons,” he said.

“Government fleets are particularly interested, because in a lot of government fleets they’re not allowed to have V8s.

“Secondly, in some states like Queensland and Western Australia, provisional licence [holders] can’t drive a V8, so that works for fleets and mines with provisional licence holders.

“We expect the four-cylinder will do exceptionally well. It’s a good offering.”

While Toyota acknowledges that stalwart LandCruiser owners will not embrace the V8, Hanley argues there is no loss in performance or capability with the new four-cylinder.

“In my humble opinion, I would suggest the only thing preventing a V8 person going to the four-cylinder will be psychological and emotional,” he said.

“Once they drive the four-cylinder they’ll realise its capability and I don’t think it will be a hard sell at all.”

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