2024 Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series gets 2.8-litre diesel engine, but the V8 remains

The prices of 1VD-powered Toyota LandCruisers just spiked as Toyota announced the 2024 LandCruiser 70 Series range will be powered by the 1GD 2.8-litre four-cylinder diesel engine backed by an automatic transmission, but the good news is that the V8 remains for the time being.

The 1DG engine familiar with us from the current Prado, Fortuner and HiLux vehicles still makes the same 150kW at 3400rpm and 500Nm between 1600rpm and 2800rpm.

This gives it 70Nm more torque than the existing V8 diesel engine in its standard form, but who leaves their V8 diesel standard? The stock 1VD engine makes a lazy 151kW at 3400rpm and 430Nm from 1200rpm to 3200rpm.

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Big news for many is that the four-cylinder LC70 will get an Aisin six-speed automatic transmission, and this will be the first time a factory auto has been offered in a 70 for more than 25 years.

Rumours of this move have been around for some time now, with four-cylinder-powered 70 prototypes being tested in Australia three to four years ago and stories of them getting around.

The 1GD-powered 70 will be sold alongside the 1VD V8 manual gearbox models.

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The confirmation of the revised 70 Series range comes alongside the reveal of the new 250 Series LandCruiser, which will be the 2024 Prado when it lands here later in 2024.

The 2024 70 Series range gets a revised front end with softer styling and a welcome return to round headlights. Inside there’s a new instrument cluster and centre console, with a 4.2-inch multi-information display for the driver and a 6.7-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Improved safety equipment includes lane departure alert, road speed sign assist and automatic high beam.

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While the retention of the V8 engine in the 2024 70 Series will be a welcome relief for many, particularly the enthusiast market, the inclusion of a four-cylinder option will appeal to many business operators and mining segment users who need a rugged and reliable 4x4 vehicle to get on with the job.

This workhorse will become more usable with the inclusion of the automatic transmission, which will also appeal to those who tow or have previously steered away from the 70 Series range because one wasn’t offered.

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The 2024 Land Cruiser 70 Series range will continue to be offered in three LC79 single-cab grades (Workmate, GX and GXL), and Workmate and GXL grades for LC79 double cab, LC78 Troop Carrier and LC76 Wagon variants.

Both the 1GD/automatic and 1VD/manual powertrains will be available in all variants except for the LC76 Workmate, which will be 1GD/auto only.

Pricing and full specifications will be available closer to launch late in 2023.