2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 79 Double Cab
The next chapter in the story of the revered Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series begins with the arrival of a new powertrain option to the 4×4 icon, sporting new styling, upgraded technology, and enhanced specification.
Prior to this point, the current-generation 70 Series range was available with a 4.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol inline-6 (single and double cab pick-ups), a 4.2-litre naturally aspirated diesel, and a 4.5-litre turbo-diesel V8.
All these powertrains are mated to a manual transmission.
However, the upgraded Land Cruiser introduces the 1GD 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, for the first time in the 70 Series. All body shapes are 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 (Hilux, Fortuner, and Prado among others) and produces a stout 150kW at 3 400rpm and 500Nm from 1 600 – 2 800rpm.
Multiple mechanical changes have been made to the engine specifically for the 70 Series to ensure optimal cooling and performance in tough conditions and under heavy towing loads, with all models of the 70 Series maintaining a strong 3 500kg braked towing capacity.
As before, the Land Cruiser 70 Series range is equipped with a part-time 4×4 system with low-range gearing, durable live axles and front coil suspension. The four-cylinder models add front and rear locking differentials for ultimate off-road traction.
Aesthetic upgrades
The updated Land Cruiser 70 Series – including the 4.0-litre petrol, 4.2- and 4.5-litre diesel models in both pick-up and station wagon configurations – is immediately recognisable thanks to its updated exterior styling, clearly influenced by previous generations of Land Cruiser.
A new square grille with a black mesh pattern and ‘TOYOTA’ lettering sits above a three-slot cooling vent inspired by the 75 Series Land Cruiser, with a small hood vent above the grille borrowed from the original 40 Series model.
A wide bumper and black over-fenders give the 70 Series a muscular stance and sense of stability, paired with dark grey metallic 16-inch alloy wheels.
The Station Wagon also sports a steel bumper while the VX variant adds further differentiation in the form of a Rockford Fosgate sound system.
In addition, all the 70 Series grades gain a new centre console consisting of a lidded centre storage box, cupholder, and multiple small item compartments. Station 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.
All variants powered by the 2.8 GD-6 engine are upholstered in durable grey fabric, while the Station Wagon VX grades gain leather upholstery.
Four-cylinder versions gain Downhill Assist Control (DAC) for steady, controlled off-road descents, automatically modulating the brakes to safely navigate steep declines. The Station Wagon VX variant also gains a new reversing camera, helping to make parking in tight spaces easier. (The VX variant shown in press photography sports a fridge – offered by Toyota as an optional accessory.)
The LC70’s classic colour palette continues with Ivory White, Satin Silver Metallic, Sand Beige, Graphite Grey Metallic, Ruby Metallic, and Dark Blue. The LC78 Wagon derivative is reintroduced and offered exclusively in Attitude Black and Avant-Garde Bronze.
All Land Cruiser 70 Series models are offered with a 3-year/100 000km warranty and an optional 100 000km service plan.
Land Cruiser 70 Series pricing
Single Cab
- LC79 4.0 Petrol S/C 5MT – R765 500
- LC79 4.2 Diesel S/C 5MT – R829 000
- LC79 4.5 Diesel V8 S/C 5MT – R956 200
- LC79 2.8 GD-6 Diesel S/C 6AT – R917 100
Double Cab
- LC79 4.0 Petrol D/C 5MT – R864 600
- LC79 4.2 Diesel D/C 5MT – R920 800
- LC79 4.5 Diesel V8 D/C 5MT – R1 039 200
- LC79 2.8 GD-6 Diesel D/C 6AT – R1 009 000
Station Wagon
- LC78 4.2 Diesel SW 5MT – R900 100
- LC76 4.5 Diesel SW 5MT – R1 076 800
- LC76 2.8 GD-6 Diesel SW 6AT – R999 900
- LC 76 2.8 GD-6 VX Diesel SW 6AT – TBC
