The Land Cruiser 70 simply refuses to die, as Toyota has, once again, reopened orders for the legendary vehicle in Australia after pausing sales for nearly a year. The iconic off-roader returns with a handful of updates designed to meet the country’s latest emissions requirements while preserving the rugged character that has kept it in production for more than four decades.
Originally introduced in 1984, the Land Cruiser 70 remains one of the longest-running vehicle nameplates still on sale today. Despite its age, it continues to attract buyers who value durability, mechanical simplicity, and proven off-road capability over modern styling or luxury features.
The latest updates focus primarily on emissions compliance rather than performance. Toyota has revised the diesel powertrain to satisfy Australia’s Euro 6d regulations while leaving the engine’s output unchanged.
Although the Land Cruiser 70 is once again available to order, not every version has returned. For now, several manual-transmission variants remain unavailable, leaving the six-speed automatic as the only transmission currently offered.
Updated Diesel Engine Meets New Emissions Rules
The biggest change is the addition of a 5.3-gallon AdBlue tank, which enables the 2.8-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine to comply with Australia’s latest emissions standards. The system injects diesel exhaust fluid into the exhaust stream to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions before they leave the tailpipe.
Toyota has not altered the engine’s performance figures. The turbocharged diesel continues to produce 201 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, with power delivered through the same 2.8-liter engine introduced in 2024 to replace the long-serving 4.5-liter turbo-diesel V8.
The AdBlue filler location varies depending on the body style. Double-cab models receive a filler cap on the left front fender, while single-cab versions position it between the cab and the rear wheels.
Manual Transmission Temporarily Missing
At launch, Toyota is offering the Land Cruiser 70 exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission. Several variants that were previously available with a five-speed manual, including the 76 Series GXL, 78 Series Troop Carrier, and 79 Series Double Cab-Chassis, have not yet returned to the lineup.
Toyota Australia has stopped short of confirming that the manual transmission has been discontinued. Instead, the company says those versions are unavailable “for the time being,” leaving open the possibility that they could return in the future.
The automatic transmission remains paired with the Land Cruiser’s full-time four-wheel-drive system, allowing the heavy-duty off-roader to retain the capability that has made it popular in demanding environments for decades.
Smaller Fuel Tank for the Troop Carrier
Another notable update affects the 78 Series Troop Carrier. Toyota has reduced its fuel tank capacity from 47.5 gallons to 34.3 gallons, bringing it into line with every other Land Cruiser 70 variant.
Aside from that change, the model remains largely unchanged. Buyers can still choose from several body styles, including the Wagon, Troop Carrier, Single Cab-Chassis, and Double Cab-Chassis, with WorkMate, GX, and GXL trim levels available.
Toyota has also continued to equip the lineup with modern safety technology introduced during previous updates. Features such as pre-collision braking, lane departure alert, and active traction control help bring the veteran off-roader closer to current safety expectations.
A Classic Off-Roader Lives On
The Land Cruiser 70 has outlasted countless competitors by remaining focused on capability rather than constant redesigns. Its body-on-frame construction, solid engineering, and reputation for reliability have made it a favorite among farmers, mining companies, emergency services, and overlanding enthusiasts throughout Australia, the Middle East, Africa, and other global markets.
Toyota says the decision to reopen orders follows efforts to better manage supply after production constraints led to the temporary pause in 2025. With demand remaining strong, the return of the Land Cruiser 70 ensures buyers can once again order one of the automotive industry’s most enduring off-road icons, even if some variants are still waiting to make their comeback.