Now sporting four-cylinder diesel energy and computerized transmission, does the two.8-litre LandCruiser 70 Sequence nonetheless provide the identical sort of functionality and efficiency?
| Skip forward: | |
| Introduction | Operating prices |
| Value and specification | Power use |
| Inside house and luxury | On-road evaluation |
| Connectivity and infotainment | Abstract |
| Security | Subsequent steps |
2024 Toyota LandCruiser 76 Sequence
Ever for the reason that Toyota LandCruiser 70 Sequence vary was revitalised within the mid-2000s, it’s been some of the in style decisions for off-road fanatics in Australia. Earlier than this level, again within the six-cylinder days, you had been restricted to both a single-cab ute or Troopcarrier.
However together with the extremely in style double-cab ute, this 76 Sequence five-door wagon was additionally launched. And with a 4.5-litre diesel V8, Toyota has been struggling to maintain up demand for this aged and iconic off-roader.
Now with the choice of two.8-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel energy, together with a six-speed computerized gearbox, consumers have the selection of entering into a distinct path. Coming from the likes of a HiLux, LandCruiser Prado and Fortuner, does this smaller engine dilute the enchantment of the LandCruiser 70 Sequence? Or do the superior torque and handy computerized gearbox push this easy workhorse to a brand new stage?
How a lot is a Toyota LandCruiser?
When this facelifted LandCruiser 70 Sequence was unleashed upon the Australian market, it additionally got here with elevated pricing. It’s not in in the least stunning contemplating it has been such scorching property in recent times.
Trying on the 76 Sequence LandCruiser wagon solely, pricing now begins from $75,600 plus on-road prices. This will get you a base 2.8-litre Workmate, which now prices $4600 greater than the outdated V8 Workmate. Going as much as GXL (like now we have right here) prices $79,800, whereas choosing a V8 (if you may get one) prices much more at $83,900 plus on-road prices.
So, the LandCruiser 76 isn’t a very low cost train, particularly when you think about the low stage of normal gear on provide right here. I imply, it’s bought infotainment today, however it’s small and clunky. And there are two cupholders as effectively, one thing that was missing solely final 12 months.
Some updates embody computerized LED headlights, a 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 6.7-inch infotainment show, and never a complete lot extra. Oh, cling on, I forgot to say the 76 Sequence LandCruiser now will get a folding second row.
| Key particulars | 2024 Toyota LandCruiser 76 Sequence 2.8D GXL |
| Value | $79,800 plus on-road prices |
| Color of take a look at automobile | Midnight Blue |
| Choices | None |
| Value as examined | $80,475 plus on-road prices |
| Drive-away worth | $85,963 (Sydney) |
| Rivals | Ford Everest | Nissan Patrol | Ineos Grenadier |
How massive is a Toyota LandCruiser?
Whereas it’s not precisely small, and regardless of being essentially the most SUV-like within the 70 Sequence vary, the 76 Sequence LandCruiser is the smallest of the vary. The wheelbase is trimmed all the way down to 2730mm, and total size squeezes in slightly below the five-metre mark.
For reference’s sake, a 78 Sequence Troopcarrier, which doesn’t have second-row doorways, is 5.2m lengthy and has a 2980mm wheelbase.
So whereas the 76 Sequence LandCruiser is tall and definitely has presence, don’t look forward to finding large quantities of inside house. You’ll discover this most acutely within the second row, the place leg room is in surprisingly quick provide. Head room is best, however there’s nothing actually else to speak about right here. There’s not lots happening, past the seats and seatbelts.
Toyota doesn’t quote boot house within the 76 Sequence LandCruiser, maybe due to the industrial nature of the automobile. Whereas we don’t have numbers to speak about, the house is massive and uncooked. There’s not quite a lot of size and width on the ground, however there’s loads of peak on this old-school physique. So be ready to stack and play some Jenga.
Up entrance, the LandCruiser 76 Sequence is generally the identical old-school expertise it has all the time been. The cabin is comparatively slim, and trades extra in peak than anything. Outward visibility is nice due to the vertical glass and excessive seating place. Its seating and ergonomics, whereas feeling a good distance from being trendy, imply the LandCruiser does really feel comfy to drive. Maybe it is because I’ve bought a penchant for outdated four-wheel-drives, however the addition of tilt and attain via the steering column helps.
Two cupholders and a spot in your telephone, which include the automated transmission, assist extremely by way of every day utilization. However in different automobiles, this could be seen because the naked minimal.
I’ve to say, although, there’s a little bit of X-factor happening in right here, regardless of the dearth of options. Placing children behind the 76 Sequence garners a distinct, extra emotional response. I can’t actually say for positive why, however I noticed extra laughing, trying exterior and home windows down on this automobile in comparison with others.
Does the Toyota LandCruiser have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
The 6.7 inches of infotainment display screen meet you once you clamber up and into the cabin of the 76 Sequence LandCruiser, which is definitely an improve on earlier examples of the automobile. There was a 6.1-inch system, which was an improve of 6.1 inches over what was first there. Yep, nothing.
That is one other instance of the LandCruiser 76 upgrading to a typical that’s seen because the naked minimal, and even someplace beneath that. I do know LandCruiser consumers don’t essentially care about this sort of factor, however it’s my job to check what is obtainable compared to different automobiles.
To make issues worse, the 6.7-inch system now we have right here isn’t notably good. It’s clunky, sluggish to load, sluggish to reply, and appears like a dodgy open-source working system from the Nineteen Nineties. There’s no native navigation or digital radio, however there may be Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The small 4.2-inch multi-function show, which has lastly trickled all the way down to Toyota’s most iconic (in Australia) mannequin, does provide some new performance different automobiles have had normal for many years. Journey laptop performance, gasoline consumption and digital pace readouts.
Is the Toyota LandCruiser a protected automobile?
Whereas the single-cab variant of the LandCruiser 79 Sequence picked up a five-star ANCAP security score again in 2016, this has since expired. Plus, it was by no means prolonged to different automobiles within the 70 Sequence vary. Subsequently, what now we have right here is untested and unrated.
| 2024 Toyota LandCruiser 76 Sequence 2.8D GXL | |
| ANCAP score | Untested |
What security know-how does the Toyota LandCruiser have?
Whereas the protection know-how and gear have been improved within the 2024 70 Sequence LandCruiser, it nonetheless lags behind what could be thought of normal fare in most different automobiles. Autonomous emergency braking and site visitors signal recognition function in a way that doesn’t perturb the driving force, which is sweet. And lane-departure warning does give the occasional warning beep whereas driving – fairly an alien expertise for a 70 Sequence.
In any other case, because the beneath desk factors out, there are nonetheless some clean columns by way of security gear that’s typically discovered as normal gear on a automobile of this worth. Nonetheless, industrial automobiles are typically talking slower on the take-up of issues like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise management.
| Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) | Sure | Pedestrian and daytime bike owner detection, intersection help |
| Adaptive Cruise Management | No | |
| Blind Spot Alert | No | |
| Rear Cross-Site visitors Alert | No | |
| Lane Help | Sure | Lane-departure warning |
| Street Signal Recognition | Sure | |
| Driver Consideration Warning | No | |
| Cameras & Sensors | Sure | Rear-view digital camera |
How a lot does the Toyota LandCruiser value to run?
By way of service prices, you’re $525 per go to, which is required each 10,000km or six months. So, that’s $1050 per 12 months, and $5250 over the interval of 5 years.
Our indicative insurance coverage quote for the GDJ76 LandCruiser with the two.8-litre diesel engine can to $2529 per 12 months, we ran the ruler over a quote for a costlier 4.5-litre V8 for reference’s sake. And in that case, you’re a value of $2431 for complete insurance coverage. Whereas the distinction is small, it doesn’t run within the path we’d anticipate.
It is a comparative quote for a 35-year-old male residing in Chatswood, NSW. Insurance coverage estimates could range based mostly in your location, driving historical past, and private circumstances.
| At a look | 2024 Toyota LandCruiser 76 Sequence 2.8D GXL |
| Guarantee | 5 years, limitless km |
| Service intervals | 6 months or 10,000km |
| Servicing prices | $3150 (3 years) $5250 (5 years) |
Is the Toyota LandCruiser fuel-efficient?
That is one space the place the two.8-litre four-cylinder LandCruiser 70 will get a transparent benefit over the V8 mannequin. We’ve got a claimed effectivity right here of 9.6 litres per 100 kilometres on the mixed cycle.
This compares to 10.7L/100km for the V8-powered 76 Sequence, which fits as much as 12.9L/100km on the freeway and drops all the way down to 9.4L/100km within the metropolis. Why does economic system go up on the freeway? Gearing. Despite the fact that the gearing was up to date alongside the best way, the V8’s five-speed guide gearbox makes the engine rev fairly arduous on the freeway, and a way out of its most effective band.
The gearing within the four-cylinder mannequin is totally different, and the six-speed computerized gearbox retains revs down a lot decrease on the freeway. Toyota doesn’t quote freeway and concrete effectivity for the two.8-litre LandCruiser, however I reckon it could be extra environment friendly in nearly any case.
In our take a look at, which included loaded freeway driving and off-roading, we noticed a mean of 11.5L/100km.
| Gas effectivity | 2024 Toyota LandCruiser 76 Sequence 2.8D GXL |
| Gas cons. (claimed) | 9.6L/100km |
| Gas cons. (on take a look at) | 11.5L/100km |
| Gas kind | Diesel |
| Gas tank measurement | 130L |
What’s the Toyota LandCruiser wish to drive?
There are quite a lot of the explanation why individuals lust so strongly after a 70 Sequence LandCruiser. Some like it merely for the picture – a tough-guy design that’s not truly retro, as a result of it’s by no means modified. Others prefer it due to the utility, excessive payloads and nice functionality – issues that may solely be matched by a light-weight truck today.
Others merely need the sturdiness and reliability, with a ‘purchase as soon as, cry as soon as’ mentality to the worth and a plan to run the automobile for many years.
And eventually, some simply love the thought of a large-capacity diesel V8. And on the face of pure logic, it’s solely this final group that might be actually put out by the introduction of a four-cylinder LandCruiser 70 Sequence.
Sharing powertrain parts does dilute the enchantment of the 70 Sequence on the face of issues, as now it shares oily bits with lighter-duty automobiles just like the HiLux, LandCruiser Prado, and Fortuner. That is particularly the case seeing because the LandCruiser has proudly housed capacities of 4 litres or extra beneath the bonnet for many years.
However spec sheets don’t lie, and the 70Nm of extra torque in normal type – compared to the torpid V8 – should be interesting. Many love the understressed nature of the V8 powertrain, and can desire that for doable longevity compared to the smaller-capacity providing. However loads others flip up the dial of their V8 for extra energy, throwing warning to the wind within the course of.
By way of the driving expertise, the two.8-litre 70 Sequence is spectacular to drive. Decrease gearing within the differentials means it feels moderately perky off the road – not dissimilar to the V8 model – however climbing up the tachometer reveals a superior expertise.
It doesn’t fall right into a gap of torque above the midrange, however appears happier and extra prepared to rev, shifting up gears with extra motivation. It’s sooner, and simpler to function with six robotically picked gears.
Off-road, the change from a guide to computerized gearbox brings the starkest distinction within the driving expertise. It’s now simpler to drive, with 33 per cent fewer pedals to function. This engine supplies loads of motivation and response, and {couples} effectively with the six-speed computerized gearbox.
Though, that brick wall of lazy torque off idle makes the 4.5-litre diesel V8 considered one of my favorite off-road engines.
One clear benefit misplaced right here with the four-cylinder LandCruiser is engine braking downhill. With the V8, it’s epic. Progress is sluggish and superbly managed even when loaded up on steep descents. With the automated and smaller engine, the LandCruiser is extra vulnerable to operating away downhill, needing both hill descent management (which is included) or an astute use of the brake pedal.
In any other case, the LandCruiser 70 is a well-known story off-road. All of that payload means the suspension feels extra stiff than supple, and the comparatively excessive trip and slim observe could make the automobile really feel tippy at occasions when aspect angles come into play. However with twin locking differentials, good clearance and accessible torque, the 70 Sequence continues to be a formidable off-roader.
And naturally, the scope for modification of this automobile – for off-roading, touring and tenting – is mind-bogglingly complete.
| Key particulars | 2024 Toyota LandCruiser 76 Sequence 2.8D GXL |
| Engine | 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel |
| Energy | 150kW @ 3000–3400rpm |
| Torque | 500Nm @ 1600–2800rpm |
| Drive kind | Half-time four-wheel drive |
| Transmission | 6-speed torque converter computerized, Low-range switch case |
| Energy-to-weight ratio | 65.2kW/t |
| Weight (kerb) | 2300kg |
| Spare tyre kind | Full-size |
| Payload | 1210kg |
| Tow score | 3500kg braked 750kg unbraked |
| Turning circle | 12.6m |
How a lot weight can a Toyota LandCruiser tow?
Right here’s an space the place the LandCruiser 76 Sequence shines, and reveals its true workhorse nature compared to extra refined, comfy and trendy automobiles available on the market.
Together with a 3500kg braked towing capability, the two.8-litre LandCruiser 70 Sequence will get a large 1210kg payload and commensurably giant 7010kg gross mixture mass.
This implies when towing a 3500kg caravan with a 350kg towball mass, there may be nonetheless 860kg of payload left over.
That is legally talking, by the best way. From our earlier testing with the 79 Sequence ute, the suspension does sag fairly noticeably at this level. So if you happen to’re planning on hitching up for the long run, I might have a look at some aftermarket suspension gear.
And weighing 55kg lower than the V8-powered LandCruiser, this four-cylinder mannequin spruiks a superior payload.
Ought to I purchase a 2.8-litre Toyota LandCruiser 70 Sequence?
This boils all the way down to being an actual head-versus-heart determination. Placing apart the shortage of availability of the V8 for a second, I might discover it arduous to go previous the large-capacity choice.
This isn’t for any tangible cause past need – the four-cylinder mannequin is quicker, extra environment friendly, simpler, torquier, higher worth and, fairly frankly, higher. In nearly each sense, the four-cylinder is advantageous.
I would like the V8 principally for the attraction, but in addition for the doable sense of longevity from this powertrain. Neither the two.8-litre 1GD-FTV or 4.5-litre 1VD-FTV has an ideal observe document throughout its service life. However in additional of a gut-feel sense, I reckon a well-serviced V8 would outlast a well-serviced four-cylinder.
However, you may barely get one for love nor cash. And if you happen to do, you’ll be paying effectively over the percentages for the honour of owing Australia’s least torquey V8. So as soon as once more, logic dictates the two.8-litre 70 Sequence is the fitting selection.
However after all, there may be one other argument right here to think about. If you happen to don’t truly want such a heavy-duty four-wheel-drive just like the LandCruiser, I get it. However simply remember that your checklist of compromises will are available thick and quick: trip, refinement, house, consolation, know-how, security… and that’s only a begin.
How do I purchase a Toyota LandCruiser? The following steps.
Like I’ve mentioned beforehand, your possibilities of securing a V8 LandCruiser at the moment sits someplace between None and Buckley’s, apart from participating with an unscrupulous scalper at nice expense.
However, getting right into a four-cylinder variant seems to be to be a lot rosier. There are some examples of this mannequin within the nation, and sellers are at the moment taking orders.
The following step on the acquisition journey is to examine the Toyota web site for inventory of your most popular LandCruiser variant. There’s good visibility on inventory availability on this means, and you may as well discover Toyotas on the market at Drive Vehicles For Sale.
We strongly advocate taking a take a look at drive at a dealership earlier than committing as a result of private wants and tastes can differ. Discover your nearest Toyota supplier by way of this hyperlink. We’d additionally advocate trying on the costlier Ineos Grenadier – the one different live-axle four-wheel-drive with massive towing and payload credentials in Australia – however this worth additionally opens you as much as the likes of a Nissan Patrol or Ford Everest.
If you wish to keep up to date with all the things that’s occurred to this automobile since our assessment, you’ll discover all the newest information right here.
The put up 2024 Toyota LandCruiser 76 Sequence assessment appeared first on Drive.
