First introduced in 1984, the Land Cruiser 70 Series has been in Toyota’s line-up for nearly four decades. In the period since, it’s been continuously updated and the latest one brings a brand-new engine, revised styling, and enhanced safety.

Starting 2024, the 70 Series will be offered with a 1GD-FTV. Shared with the Hilux and Fortuner, the 2.8-liter turbodiesel 4-cylinder makes 204 horsepower at 3,400 rpm and 500 Nm of torque from 1,600 to 2,800 rpm. This is paired to a 6-speed Super ECT automatic.

The current 4.5-liter turbodiesel V8, which is available in markets like Australia, will continue unchanged (205 horsepower, 430 Nm) and will be the sole one available with a 5-speed manual.

Communicating the new engine, the 2024 Land Cruiser 70 sports a new grille and circular LED headlights. Minor tweaks have also been made to the front fenders and hood as well as the front bumper. Over to the side, it continues unchanged (it even gets a retractable-style radio antenna), while the taillights have been reoriented horizontally and integrated into the rear bumper.

The updated Land Cruiser 70 model measures 4,890 mm in length, 1,870 mm in width, 1,920 mm in height and has wheelbase of 2,730 mm. The ladder-frame chassis used is still the same as before, although it has been improved to provide more comfortable on-road driving while still maintaining off-road capability.

Inside, the cabin remains the same but the center console has been redesigned to accommodate a new shifter. Depending on the grade, the 4WD system is engaged either via dials or a lever. Thankfully, it does get a new 4.2-inch multi-info display and a 6.75-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Another welcome addition is Toyota Safety Sense which adds a suite of advanced driver assistance features to the long-serving SUV.

The Land Cruiser 70 isn’t sold in many countries nowadays, but it remains popular in markets such as Australia and Africa (it’s even available as a gray market import locally). Thanks to the updates, Japanese customers stand to get the model once again where it’ll be on sale starting the end of this year.