Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series REVIEW | 2016 LandCruiser Ute – Upgraded Safety Highlights Updated Country Workhorse
Toyota’s new LandCruiser 70 Series has a fine spirit animal in the crocodile.
Neither are pretty, they’re not particularly clever and their evolution has progressed slower than Queensland social values. But no creature can match them on home turf, in unforgiving environments that will see rivals wither and die. They also have strong followings despite obvious flaws.
Vehicle Style: Four-wheel-drive ute
Price: From $62,490 plus on-road costs (single-cab)
Engine/trans: 151kW/430Nm 4.5-litre V8 turbo diesel | 5spd manual
Fuel Economy Claimed: 10.7L/100km
OVERVIEW
This, after all, is an old car. The current-shape LandCruiser 70 Series has been an Australian fixture since 1985, before plenty of its drivers graced the earth. As the vehicle of choice for many mining and construction firms, the rugged machine is often piloted by crash-prone young drivers left vulnerable by its lack of safety features. So Toyota dragged the model into the 21st century this year with a series of updates that addressed its key shortcomings – stability and traction control are now standard across the range, while mine-friendly single-cab pick-ups now feature driver’s knee and curtain airbags as well as a beefed-up chassis to offer increased protection.