You see them everywhere in the bush; on farms, in mines, being used as runabouts by transport companies. And some suburban tradies like their tough appearance as well, so they aren’t all that unusual in the suburbs. We are talking about one of the few genuinely serious 4WD machines still sold in Australia – the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series.

A few months ago, Toyota introduced driver and front passenger airbags as standard equipment on all 70 Series models. Now it has released bullbars that are compatible with these crash-safety devices. The bullbars are available in steel and alloy and are rugged looking units that tie in nicely with the appearance of the extended front bumper that was designed to accommodate the airbag requirements.


The new bullbars are designed around ‘crush cans’ that collapse at a predetermined rate upon impact, then trigger the deployment at exactly the right moment.

Australian engineers were very much a part of the development project for the new bullbars as ours is one of the largest markets for all Toyota LandCruiser, not just the 70 Series.

Part of the revised LandCruiser 70 Series package is a new design of four-spoke steering wheel with telescopic steering column adjustment.

As part of the revision, Toyota facelifted the dashboard to complement the new airbag steering wheel. There's also a revised instrument cluster. The latest 70 Series has a double-DIN head unit with AM/FM tuner, single CD with MP3 capability. A USB input allows full iPod control, and there's a 3.5mm audio input jack. The system also offers Bluetooth hands-free telephone capability, as well as Bluetooth audio streaming with compatible products.

A drink holder is installed next to the gear lever.

The LandCruiser 76 five-seat wagon variants now have a moulded roof lining for added head clearance, as well as resin garnish on the front pillar and header. The front-passenger assist grip has been moved to the A pillar. There's a new sun visor design.

Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series models are powered by a turbocharged and intercooled high-pressure injection V8 diesel engine. It delivers 151 kW of power at 3400 rpm. Peak torque of 430 Nm starts at only 1200 rpm and remains all the way to 3200 rpm. It meets Euro IV emission standards.

Transmission is by a five-speed manual and there is, of course, a two-speed-plus-neutral transfer box.

The LandCruiser 70 Series range consists of a cab-chassis, Troop Carrier and station wagon models. Prices start at $57,640 for the cab-chassis, $58,540 for the wagon and $64,540 for the Troop Carrier. Statutory and dealer charges have to be added to these manufacturer’s list prices. For driveaway pricing contact a Toyota dealer.

The LandCruiser 70 Series’ rugged construction and go-just-about-anywhere 4WD system has made it a huge favourite in this market segment in the almost 25 years it has been on the market in Australia. Indeed, so common is the 70 the outback that many people simple refer to all 4WD as ‘Toyotas’ no matter what brand it is. Which doesn't make the importers of other marques very happy...

This latest update in safety and the addition of a competent range of bullbars will do the 70 Series reputation no harm whatsoever.