The revered Land Cruiser 70 Series, a staple in Toyota’s off-road lineup, might soon say farewell to its iconic 4.5-litre turbo-diesel V8 engine.
In a significant shift, Toyota has introduced a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine for the 2024 Land Cruiser 70 Series, shared with the Toyota Hilux and the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. This new four-cylinder unit generates 150 kW of power and 500 Nm of torque, compared to the 151 kW and 430 Nm produced by the traditional V8. The Australian Green Vehicle Guide notes the 4.5-litre V8 currently produces a combined 280g/km of CO2, whereas the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel Hilux engine emits 220g/km of CO2, highlighting a move towards reduced environmental impact.
Toyota’s strategy appears heavily focused on hybridisation, with an array of electric vehicles anticipated for release around 2026. This move aligns with broader automotive trends towards sustainability. Looking ahead, the Land Cruiser 70 Series might evolve to include hybrid technology as early as 2025 or 2026, with Toyota planning to integrate a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine with 48-volt mild hybrid assistance. Such a configuration could potentially be adopted by the 70 Series, blending traditional power with modern efficiency.
There is also speculation about the possible introduction of a V6 engine to the 70 Series lineup. This engine, currently utilised in the 300 Series Land Cruiser wagon, might offer an alternative to both the V8 and the hybrid options, maintaining the rugged performance expected from the Land Cruiser brand.
In addition to these developments, Toyota has indicated that its latest hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion engine technology could be adapted for the Land Cruiser. This comes on the heels of the launch of the brand’s first hydrogen-fuelled Hiace van prototype, which shares its 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 with overseas variants of the Land Cruiser 300.
Mitsumasa Yamagata, president of Toyota’s global hydrogen factory, confirmed that there are possibilities to adapt this hydrogen technology into vehicles like the Land Cruiser and Hilux ute. Speaking at the Hiace prototype launch, Yamagata highlighted the advantages of hydrogen technology for high towing and loading vehicles, noting that Toyota has begun studying which technologies will suit different vehicles best.
Toyota’s approach to decarbonisation is notably diverse, with a commitment to a “multi-pathway” strategy. This strategy is particularly relevant for non-urban focused vehicles like the Land Cruiser, which require high off-road, towing, and long-range capabilities. The hydrogen engine in the Hiace prototype has undergone modifications to run on compressed hydrogen gas instead of petrol, yet implementing this in a Land Cruiser would involve significant engineering.
Matthew Callachor, President and CEO of Toyota Australia, emphasised the complexities of integrating hydrogen technology into existing vehicle frameworks, noting the substantial engineering required. With the Hiace prototype range at just under 200km, Toyota acknowledges that extending this range will necessitate larger hydrogen tanks or hybrid technology adoption.
The choice of the Hiace for Toyota’s first hydrogen powertrain application was due to its suitable hydrogen tank layout and its commercial use for heavy loads. However, Toyota aims to extend this technology beyond the Hiace. Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia’s vice president of sales and marketing, stressed the strong advantages of hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion for range, towing, and off-roading capabilities, advocating for a broad approach to powertrain technology.
Despite its push for hydrogen power, Toyota is also exploring electric vehicle options, recently unveiling a Land Cruiser SE electric concept at the Japan Mobility Show. This concept previews a planned electric Land Cruiser, likely to coexist with the current internal combustion version. Concurrently, Toyota continues to develop hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) like the Mirai sedan and the recent FCEV Hilux ute prototype.
As Toyota navigates these changes, the iconic Land Cruiser 70 Series stands on the brink of a new era, balancing its legendary durability with the demands for technological innovation and environmental responsibility.
