It appears that the 70 Series Land Cruiser is timeless. Having undergone four updates since its inception in 1984, the 70 Series could be likened to Toyota’s covert Mercedes G-Class. Contrary to the G-Class, unfortunately, the 70 Series is only accessible in Japan, Australia, and the Middle East, where these well-preserved Land Cruisers can be purchased. The eagerly awaited three-door short-wheelbase version, revealed during the 2024 update, is even rarer.
For those in the U.S., this remains a distant aspiration. As per Carscoops, the privilege of configuring the short-wheelbase 70 Series is reserved for residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) only, at least according to Toyota’s UAE website. In the past, the three-door versions were commonly available wherever the 70 Series was marketed. However, due to recent stringent safety and emissions standards, the market has significantly contracted.
To imply that Toyota won’t broaden the availability of the three-door Land Cruiser would be premature. The company has dedicated substantial resources to sustain the longevity of the 70 Series amidst various regulatory challenges. In 2015, Toyota ceased sales of the model in Japan due to safety regulations, while global emissions laws have become more stringent. With this facelift, the model returns to Japan due to enhanced crash protection. Additionally, a new 2.8-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine option has been introduced, outperforming the previous 4.5-liter turbodiesel V8, which is still an option for the majority of the lineup.
In the UAE, the short-wheelbase model will offer a 4.0-liter gasoline V6 engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Limited options include four neutrally named colors (white, silver metallic, gray metallic, and beige) and just one interior color choice. Staying true to its essence, simplicity is key in the Land Cruiser. The retro-modern style of the 70 Series remains a distant admiration for us. Nevertheless, the inspiration for the forthcoming model next year, though mechanically distinct, draws from the right sources.
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