As Promised, Toyota Has Reintroduced the Land Cruiser 70 Series at Home In Japan

The Japanese automaker is having one hectic year – it feels like a tidal wave of model launches has fallen on top of unsuspecting rivals. The company is introducing all-new generations, first-ever models, refreshments, and special editions left and right and all over the world.

In America, for example, just this month, they revealed the 2025 Camry, a new generation of the best-selling mid-size sedan, alongside the first-ever 2025 Crown Signia flagship five-seat crossover SUV at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show. Then, the company moved quickly to Europe, where the little Yaris Cross gained a slew of upgrades, including a more powerful Hybrid 130 powertrain and a new Premiere Edition.

Recently, they have been dwelling around the Asian region, too. Just a few days ago, Toyota Thailand celebrated the arrival of the series production version of the IMV 0 modular truck concept – now dubbed Hilux Champ and available in various configurations from the equivalent of just $13k! Moving on, the focus is now on the home market – in Japan, they just fulfilled an iterated promise in August.

Back then, Toyota featured the global launch of the 2024 Land Cruiser – also known as Prado in certain markets and as Land Cruiser 250 in the Land of the Rising Sun. Alongside the two versions of the iconic SUV, there was also an old-school model, though – and it wasn't there just to provide hints about the nameplate's legacy. Instead, if you live in Japan and want 1984-like styling coupled with (a few) modern goodies, then the relaunched Land Cruiser Series 70 is the right one for you, fender mirror and all!

It's wild to think this design hasn't changed much since its introduction in 1984. Still, the heavy-duty model has survived almost four decades on the market and is now back at home in Japan with the 1GD-FTV 2.8-liter direct-injection turbo diesel engine under the hood, ultra-tough looks, and some comfort creatures that no one would have believed possible when it was first introduced.

More precisely, the Land Cruiser 70, which has 201 hp and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque, has the classic ladder frame mixed with electronic differential locks, but also Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Active Traction Control (A-TRC), Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), and Downhill Assist Control (DAC), among others. While the fender mirror might suggest otherwise, the LC 70 also comes with Toyota Safety Sense, ring LED headlights, a six-speed automatic transmission, a Back Monitor, or a central touchscreen display.

However, other main choices are limited – there's just this powertrain, a singular AX grade, and a starting price of 4,800,000 yen, which is the equivalent of just $32,574 at the current exchange rates! It's too bad this is a forbidden fruit in the United States, right?