2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 4-Cylinder Off-Road Review: Is It Worthy?

This was a BIG one!
I managed to get my hands on a brand new 4cyl 79 series Dual Cab GXL for a bit of a review, and it turned into one of the best things I've done!
Have a watch for my honest thoughts on the car. Is it worthy of the Landcruiser badge?
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[@andrewbriand7539]

LandCruiser have had a long history using 4 cylinder diesel! BJ40 came with 3L B series diesel motor. BJ42 (which I owned) had the 3.4L 3B 4 cylinder diesel, The swb and MWB 70 (not the bundera) Seires came with the 3B and 13BT diesel. In North America the 60 series came with the 13BT. So there's a long history of 4 cylinders diesels in heavy duty Landcruisers.

[@anbu999]

Mega Cruiser is also using 4 cylinders engine.

[@LVNITUPM8]

The big big difference with hilux and 70 series is gcm, with the 70 series you can tow 3500kg and still have 1150kg Payload avalable on the car and the hilux if you town 3500kg you only have 240kg Payload avalable so put a family of 4 in and you are over gcm that's without any accessories on the car fitted. Also should have driven the car in powerhaul mode to see the difference when offroad. I was watching a guy on KZbin who has had 2 v8 70 series for towing his comp truck, one was done up and one not but he reckons the 4 cylinder is far better than both of his v8 he had

[@4x4CampingandAdventures]

Great Video mate I think you summarized it pretty well on how they sit in the market now I was genuinely impressed with it considering I dont particularly like the model.

[@seabee167]

Its actually not the same motor and transmissions as the hilux, also has 70 series transfer case not a hilux transfer case. Theres also a few private owner reviews towing up to 3 tonne with the 2.8 with ease. But yes its definately not for 200/300 buyers at the end of the day its designed for work not play.

[@DavidAnderson-vt8iq]

Good review - thanks. I'm interested in the 76, don't tow anything and have no monitor truck plans. I think the 2.8 and auto will be fine.

[@bobkats]

I accept that there are those out that think like this, and then there are the rest of us, the realists, whom buy a certain vehicle to do a job. 2 years ago we purchased a 2005 120 Prado Grande for 16K Brand new v6 Petrol engine by a local mechanic, whom gave us 2 years warranty, since then we have lifted it way to high 3" in the front 5" in the rear, deleted airbags, HD coiles and Shock's both ends, rock sliders, platform on the roof, which holds, solar panel, high lift jack, and awning with sandboards, a 12000lb winch, 265/70/17 tyres, drawers second battery and fridge, with a DO35 hitch for.......... Our 2022 17.55-9 twin axle jayco, this is what we wanted, a capable offroader, that can tow, we achieved this and saved buckets lods of money, you want a 300 or a 76 series, good on you, live YOU'RE not anothers comparisons, great Vid new sub.

[@offroadcrusader]

Cheers for the comment mate! Sounds like you have a wicked Prado setup, definitely get out there and enjoy it with the extra fuel money to burn! Thanks for the Sub!

[@simonhjc]

Excellent review. For the first time i dont have a current landcruiser (still have my 1979 fj45 with 112,000km), i sold my 2020 70 and bought a hilux. Why? I wanted to see if i can live with the 2.8 auto before spending more on a 4 cyl cruiser. Ive had 40,60,80,100,200,300(hated it), 70s in troopie, single cab and dual cab. 5 v8s. I think youve summed it up brilliantly- the new 70 is a live axle hilux with heavier springs. Toyota is taking the piss out of its buyers imo. Not fixing the track issue is a problem. Its kinda like they redesigned it fronm the windscreen forward, then went home. Will i buy one? I doubt it. The hilux is comfortable the way ive set it up, 9.2/100 is good and ive kept $20,000 in my pocket. I will just drive the FJ45 on the weekends to remind me what a real landcruiser was… and dont get me started on the 300- shit tailgate, stupid fuel filter position, turbo location means it runs hot as, dopey cruise control…

[@artofcisum_official1294]

Well summerised. Thanks.

[@offroadcrusader]

Glad you liked it!

[@simonhjc]

Ps- you nailed it re the mine site. I was in newman with a leading mining company (im a valuer)and the manager said “ we would prefer the Hilux running gear in a 70” hey presto here we are

[@LyfovRyan51]

I bought a V8 79 series back in 2019 for towing my 3 tonne caravan of which I live in. For me to purchase another, I'd expect to see better quality extendible side mirrors, rear axle width correction and set back further on the chassis. I like the idea of being able to purchase a new old school vehicle because I want one.

[@offroadcrusader]

Exactly mate, you don't need any other excuse to buy a vehicle apart from 'its what YOU want'. Would be cool to see a factory car come out with extendible towing mirrors as standard!

[@JoshSinnott97]

Imo people are only buying them because they're the only reliable and or usable solid axle vehicle you can buy new. Jeep wranglers i wouldn't trust out bush, the jimny is too small to go touring. Theyre the only other solid axle vehicles i can think of on the market besides the 70 series

[@mrgarrison3516]

0:24 'taking the kids to school' .....if these vehicles are wasted on soccer mums driving their kids to school & picking up toilet paper/food...... I'm going to cry😢

[@robertmillar2037]

Where’s the tow test in 30-40 degree heat climbing hills? That auto will cook

[@imopn]

Really cant believe they still kept the narrow track at the back. Insane

[@kromey111]

How could they increase it with troopy body

[@imopn]

@@kromey111 after all these years selling it as is with basically no changes would have thought they can at least do a proper update. Set it up for another 20 years or something but they keep milking this cow.

[@kromey111]

@@imopn Toyota actually wanted to can it

[@MrNeroDiablo]

@@kromey111 sawsall and some garden edging like pretty much anyone else if they wanted to be cheap about it, it's only 50mm each side not 150mm. Still haven't put a proper air filter in it even with the extra room in the bay, haven't changed the handbrake setup which works for about 6 weeks in dusty conditions. No one has said anything about twin stage fuel filtration so I guess we can assume it's still only got single stage. Snorkle that doesn't no one has mentioned the amount of engine braking is first get low so I'll assume it's as awlful as the hilux. Seems like a desperate half baked attempt to recover some fleet sales for the series (the V8 costs a fortune to maintain and repair) it's not exactly convincing.

[@kromey111]

@@MrNeroDiablo I meant Toyota not owners

[@matssvensson6383]

the Unimog has a 4 cylinder 5 l engine.

[@gettingtheretravel]

You could put a 40 year old petrol 3cyl Suzuki Sierra engine in a Landcruiser and the die hards would still buy them.

[@talalaldahhas8796]

There is no need to use rear diff until you get stuck. I believe 4H with lowering tire pressure to 15 psi shall do it easily

[@01425811v]

They actually modified the engine a bit which is not a direct trasfer from Hilux.

[@offroadcrusader]

Good to know!

[@mrgarrison3516]

Yeh, I heard that the transmission cooling and engine cooling is upgraded (much improved) compared to the Hilux.

[@kromey111]

Did you try power haul button ?

[@offroadcrusader]

I did. Seemed to just hold the gears a bit longer before shifting up. No change in power output

[@kromey111]

@@offroadcrusader suppose to lock up torque converter

[@jamesm6341]

Does it hold 6th gear with 33s fitted?

[@offroadcrusader]

I only got to drive it with standard tyres mate, but it drove great on the highway

[@toejoe5076]

Give it time when people buy these things and start loading them up , towing with them and adding accessories I think they will have to ring that 4 cylinders neck to get any performance out of it and the fuel economy goes to shit , the novelty will wear off.

[@offroadcrusader]

Very true mate. My impression from the Cruiser was that it just wouldn't handle having much more load on it, especially with 3t of caravan or 500kg in the tray. Time will tell though, but I have my doubts

[@andrewbagnato3855]

It's only supposed to be 10 percent more fuel efficient, people aren't buying for the fuel savings there buying for the auto and the style

[@australia-ukraine]

To put it in a nutshell: a 4-cylinder engine will never beat a V8 in any aspect, including economy, especially when you are towing something substantial. Moreover, for those who are more influenced by persuasive ads rather than common sense - try to understand that modern Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) technology cannot outperform what is already well-executed. If something is good and robust, you cannot keep it as strong and reliable by cutting it in half. I have the relevant degree, skills, and experience, so please, don't fool yourself by creating the illusion that a new 4-cylinder is the same or even better than a V8! This is total nonsense.

[@felixtimlock]

Actually mate search the fullboost test, the carexpert test and Ronnie Dahls test, the 4cyl beats the V8 in every test, power, acceleration, torque, economy empty, economy while heavy towing etc, the V8 will get gone in about a year anyway. Also engines have got smaller and smaller over the years while at the same time getting more powerful and reliable on average

[@australia-ukraine]

@@felixtimlock Thank you for your advice, buddy. However, I have a degree in engineering relevant to this field, along with practical skills and experience. To discuss aspects of ICE theory, I don’t need the ‘expertise’ of KZbinrs. It’s astonishing how naive people can be, believing in complete nonsense. I prefer not to start discussions with those who subscribe to such beliefs. From what I see and know for certain, marketing has overshadowed engineering and common sense. This is nothing personal, but I believe in relying on science, lab tests, and professional independent practice. Regarding Ronnie and others , they hold no significance for me. Do they have engineering labs, skilled personal, experience in developing and testing ICE, what kind of certification do they hold beside of KZbin one for some achievement collecting followers? Another point of curiosity: how did he manage to acquire a new LC 70 when others have been waiting for two years? This fact alone says a lot about a person’s character. Perhaps for you, the opinions of those who earn money from advertising and promoting questionable products hold some value, but not for me. Have you ever questioned why the V8 is more powerful in the specifications, or why the torque of both engines was measured at different RPMs - the 2.8L at 1600 RPM and the 4.5L at 1200 RPM? Are you aware of the pressure and temperature aspects, the fact that the 2.8L is highly tuned while the 4.5L remains untouched? Which engine do you think will last longer: one that operates at the edge of its capabilities or one in normal mode? I have a lot of other questions, and more importantly, I also have some answers. Sorry mate, I have my own opinion, which is based on something different from the show-off stars on KZbin.

[@australia-ukraine]

@@felixtimlock You can call an elephant a cat and find an army of 'experts' to prove this statement without doubt, but it's still an elephant. I don't even want to start an argument. Just wait; time will judge us. All science is useless in front of KZbinr "experts".

[@felixtimlock]

@@australia-ukraine Ronnie's test is the least scientific but still interesting. if you watch the carexpert test with their trailer dyno I'm sure you will agree that it is conducted very professionally and carefully. Sure they can't test for long term reliability but they can test for performance and the 4cyl is better in every aspect as far as performance. The 2.8 has been out for a long time and seems to be a very reliable engine just like the V8. My problem with the V8 in a workhorse vehicle is that V8 format engines are a deeply unpopular choice for commercial vehicles as they are unnessicarily complicated, use too much room in an engine bay, make cooling and turbocharging very difficult. This is why nearly every truck on the road has either a straight 4 or a 6 cylinder. The v8 engine itself may be reliable but have you seen how many alternators they blow? Or that its a $1500 job to replace the starter motor?! Or glow plugs or injectors for that matter. Also the 2.8 is not even a highly strung engine - 53kw per litre is not at all pushing the boundaries of what you can get out of a modern diesel. I drive a bt50 with an isuzu 4jj3 3L 140kw motor that is also used in light trucks. These engines are similar size/power output to the 2.8 and they are a B10 rated commercial engine, B10 rating means statistically 90 percent of these engines will make it past 500,000kms without any internal works. So basically I expect to make it to 500,000kms doing the same sort of work as a V8 70 series, only it's will cost me about $45k less in fuel, (10L/100 vs 14L/100) $50k less in purchase price and thousands less in maintainence over that 500,000kms. I can carry 1.2 ton and tow 3.5 ton all day long and I do with zero issues, I don't have heavy duty solid axle like the 70 series but I do have so much more comfort and safety!

[@felixtimlock]

@@australia-ukraine also Toyota will replace the V8 with the 4cyl soon, surely neither you, me or any KZbinrs can't hold a candle to the expertise and confidence that Toyota engineers obviously have that the 4cyl will perform reliably in the same vehicle doing the exact same duties (more actually - they increased GVM)

[@robertmillar2037]

Did you really pronounce Thiess as Thees? Come on

[@robertmillar2037]

How can anyone say this auto is any good. That auto T bar is in the worst position ever. Toyota has halved the engine

[@boxmat182ify]

The auto is brilliant. Best thing Toyota ever did. Its very smooth. The engine goes harder than the v8. The new landcruiser is better in every way.

[@australia-ukraine]

@@boxmat182ify Mate, do you think no one here has tested or owns these cars? What are you talking about? This auto gearbox is as primitive and basic as it was 30 years ago. The 2.8L engine is tuned and works at the edge of its capability, cutting its longevity just to the end of the warranty period. There's no magic in our life. When you add something somewhere, you lose it in another place. Both engines are already the pinnacle of ICE, and you can't make a circle more round. There are physical laws and rules which you cannot break, unless you believe in the holy and almighty 4-cylinder kingdom, but that would be another story, about which I can say nothing.

[@boxmat182ify]

@australia-ukraine mate that was one of the most idiotic comments I've ever read. The v8 is the pinnacle of ICE?? It was first released in 2007, it would have been designed probably over a 5 year period. An engine from nearly the year 2000 is the pinnacle of ICE?? And of all engines to say 'is the pinnacle' you rekon it's that slug?? The fucking IPhone wasn't released till 2007! That's how old it is and the technology to go with it. The v8 turns diesel into noise. That's about it. What do you mean the auto is from 30 years ago?? What more do you want in an auto?? It shifts super smooth, it's always in the right gear, what more does it need to do?? If they added more gears idiots like you would winge it won't be reliable enough. You clearly have no idea what your talking about. Keep putting your head in the sand and keep telling yourself the v8 is better. I drive both for work and the 4 cylinder smokes it in every way except for steep downhill low range 1st. But still performs it good enough. In every other aspect it is better. It tows like a train and leaves the v8 in the dust. Everyone fights for the keys to the 4 cylinders at work everyday, no one wants to drive the old loud, slow dinosaur v8s we have. Your comment on reliability of a 4 cylinder is also complete bullshit. Toyota have been making 4 cylinders forever and never had a problem with reliability. All large Japanese trucks run 4 cylinders, no trucks are flying around in v8's. Maybe go take one for a drive before making these stupid comments. Or even watch a few KZbin videos. All these stupid v8 fan boys are starting to get pretty nervous that the v8 is no where near as good as they thought it was.

[@matty_isthemotto]

No