LAND CRUISER 70 SERIES IS THE BEST LAND CRUISER - ENGINEER EXPLAINS WHY

The most iconic and most proven Land Cruiser is the 70 series - all refreshed for 2024 for the first time in decades. Automotive Engineer David Chao and Kirk Kreifels go over many details of this legendary Land Cruiser, which is sold world-wide except for North America (Toyota, please bring this to our shores!). This may be the most interesting and most fascinating Land Cruiser ever!
Automotive Press is owned and managed by David Koichi Chao, a global expert in the field of automotive evaluation, engineering, and strategy. With over 35 years of engineering experience, David is able to review vehicles from unique perspectives utilizing technical and specialized methods. David is a board member and a director at AJAC (Automobile Journalist Association of Canada).
David is known around the world as an authentic specialist of Lean/Agile Thinking, and travels all around the world to review vehicles and teach latest engineering methods. Born and raised in Japan, David has an engineering degree from University of British Columbia and post-graduate education from MIT and Harvard Business School in Boston.

[@MichaelAllen-td1uu]

I recently imported a 1996 HZJ77 Land Cruiser from Japan to Virginia with 201,000 kilometers. Picked it up from the port and drove it home. No problems.

[@Tahara-Aichi]

Who did you use to get it here and get it titled and such?

[@MichaelAllen-td1uu]

@@Tahara-Aichi There are several sites that offer used vehicles for sale in Japan which will handle the shipping arrangements. Any vehicle that’s 25 years or older can be imported and registered at your local DMV.

[@kyletatum1551]

Not to try and pry but what is a ball park figure for shipping from Japan I've always wanted to get a diesel engined landcruiser

[@MichaelAllen-td1uu]

@@kyletatum1551 I paid about $3200 for shipping. Keep in mind it depends which port you choose. I live on the east coast.

[@LADYGURRLL]

My first Toyota was 1994 xtra cab long bed 4x4 4cyl 5speed Hilux. Was totally geeking out with you guys when you hopped into the front seats of the best suv/truck ever made ever. Never got stuck with my Toyota. Rocks stumps trees stone walls rivers snowbanks frozen rivers. Had to ice auger the river one day as we were stopped shortly but the legendary Toyota still did not leave us stranded and I never would abandon my trusted campanion as well. Thank you Toyota for saving me and my wife more than once and for saving our dog as well. Thank you.

[@joshm9003]

As much as i love the new cars and trucks that Toyota comes out with ive always been a fan of the older style trucks. I own a 90s Toyota pickup and 80s 4runner and the 70 series is just an homage to the best of the past. Rugged, boxy, and indestructible

[@traveller924]

Updated classics , love it.

[@youtubecarspottersguide1]

my dream overland build a... LC 70 series troop carrier ,wish we had something more utilitarian in the U.S, than 3 rows of leather and independent rear axle for a smooth ride and leg room for the 3rd row

[@jamesdavidsmith4033]

Interesting, I recognize a number of parts that were on my 1986 70 series. When I think of Land Cruiser, it's always the 70 series the real LC ❤️

[@rightlanehog3151]

David and Krik, The only Land Cruiseer better than the 70 Series 4 door is the 70 Series 2 door. Please make mine with a manual transmission and 1GR-FE engine . 🤩🤩

[@AutomotivePress]

Ha ha, yes I agree that is a unicorn model

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@AutomotivePress 😉

[@fauzanriez9472]

70 series never stopped selling in Australia. This is reason it was refreshed with modern tech to comply new rulings and regulations

[@LivingRetirement]

The 70 series LC is also my absolute favorite. But as you said: No Obtainium for the US!

[@blueray570]

cant wait to import this beast to Canada 15 years later

[@arloarevir2191]

The very reason I love the 70 or 76 series is because they still have those old fashion bumper front and rear unlike the modern one that is incorporated to the front grill or rear door, this add up extra protection in minor accident and save time / money

[@tractorguy1994]

70 Series is talking about all of them, 79 Is the ute, 76 is the wagon and 78 is the troopy

[@MrMacka1964]

I have a brand new LC military 78 series troop carrier with the legendary 1VD-FTV 4.5L V8 D Engine. Amazing old school engine, torque from idle right through to 4000 rpm unlike 2.8 4cyl engines. Absolutely brilliant machine and engine. Been in production for almost 40 years. My father owned the same model and colour only with the 3F petrol engine variant as V8 was not available back then. These are life cars. Nothing is built to last like a 70 series.

[@eanandbarrettable]

The 70 is my dream ride. Wish we could get it in North America

[@fathomtheundertaker4356]

i just got a new 78 series troopcarrier, it's a beast.

[@pinkipipe]

Bring it to the States!!!!!! That’s the one we need here please ‼️

[@GunZTube1]

Very nice live collaboration gentlemen. You three work well together.

[@saltyt.1886]

Toyota should find a way to import this here in the North America market. There should be some loophole like classify it as a farm vehicle or something!!

[@OutbackOffroadNT]

I just picked up my 2024 landcruiser 79 series, v8!

[@bubba4072]

Love it! I wish they sold them here.

[@TacoTruck17]

It's a crime not having this in the states!

[@trevorchewka5821]

We need this in Canada 🇨🇦 too.....I'd buy it in a heartbeat and drive it forever 😊

[@susanoneal1658]

So sharp!

[@brendanfennell3552]

I have been privileged to tour the the Toyota Landcruiser Assembly plant in Yoshiwara in Arche Perfecture where the Landcruiser 300 series and the Landcruiser Prado and the Landcruiser 70' series are produced as well , it was extremely interesting to observe that all the Landcruiser 70' series including the Troop carrier and the double cab pickup are assembled and that they are still welded by hand using spot welding and arc welding with machine tools that have not changed since the 1970's era . Whereas the new 300 series and Prado models are assembled using Kawasaki robots to assemble the new range of vehicles that are currently entering the showrooms

[@MarkD11]

Simplicity is key for off-roading and over-landing. Something you can fix while out in the wilderness.

[@Kiko-wj2id]

Classic, Iconic design. Refresh it but don't change ever change it.

[@axelw273]

The speedometer shape is such a classic look! Love it! Bring it to the US!!!!

[@axelw273]

What is the closest vehicle to this in the US? 300 series?

[@axelw273]

Just heard the end about safety and emissions. I think that they are missing the boat. If they could fix the safety issues, is there an emission compliant Toyota v6? If Jeep can figure this out, why can’t Toyota???

[@johndiaz7240]

Love to have one , my 60 series will have to do.

[@daviddupree1155]

I wish they could sale them in North America. David any information on the mini land cruiser?

[@ark-transport9626]

Mini LandCruiser.😂 Unfortunately everything is getting the LandCruiser badge now.

[@4Runner123]

Bring it to North America then we will talk. Wander what safety and emissions standards are compared to North America. A lot of people would buy one here.

[@user-vn4sv2pw5z]

Please bring this to the US !

[@raycollington4310]

I love this product. Yes please Toyota. Good video, thank you

[@thedarkestrainbow]

This is all I want. I’d buy this any day over any ride.

[@geminiguy2178]

I would love to have one in the USA

[@tonynelson2760]

I am in Australia and own one of these. I absolutely love it, but I do have to say, the paintwork on these is very average. I have rust spots on every single one of my doors, and multiple spots where the paint has chipped off right down to bare metal. It’s a ‘21 model 😫 This is not an isolated incident either. It is quite widely reported here. Toyota Aus are aware of it and do a lot of warranty re-sprays.

[@daryokenar6215]

l'm gonna pick up one, as soon as it's available in my location.

[@silverbacksunday]

Would love to see your review without the other commentator... You have insights, knowledge, and experience which I appreciate and enjoy. ty

[@lunamaria1048]

I understand why North America will never have it, but it would be nice to have this! I want a vehicle with 2 solid axles, for my adventure rig. North American market's only option is Jeep Wrangler/Gladiator, which I dislike, because of their modular roof. I considered the Ineos Grenadier, but was not happy with certain things, after seeing it, close up. I am considered importing a 25 year old model, and resto-modding it. Would you import a 70 Series?

[@AutomotivePress]

In fact, I looked into it quite seriously - because in Canada, we can import 15-year old models (vs 25 years in the US). But right now, they are asking for a lot of money so I'm waiting to see if things settle down. You should get your dad to import it because then you can get a 15-year old 70 series instead of the 25-year olds. How are things?

[@lunamaria1048]

@@AutomotivePress 15 years in Canada? I have only looked into it recently, so I assumed it was the same in both. I have driven a 70 Series, during a trip in Australia, just before Covid. It was modified for "touring", and was a bit bouncy, but very capable and durable! I might just buy an 80 Series, for now! I just want a classic LC of my own! Things are great, thanks! Life is wonderful!

[@AutomotivePress]

@@lunamaria1048That's great to hear!

[@AutomotivePress]

@@lunamaria1048 Haven't heard from you in a while... how's your dad? What's it like to live in your new place vs Vancouver?

[@lunamaria1048]

@@AutomotivePress Hi! I was having some problems with this Google account, so stopped trying to use it, temporarily. Plus I am working full-time again. I have free time today, so logging in again to see if i is still broken. My father is doing good, after some health concerns. Utah is beautiful, like BC so I really like it! Also, buying a nice home is much more affordable here. An equivalent house in Vancouver would cost a small fortune lol I see you were in Toyota City!

[@dtna]

It will be interesting to see if these new Toyota Land Cruisers have the same QRD as those in the past. Or we'll see of Toyota truly "value engineered" these vehicles. If so, I hope they did it in a way that is truly transparent to most SUV buyers. 😮

[@KirkA4978]

Damn! Wish I could buy a 70 to go with the 100 and 200.

[@wrmcphee]

No stereo but they include the old style antenna…

[@jimmyamico4713]

Hi David, I love the 70 series land cruiser… What I don’t like is that it doesn’t mean the emissions and safety standards of the US… Do you think it’s going to come to the US? I would say the price is probably going to be about 125 to 150,000… What do you think , overall I love the look and I love the old school feel…🇯🇵🤍❤️

[@AutomotivePress]

Unfortunately I don't think they will re-engineer this to be certified for US market... but you can import it when they are 25 years old (15 years in Canada). Maybe I will buy it in Japan!

[@Tahara-Aichi]

Ironically jeep have the worst safety crash test results and yet they still in business, the 70 series is not different than A 4 runner using the first gen 1gr fe so emisions Will not be an issue.

[@edwardpeters4700]

As much as I love the 70 series, I would be one of a handful of customers willing to buy one in North America. The average customer wouldn't be willing to pay Lexus GX money for a 76 wagon or Tundra TRD Pro money for a 79 series. The recognition of value required to appreciate a vehicle designed for an extreme duty service life doesn't seem to exist in North American culture. In the mean time, I'll have to continue enjoying my freshly painted, locked, and refreshed 80 series (not so secretly wishing I had the option to eventually replace it with a 70 series).

[@cloudypac]

It cost $51K here in the middle east

[@2081calin]

Why we don’t get this type of trucks on the states?

[@AutomotivePress]

Doesn't meet safety and emission standards

[@jessemorgan7007]

Would sell like hotcakes in the U.S.

[@djjf45]

This is the right thing to do for the Toyota brand

[@daved7024]

I want the LandCruiser 70 series in the States. Please Toyota. 😊

[@motorhead69ification]

Need this in US, a real utility vehicle. Suburbans are luxury vehicles now, bring this and the troopy.

[@daylinriffel125]

My dads first gen prado KZJ78 is still going after 400k clicks on the odo

[@sylvainlandreville3425]

Yes! Import this in Canada please! I mean they won't sell so many to affect accident statistics! Only serious people would buy these and they are not speed demons. Come on Toyota! There must be some discussions with Transport Canada here!

[@ryanmartinage]

*sigh* everyone here in the US would give body parts for the opportunity to buy this. Gets old never being given access to these vehicles.

[@cartopia6161]

I wish we could get these here, but all of our crash safety standards prevent it. 😢

[@user-tj3yi9zj4m]

@toyota Can you PLEASE bring this to the US market!

[@jordez1]

The Toyota 70 Series is been on sale in Central America for ages. This truck will chip a chunk of the US market if it’s sold there.

[@garyclark6747]

Great for average size North Americans. 👍🏼 11:47

[@johnnyx4529]

Best Toyota available today. This should be available world wide.

[@stanislawkukulka9645]

Too good for USA

[@shando74mtl]

Look good, but I'll keep my 4runner.

[@sunnydlight2375]

Figure out your microphones, guys.

[@elijahpalmer3579]

I’d totally take a 70 series as long as it was for the same money as the new Landcruiser 250. Toyota could have sold these in the US as a replacement for the 40 series. Seems a missed opportunity.

[@bngr_bngr]

The 70 would sell out in America.

[@willito1211]

I would pay double MSRP for 1

[@mannicals]

Best gas toyota SUV 4x4 ever built is the 1st Gen Sequioa. If it was a diesel Hilux that would be godly.

[@tanksouth]

Now bring back the 1980 Toyota pickup.

[@victorcastillo2650]

Toyota needs to bring this to the US, they need to stop with the all digital instrument panels

[@joeblack1052]

Want head room get a troopy 😅

[@charlesbaker4784]

Cool but do not like tail lights in bumper.

[@tempestv8]

No radar cruise. Its pedestrian safety sensor.

[@fsalalhadad7082]

Yes 70siries...

[@styledliving]

is this just a copy of the one from kirk's channel?

[@styledliving]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXjTpqRmj6h9jNk

[@AutomotivePress]

We both filmed at the same time, using different cameras - due to time restrictions during the show

[@jo0123]

Those A pillars are so thin, won’t fare well in a crash.

[@richardvankleef7172]

Its a Dinosaur which is left in the wake of the Hilux

[@robertom883]

I don’t know why most car channels keep referring 4WD vehicles like the 70 series Land Cruiser and recently the Ineos Grenadier as SUVs. THEY ARE NOT. SUV’s although very capable on off road aplications they are also built to have very good ride and handeling on highway driving thanks to the IFS among other things like luxury and a pletora of electronics. This 76 LC in this case is a utility wagon designed and built for industrial as well as agricultural applications and of course overland travel due to the reliable, solid and sturdy construction. Anyone who has driven this type of 4WD will know what I am talking about. It is a real work horse truck.

[@mrkhan2983]

Do you get commision from Toyota/Lexus ? You are mostly talking positives about these brands and dont discuss any other !

[@prawnstar9213]

I want to import one but it will never be legal in the USA. i can’t stand it here.

[@nitasmith7993]

Why show me something I can’t buy…

[@JoshuaHults]

I think it is awesome but i’d rather have a bronco