Toyota’s Most Iconic Pickup Truck Is Losing Its Best Feature

The long-lived Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series is an automotive legend. Last year, it was facelifted with a frugal four-cylinder diesel and subtle styling updates. Minimal changes were made to keep loyal customers happy. But now, the old turbodiesel V8 is being killed off, leaving customers with just one engine option. Toyota Australia says it paused orders for the 1VD-FTV 4.5-liter V8 nearly two years ago.

It will remain this way indefinitely as the automaker endeavors to deliver V8-powered Land Cruisers to customers. Production will come to an end very soon. The V8 Wagon, Troop Carrier, WorkMate, and GX truck body styles will no longer be manufactured after September. However, Toyota will continue to build the eight-cylinder for the 79 Series GXL pickup, which remains in high demand. Customers will have until the end of next year to get their hands on one of these trucks.

Stringent Regulations Are The Reason Why The V8 Is Dying

The decision to cull the beloved V8 couldn’t have come easy, but its discontinuation was expected due to ever-tightening regulations and requirements. “Bidding farewell to the V8 marks the end of one chapter and the start of another for the go-anywhere 70 Series – a vehicle that’s renowned for its ruggedness, reliability, and simply getting the job done,” said Sean Hanley, Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Franchise Operations for Toyota Australia.

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Hanley added that Toyota Australia will work with the production team to receive as many V8s as possible to satisfy the strong demand for the eight-cylinder diesel. Despite the generous cylinder count, the V8 isn’t overly powerful or efficient. It produces 202 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque, one whole horsepower more than the four-cylinder and 52 lb-ft less. So why was it so popular? The die-hard motor was beloved for its simplicity, durability, and reliability, essential when venturing through arid landscapes like the Australian outback.

V8 Is Hugely Popular With Customers

Of the 346,742 Land Cruiser 70 Series models sold in Australia since 1985, a staggering 171,010 examples were equipped with the V8. Although this engine was only introduced in 2007, it accounts for nearly half of the total number of Land Cruiser 70s sold in the country. Despite this popularity, Hanley is hoping customers will give the four-cylinder a chance. The 2.8-liter has proven durable, powering the Hilux, Fortuner, and Land Cruiser in other markets.

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Previously, the new four-cylinder was available exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission. However, Toyota will now introduce a five-speed manual gearbox. It’s the same unit used in the V8, but the automaker has adapted it with unique rations to suit the higher torque output. The new ‘box will be offered from October production on all grades and body styles, apart from the Workmate Wagon and single cabs. Sadly, American customers will never get their hands on the 70 Series. At least we’ve got the new Land Cruiser, which is available for $55,950.