NEW 2.8l Automatic 70 series OFFROAD REVIEW 

That V8 engine, was the main reason everyone put up with the interior, handling, lack of flex, wheel track etc.

They should add another 2 cylinders to the 2.8l, and make a 4.2l inline 6.... they could call it the 1HD...

Some questions if I may: 1) How much would you pay for a used 2.8L with 150,000kms on the clock? 2) How much would you pay for a V8 version with 150,000kms? 3) If the V8 is stopped, what vehicle would people buy for heavy towing? I think people would have preferred the upgraded 70 series, with track correction, auto / manual option and handbrake fixed, with two engine options. I think Toyota was smart to bring out both engine variants, albeit no auto for the V8. (Hopefully the V8 will stay - I think the Australian market needs both.)

Bring back modified but a humbled version that the people can relate too

I find myself asking; Who in the world would pay $80,000+ for a car released nearly 40 years ago with an uneven track and a Hilux engine and transmission? Apparently, lots of people 😂

It's a shame that Toyota couldn't match the front and rear track, especially for the price of that thing.

Good technical analysis on off road capabilities.Enjoyed the review thanks.

Appreciate your no holds barred review. I’ve driven troopies for years and at 6”4 I just can’t get comfy enough whilst driving anything that puts my knees up into my chest.

This is going to be the only true honest review from start to finish. Just like the Hilux, if it's not capable or practical enough, it's gone. I'm very much looking forward to the results. Good work Ronny.

I have toyota with 2.8 1gd-ftv diesel and this engine is pretty good. Used it in temperature range from +35C to -35C and didn't have problems.

Ronny I would love to see you review the ineos grenadier!!! YOU HAVE TOO!! I think once you drive it you might think twice! 2.8 70 vs grenadier has to be a episode in the future!!!

Great to have a review from a V8 owner Ronny😉. This is the vehicle the fleet buyers (ie the resources sector, government, NGOs like I work for & even the hire companies like Budget) wanted from Toyota: an auto transmission with a proven engine that has plenty of spares and upgrades available. The 2.8 will be easier & cheaper to service especially major parts like starters, the alternator (& turbo for that matter) aren’t down in the mud & salt, it doesn’t have metres of plastic pipe to get air to the turbo, you won’t have to change out a clutch from the day of delivery😂 & for many the extra GVM will be enough not warrant an upgrade They were never going to widen the rear track, but they could have brought the front one back into to the original 70 series width in the HJ/HDJ/HZJ spec cruisers. It’s BS there’s not enough room for a second battery up front also, and I bet that air box will let dust in. The electronic bits like adjustable headlights that the tosser car journos rave about will be the sort of shit that fails out bush in the long term. How it will go fitted up will be interesting, my touring VDJ76 is almost 3000kg with a full tank of diesel so that’s a lot on top what you are driving around in the dunes. It is what it is, the V8 is gone & at least there is still a 70 series.

Biggest takeaway from this vid is how much better a vehicle looks with window tint! The constant switch between tinted and untinted footage was great 😊

It will be interesting to see how the downsize turbo philosophy plays out in petrol only markets. The new J250/252 are going to be downsize turbo only (2.4T on the 250, 3.3TT on the 252). I am really curious to see what the 2.4T is like to buy compared to the big NA motors we used to get like the 4.0

Great video, Ronny! Honestly looks like a very solid vehicle. I’d 100% buy one if it were available in the US.

Thank you so much for this and keeping the Vi’s to compare. Looking forward to the next installment.

Bought a V8 dual cab 70 new in 2018, great farm truck👍. August 2023 bought a new Toyota fortuner GXL 2.8 and a really nice thing it is👍. Won’t be pulling the horse float with two horses in the 2.8😉. Time will tell with 70s with the 2.8 loaded up and pulling caravans that are also loaded up tripping around oz. I’m not knocking them just saying I’ll be interested to see how they are long term compared to the 2.8.

@3:00, you can use wheel spacers to make the track even. We do that in the USA, easy install that only takes few minutes. You change nothing else.

Great vid! :) I'm really liking the new LC, look and feel. If you need a good auto to compare against the downhill decent speed, then the Disco 3 gearbox is really good. But that's on 31" tires. Good engine braking as well. Again, great vid! Will be fun to follow along, and yeah, auto is comfy and easy. 😊

Awesome vid again (as usual!). Keep 'em coming Ronny.... this could be my next fourby. Can't wait to see you mod it up... 👍😁

The dash reversing screen isn't the problem, its the CAMERA & plastic lens ! It also looks like the number plate lights are shining directly into the lens at night, which is a major camera location FAIL. ..

Nothing beats the v8 engine

Stability control was added due to all new cars in Australia being required to have it

love to see you compare the 2.8L 70 series to a Ineos grenadier... Both solid front and rear axles, 2.8L/3L diesel engines, automatic gearbox. Especially comparing the 76 to the 5 door grenadier.

I have a 4Runner and my rear camera wasn’t that bad but when I installed a Garmin inreach I got the optional back up camera which is wireless. It is much better and you can set the lines where you want them. Cheers

ASP is gonna be stoked on his new Troopy then! I def wanna see what its like with a load 33s then 35s, Im also not convinced that this engine package is long term reliable as the V8 stock or modifed carrying loads say for 5years! But yhen nothing built today is meant to even last the warranty period even from Toyota! DPF gate! Wasn't there or isnt there a class action suit against Toyota on a number of models with the 2.8? In Aussie and NZ, Happy to be corrected on that, nota hater I can see thats where its going andif it keeps the 70s alive I am all for it. Ill never give up my 80s or 4.2 TD HD series! But if I was ti buy new it would still be a Toyota over everything else! Warts n all. Great review, keep it coming, i wanna see the real test, with bar work, racks bigger wheels and weight, thats the real test! ,👍

Some really good and honest points that you've made in this vid e o and that's refreshing to find with 4wd reports! Thanks. Saw you on a recent vid interviewing Keelan and Sarah so thought I'd have a look at more ofvyiur you tube vidsxand I'm really enjoying them! I've got a 2016 V8 76 series Landcruiser that I've been slowly accessorising and i love the V8 'grunt' ! I bought it with a tuned, full Manta 4 in exhaust system kn it and it always sounds so good! Its done 210,000 kms and blows a little bit of smoke when I put my foot down but that's to be expected. Just as a side issue, do you know of a reliable site that sells 2nd hand, good quality accessories for these vehicles? I search on marketplace and google but nothing much comes up for good quality, 2nd hand gear. Cheers sgain and I'm looking forward to watching more of your videos. Phil

brilliant bit of real life use feedback of the auto 70. Thanks Ronny!

I just put this powertrain in my 1997 80 series Land Cruiser and it's awesome!!!

Great review as always Ronny...would love to see your new 70 go head to head with a my Prado with the KDSS system...OK clearance sometimes not great, different style of driving but it will go anywhere, just maybe a little slower than thrashing your old V8 up the tracks !!.

Good morning thanks for the excellent review on telling us about this vehicle looking forward to seeing the next one cheers 👍🤠

For not being a Toyota guy there are a few things I do like about it and that still comes down to the simplicity of the vehicle. There are not many electronics on it that can fail. Also instead of a electronic shifter for the transfer case it's an actual lever. Not too many vehicles these days being built with that. In my time as a mechanic I have replaced a fair amount of transfer case shift motors due to internal failure and it's a pain. What I find to be the most interesting is the horrible wheel track difference front to back. Even my 1993 WD21 isn't that bad(15.24 MM total difference front to rear). You would think with the 4 cylinder they would take care of the front wheel track, but it is Toyota Engineering when you get down to it. From what I can tell if I had to pick between a 76 Series and a Prado/4Runner(pretty much the same thing) I would probably go with the 76. Something about it just sits better with me and I feel it's still practical enough compared to the Troopy and 79 Series. As for the comfort, there are things you can do to improve that. That's easy to take care of.

Would be interested to see how it performs when full of weight and fruit

I was dedicated to mamual until I got an auto. It is so much better in sand and still very capable everywhere else. For on road around town, it just can't be beaten.

I’ve upgraded my v8 with a g350 turbo, +70 injectors and ecu and there’s no way a 2.8 would even be close.

that gopro with horizontal stabilization enabled, shows the exact. feel of correct vehicle articulation

I suspect lots of people buy the V8 because of the power they can get out of them when tuned, I think this is where the gap will come in regarding final power to weight. The auto is a no brainer though as they are excellent and easier to live with as a daily.

They didn’t add stability control to Band-Aid rear end they added jt to meet minimum safety requirements ro they could keep selling them

I had a 200series auto for a while then went back to a manual Troopy in 2019. I no longer like autos. The transmission fluid gets hot; it wouldn't use 5th or 6th gears in low range, so get a stretch of good track and you're stuck at 40kph, the torque converter never locks up offroad so on desert trips, you'd use a lot more fuel. When towing, you always had to drop back a gear and it would rev harder. My experience is my 2019 V8 manual Troopy uses the same fuel as Prado autos when loaded up on desert trips. If they had a manual 2.8 Troopy, I'd consider buying one next time around - I'm OK with the engine.

Hi Ronny love your videos as a four wheel driver from Perth I get a lot of good info from you, but there is one situation where we differ in opinion you have always seemed to drive on beaches and dunes in low range i almost never do unless Im doing under about 40 km and its really soft and Im struggling in high range as believe sand driving is all about momentum, that being said we may differ because of the vehicles we drive as you have always had manual diesels and I drive a auto petrol Prado so maybe that is why we differ on this point , maybe the 70 being an auto is why its more suited to sand driving in high range I think that is why the transmission in the Ranger Raptor you test drove in the dunes was over heating just a thought.

Hey Ronny I live in the UAE. And we run 12 psi on all 4 corners in really soft sand without beadlocks. Unless we drift or do stupid stuff. We are not worried about pop outs.

Awesome as always.Thanks for sharing and taking us along

This version of the 2.8 is exactly what is going into the new 250 Prado, air/water intercooler and all. You forgot to mention a 70 series flexes like a burnt slice of toast.

If Toyota offered this with a v6 from the LC300 it would be so much better. The buyer can have a on road variation in form of the 300 and off road in form of a 70 series.

We’ve been telling you for years Ronny, auto with small turbo diesel is the way to go

Super keen to see how it performs under load and or towing

Ronny mentions multiple times how light the vehicle is. According to Toyotas specs it is approx. 300kg heavier than a Hilux dual cab 4x4, 200 kg heavier than a Foretuner, even heavier than a Kakadu Prado. Hmmm. I guess relative to a fully kitted out V8 troopy, yes it is light.

Beautiful! Design wise also I think it’s so spot on. Oh well I guess we get the Landcruiser here in the states.

You checked the screen for a plastic cover, but did you also check the lens on the reverse camera?

Nice honest review. Front and rear lockers from factory on solid axles, whats not to like?

Surprising results, thanks😉

I love it it looks as retro and perfect as the bronco here in the states! Thats a fine lil vehicle you got there man

Can't even get this vehicle in the U.S. but I can't help but watch your reviews of it.

A dual cab with canopy and fridge would make a nice camp and adventure vehicle that won't fall apart after a few years. Plus i could sell it on for a decent price

Having driven an auto in deep sand (jeep wrangler) and now own a manual 76, I'd take the auto any day

Looking forward to seeing how you mod it out in the future! I wonder how the 2.4l will compare...I'd buy the diesel in the US if I could.

Well, toyota did surprise us all by keeping the 70 series alive and updated, and doing a good job at it... I must admit, I do criticize the 70 series alot, like why didnt toyota do this or why they keep doing that... Like this accursed track width or the fact that they COULD have added an auto for the V8 years ago, or they could have added full-time 4wd transfer case, or they could have offered a full coil sprung version, and so on.. But then I remind myself we should be grateful 70series even exists up to these days and those issues I can fix and modify. As long as the vehicle itself is being produced, new parts are being made, it's alive and will provide us with everything necessary for decades ahead. Like, I own a 61 series 12HT turbo with an auto and coil conversion with patrol axles, but these machines are becoming somewhat museum material, some parts are becoming really hard to find, and i'm getting reluctant to put it through punishment... One day I might retire this rig to casual overlanding and pick up a fresh 70 for hardcore stuff.

Hi😀 Ronny I install my back camera inside my lc100, behind back window, I have always clean viev becouse I can use windshield wiper. Best regards from Poland 👍👍😀😀

thanks Ronnie, be interested to see how it tows.

I busted my knee in Uni playing rugby and after 20 minutes of working a clutch, it's cooked and sore for the day. Can't wait to get this in a few years second hand instead of a Hilux!

Loving these New 2.8l 70 vids! Has me considering the LC 250 here in the US. I too, am a skeptic. We'll see, can't wait till the next one. ;)

Great information. Keen to see more of it!

I appreciate how you're not against changing your mind. On ya Ronny.

Proud of you for restoring this vintage vehicle.

I can’t believe they didn’t correct the rear track issue.

Just like the insanity of not fixing the wheel track, the insanity of not offering the V8 in twin turbo guise or single running the same boost pressure as the 2.8 and mated to the same auto from factory is an insult to all loyal customers. We all know the hypothetical sales result of the V8 if it was allowed to live the life we know it can in 70 series guise. 230kw V8 auto 70 series. That’s what people want, not a half baked hilux drivetrain that’s been plagued with issues from the very beginning. They pretty much redesigned the engine 3 years after release that’s how bad it was.

I have the 93-95 Prado 1-KZJ78 import, coil sprung all around, auto, great platform. You just have to deal with the modest power of the 1-KZTE motor. I love mine. Put a coil spring rear end on that new 2.8 and you’d have a modern equivalent, of the 78 Prado, I ‘d budget for that on the new one.

I really wish they would sell these in the USA. We have the Jeep and the Ineos Grenadier. Honestly, I would love to have an old 75 Troopy.

At this stage right now : what would you choose if you had the option of the 2.8 Auto 76 VS a 1VDJ V8 auto? ( if it was an option)

Interesting on everyone’s thoughts after 5 years of towing 4x4ing and general driving with the 2.8 compared to v8. I always go back to cubes always wins in the end.

I can agree with Ronny on all points here but I will stick with the v8. its good to have this option with the 70 series.

Whilst we are lucky to be getting the 70 series here in Japan, Toyota have limited our options. We have a choice between militia/terrorist beige, black or white colours. They have also chosen a leather steering wheel (good thus far) with the top portion (50 minute to 10 minute mark on a clock) a polished wooden portion. That wooden part looks great, but when you've got sweaty hands in the summer, it is from experience, easy to lose your grip. I wish they had some optional steering wheels as I will never buy a vehicle with this type of steering wheel ever again. The accessory page on the Japanese Toyota website does not have any steering wheel options. Hopefully, there will be third party options, but that is extra cost and I prefer factory wherever possible.

Ronny, have you tried the LEFT FOOT AUTO BRAKING TECHNIQUE on steep descents to lock up the torque converter? May not work with this auto, but saved my bacon with my 1989 Range Rover Auto I campaigned off road for 19 years. I did 3 years of plummeting down steep tracks at twice the speed of the manuals, then learned the simple technique below: If you are not familiar with it, here goes; As you slowly enter a steep descent, apply gentle braking with your left foot. As the tail lifts to full angle, gently halt the vehicle with the minimum brake pressure to do so. Now LOCK YOUR LEFT FOOT IN THIS POSITION UNTIL YOU REACH THE BOTTOM OF THE DESCENT. To move forward, you will need to accelerate, but you can speed up or button off and stop at any point simply with your right foot. Why it worked on the Rangie, the acceleration locked the ZF's torque converter so it couldn't free-wheel. Plus, the correct amount of brake was applied for that slope, no more no less. Does NOT work in reverse on a failed hill ascent as your front braking is stronger and can lock up.

hey Ronny, apply frosted style clear vinyl on the hood, or flat black, like the old came trophy discoveries. helps heaps with the glare. you will start a trend! cheers from Costa Rica

Need to compare it to a 3.2L 4m41 Mitsubishi Pajero. It's had the same design for over 20years and I'm sure many car companies have sneakily had a Pajero in their factory, pulling it apart ,trying to figure out why they are such a versatile on and off road touring vehicle. Many people bag the pajero out but once they drive it they are pleasantly surprised

My concern will be longevity. Toyota got its reliability name producing large lazy low revvving under powered and under stressed donks. Like the 1fz and 1vd also fit that mold. Now theyre turning the screws on a 4 pot. Which is great short term but cant help but wonder what we'll think in 20 years

Hi Ronny My 76 series 2.8 is arriving this week. One of my first mods I want to put in is the arb twin compressor using PDP’s under seat bracket. Have you used this setup on any of your 70’s? I’m just abit unsure about the heat underneath and how it will go. Cheers

What was your experience with tyre sizes? Can you safely go bigger without to much affect on power? Will be fitting Maxxis on OE rims much like you have. Your advise would be great.

Would love to see one of these set up for touring with a tune...

Great video as usual Ronnie. Tell me do you really need to put bigger tyres on it? Will the current arrangement you have allow you to do say 85% of the tracks you normally/likely do?

those downhill dune runs had my booty puckered. great vid mate!

Can’t you put sway bar disconnects and suspension upgrades to get more flex out of it? I run a 2015 jk 2 door that I’ve built for rock crawling so I know there’s loads of things they make for jeep suspensions to increase the wheel travel so I didn’t know if there is any upgraded parts made for the 70.

It's beyond me why Toyota have cut corners, on this vehicle particularly, and did not adjust the front wheels in the 2.8.

It seems with the New 70Series (Like Most Other 4WDs) You Need to Change the Diff Ratio when Changing Tyre Size.

Unfortunately it doesn't say on the spec sheet what diff ratios it's running. Were you using the down hill assist ? And the on the Hilux spec sheet , They don't say what the transfer low range ratio is. Maybe 32s will be the sweet spot for tyre size.

It sounds like dad like you’re more impressed with the 76 wheel base and the auto transmission as opposed to the four cylinder. An auto converter v8 would be a better comparison

The best engine (type) for a bigger car is just a INLINE 6. Small enough to be efficient and big enough to handle a big compression load (aka Power) on 7 main bearings. One main reason why it is the best engine is a perfekt primary AND secondary balance. PS: I am not talking 6BT or catapilar engines in cars - that is absurd (but cool)

Great down to earth review

17psi in the dunes seems a bit high, in the middle east we run 10 psi non bead locks and 8 psi with bead locks. Do you guys ever go to 10 or 17 is your usual? In the UAE we are getting the V6 petrol engine (automatic and manual), I just booked a black one in manual, super excited :P

it'll be interesting to see how the auto goes with people who tow some car companies say the last gear is an overdrive and shouldn't be towed in

Put an Auto in the v8 cruiser - Ask Orto

Waiting for next step - 35" tires!

I have the 2.8 in a Troopcarrier the taller gearing of the six speed auto helps with better fuel ⛽economy I am getting 10.8 lt/per 100 The V8 manual gearing 1st 4.529 2nd 2.94 3rd 1.490 4th 1.000 5th 0,750 The auto 1st 3.600 2nd 2.090 3rd 1.4883 4th 1.000 5th 0.6876 and 6th 0.5806 . I think 🤔messing with the tyre diameter could really go badly to fast downhill and to tall on the open road with a heavy load be interesting to watch how that goes

Other than power is it any better than the last of the y61 patrols? that have coils solid axels of equal length, our Patrol get 11.5

Here in Guatemala we have this Beauty,but in V8, the 2.8 is for Hilux and Prado only, this 70 series is bullet proof, nothing like a V8

You think you could make rims with varying front and rear offsets to negate the wheel track issue that still can clear big tyres?

The trusted vehicle in Papua New Guinea. Now more reasons to love the 4cylinder LC

I wish we got these in the US, this would be the perfect vehicle to be the 2025 4Runner.

DAMN it crushes the V8 in fuel economy. never once seen a V8 use less then 15/100 just driving around let alone sending it.

Honestly I’m a throat man myself but a jeep gladiator would eat this standard. And you actually get comfort in it. And a removable roof and doors. Full bar work. Sway bar disconnect. Front and rear lockers. And it even has sound deadening and child restraints. Lol pretty much the same price to. Personally I’d buy the keep over the 70