Land Cruiser 70
The Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series is the kind of vehicle that doesn’t care about trends, comfort, or fuel efficiency. It’s built for the toughest environments on Earth, the kind where lesser SUVs crumble and die. This machine is a rolling monument to Toyota’s engineering stubbornness, refusing to modernise in any way that would compromise its legendary durability. It’s the last of the proper no-nonsense, body-on-frame off-roaders, built for people who think air suspension and lane-keeping assist are signs of weakness. This thing can take an absolute beating. The ladder-frame chassis, solid axles, and bulletproof diesel or petrol engines make it a favourite in war zones, mines, and remote expeditions where breaking down isn’t an option. It doesn’t just survive harsh conditions; it thrives in them. You could drive it through the Outback, over the dunes of the Sahara, or deep into the Amazon, and the only thing you’d need to worry about is how much fuel to strap to the roof.
The 2023 Toyota Land Cruiser 70 made a triumphant return to the Japanese market, proving once again that Toyota listens to its die-hard fans—at least occasionally. Originally discontinued in Japan years ago, the 70 Series has lived on in markets where reliability and off-road capability matter more than emissions regulations or luxury features. But in 2023, Toyota brought it back, complete with some modern tweaks while keeping its core DNA intact. At its heart, the Japan-spec 2023 Land Cruiser 70 still embodies the same bulletproof, utilitarian philosophy. It retains the classic ladder-frame chassis and solid axles, ensuring that it can still take an absolute thrashing off-road. Under the bonnet, Toyota swapped out the old V8 for a 2.8-litre turbo diesel inline-4 (the same one found in the current Hilux and Prado), paired with a six-speed automatic transmission—a notable shift from the old five-speed manual and four-speed auto options. While purists might grumble about the missing manual, the new powertrain is more fuel-efficient and still delivers plenty of low-end torque for serious off-roading. Design-wise, the 2023 model keeps the boxy, utilitarian styling that made the 70 Series an icon. Toyota didn’t mess with the fundamentals—there’s still a flat front grille, round headlights, and squared-off body panels that look like they were designed with a ruler and nothing else. The interior, while slightly updated, remains hilariously basic compared to modern SUVs. You get a touchscreen infotainment system (whether you want it or not), some updated safety features to meet regulations, and slightly improved materials. But don’t expect luxury—this thing is still designed for function over form.
The 2023 Toyota Land Cruiser 70 in Japan was a classic case of Toyota underestimating demand—or maybe they knew exactly what they were doing. It was relatively cheap for what it offered, with a price tag that made it one of the most affordable “real” off-roaders you could buy. But, of course, Toyota produced it in limited numbers, which meant it practically vanished from dealerships the moment it was announced. Trying to find one now? Good luck. The demand for these things skyrocketed, and since Toyota didn’t flood the market with them, second-hand prices are now nearly double the original price—if you can even find one. It’s the kind of situation where people lucky enough to buy one new are flipping them for insane profits, knowing that there’s a long line of enthusiasts and collectors willing to pay a premium for a factory-fresh 70 Series. This isn’t a new phenomenon with legendary off-roaders, but the Land Cruiser 70 is on another level. People know these things last forever, so they’re willing to throw cash at them like an investment—because it actually is one. Unlike modern SUVs that depreciate the moment you drive them off the lot, the 70 Series gains value simply because it exists. No gimmicks, no artificial hype—just the simple fact that a tough, no-nonsense, reliable 4×4 is increasingly rare in today’s market.