If you’ve been dreaming of getting behind the wheel of a Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series, you might need to adjust your expectations – at least for one particular variant. Toyota Australia has announced another order pause, but this time it’s more targeted than the widespread closures we saw with the previous V8 models.
What’s Actually Happening with LandCruiser 70 Orders?
The current situation is quite different from the complete order shutdowns many remember. Toyota has specifically paused orders for the GXL Wagon variant with automatic transmission only. This means if you had your heart set on this exact configuration, you’ll need to wait a bit longer or consider alternatives.
However, here’s the silver lining: Toyota says they have “good supply” of all other LandCruiser 70 variants. Some are even available for immediate delivery, while others might have you waiting just two to four months – a far cry from the years-long waits we’ve seen before.
Why Is This Happening Again?
Supply and demand imbalances continue to challenge the automotive industry, and the LandCruiser 70 Series remains incredibly popular among Australian buyers. Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia’s vice president for sales, marketing and franchise operations, explained that this proactive approach aims to provide customers with “more certainty around delivery times for existing orders.”
The company learned hard lessons during the COVID-19 pandemic and semiconductor shortages, when customers faced extended wait times and significant frustration. Toyota wants to avoid repeating those experiences by being more transparent about supply challenges upfront.
Learning from Past Mistakes
Remember the V8 LandCruiser 70 Series saga? Toyota paused orders in July 2022 and eventually closed them permanently in mid-2024. At peak demand, dealers were quoting wait times of “four years or never” for the venerable V8 engine. That’s exactly the kind of situation Toyota wants to prevent with this more measured approach.
What LandCruiser 70 Options Are Still Available?
The good news is that Toyota offers an extensive range of LandCruiser 70 configurations, and most remain readily available. Let’s break down your options:
Available Configurations
GXL Trim Level:
- Troop Carrier (manual or automatic)
- Double Cab Chassis (manual or automatic)
- Single Cab Chassis (automatic only)
WorkMate Trim Level:
- Troop Carrier (manual or automatic)
- Double Cab Chassis (manual or automatic)
- Wagon (automatic only)
- Single Cab Chassis (automatic only)
GX Trim Level:
- Single Cab Chassis (automatic only)
The variety means there’s likely a LandCruiser 70 configuration that meets your needs, even if the specific GXL Wagon automatic isn’t currently available for order.
The New Engine That Changed Everything
All current LandCruiser 70 Series variants feature the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, the same reliable powerplant found in the HiLux and Prado. This engine arrived in late 2023, marking a significant shift for the iconic 70 Series.
Transmission Options Finally Expanded
For the first time in LandCruiser 70 history, buyers can choose an automatic transmission – a six-speed unit that comes standard across the range. Traditional enthusiasts haven’t been forgotten though; a five-speed manual option became available in late 2024, similar to what was offered with the previous V8 engine.
What This Means for Buyers Right Now
If you’re in the market for a LandCruiser 70, here’s your action plan:
For GXL Wagon Automatic Buyers:
- Consider the GXL Troop Carrier or Double Cab Chassis with automatic transmission
- Speak with your dealer about wait times for existing orders
- Keep checking for updates on when orders might reopen
For Other Variants:
- Act relatively quickly, as supply situations can change
- Some variants are available for immediate delivery
- Maximum wait times are currently 2-4 months for new orders
Working with Dealers
Toyota dealers are working closely with the manufacturer to manage supply issues transparently. Don’t hesitate to discuss alternative configurations that might meet your needs just as well as your original choice.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the LandCruiser 70?
Toyota continues working with their Japanese parent company to optimize production and supply levels. The goal is ensuring they can meet Australian customer demand while avoiding the lengthy delays that frustrated buyers in the past.
The strong demand for the new four-cylinder LandCruiser 70 Series shows that Toyota made the right call updating this iconic vehicle. Since launching in late 2023, appeal has grown steadily among Australian buyers across the entire range.
A More Sustainable Approach
This targeted pause represents a more mature approach to supply management. Rather than completely shutting down orders across all variants, Toyota is making surgical adjustments to prevent widespread delivery delays.
The Bottom Line for LandCruiser 70 Buyers
While the GXL Wagon automatic order pause might be disappointing for some buyers, the overall LandCruiser 70 situation is much more positive than during the V8 era. With multiple variants available and reasonable wait times for most configurations, there are still plenty of opportunities to get into this legendary vehicle.
The key is staying flexible with your requirements and working closely with dealers who can guide you toward available options. Remember, the core LandCruiser 70 DNA – ruggedness, reliability, and go-anywhere capability – remains consistent across all variants.
Toyota’s proactive communication about supply challenges shows they’re committed to better customer experiences. While nobody enjoys order pauses, this transparency helps buyers make informed decisions rather than facing unexpected delays down the road.
Ready to explore your LandCruiser 70 options? Contact your local Toyota dealer to discuss available variants and current delivery timeframes. With good supply across most of the range, your ideal LandCruiser 70 might be closer than you think.