Powered by the i-FORCE  MAX twin-turbo V6 performance hybrid powertrain. This provides a maximum combined output of 341kW of power and 790Nm of torque.

The new performance hybrid delivers 114kW more power and 90Nm more torque than the LandCruiser 300 series 3.3-litre V6 turbo-diesel, making it the most powerful LandCruiser ever.

To put this in perspective that’s slightly more than the Tundra Pickup Truck.

Toyota’s performance hybrid system is a parallel hybrid system that combines a V6 petrol engine with a single electric motor-generator, placed between the engine and ten-speed automatic transmission.

With two power sources that can operate in tandem or individually, the performance hybrid system is able to deliver powerful, responsive and linear acceleration, high-speed cruising, and the strong torque needed under heavy load or when towing.

Other features for the GR Sport include:

• Electric power steering
• an upgraded 200V/1500W rear auxiliary power socket
• a 40/20/40-split rear seat back
• Fully lockable front and rear differentials
• and electronically-controlled E-KDSS suspension

I wonder if Toyota could fit this hybrid engine to the HiLux GR Sport. Now that would be something to see and put an end to Ranger Rator dominance in that segment.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the LandCruiser 300 GR Sport – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE LandCruiser 300 GR Sport – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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This five seat 4WD retains all the robust qualities that define a true rugged 4WD.

• Body on ladder frame chassis
• Coil front and leaf spring rear live axle suspension.
• Front and read diff locks.
• Excellent approach, rampover and departure angles and more

There are some concession to modernising the beast.

Increased safety features, a central touch screen, small though it is. Reverse camera, LED headlights and a few more.

Yet even with these there is no denying its roots.

It’s a basic workhorse designed to take owners far from the main roads to where few vehicles dare to go.

Gone is the V8 engine, in its place is a modified 4 cylinder turbo diesel engine with 1650kW of power and 500Nm of torque.

The model I drove was one of the recent manual versions. It comes with a solid 5 speed MT. There are two things to note. One is that it’s better than similar older version but could do with a sixth gear.

The Second is that with a dodgy hip, my days of driving a manual may well be behind me.

Its also ridiculously expensive at around $77,800 plus the usual costs. Yet despite all its faults I love the fact that this vehicle still exists.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Previous Motoring Minute LC 70 Series Reviews

• Toyota LC79 Work Mate Single Cab Chassis Ute 2025 review
• Toyota LC79 Workmate Single Cab Chassis 4WD Ute driven
• Toyota LC79 GXL Dual Cab 4WD Ute driven for 2025
• Toyota LC79 Dual Cab GXL Ute 2024 Review
• Toyota LandCruiser LC79 Series Ute reasons not to buy
• We drive the 2024 Toyota LC70 series at the launch.

Full specifications can be found HERE.

Readers can find more details about the LC 76 GXL – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE LC 76 GXL Wagon – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Toyota LC 76 GXL – Buyers could also look at:

Competition in true 4WD wagon segment is tight .

The LC 76 GXL has competition with:

• INEOS Grenadier
• JEEP Wrangler Rubicon
• Nissan Patrol Warrior

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Now we all know how popular the Landcruiser is for families but is it suitable for new mom duties.

The Sahara is a seven seat version with luxuries like

• heated and ventilated front seats,
• dual rear entertainment screens,
• Large central touch screen,
• Leather interior and more.

It certainly is big on the outside, but that doesn’t always flow through to interior space.

The baby seat fitted easily with isofix and top tether points. However, it meant that the front seat has restricted leg room.  This is a problem for taller passengers.

The other issue is that the rear screens interfere with the baby seat. We had to place a cloth between them to prevent scratching the screens.

Being a seven seat there is also smaller boot capacity.  It did swallow the baby gear and luggage for three people and bub for the weekend, but it was tight.

I believe a five seat version without the rear screens, like the GR Sport would be a slightly better choice.

Of course, the V6 engine and 10 speed automatic transmission allowed for plenty of performance and reasonable economy.

Im a big fan of the Toyota Landcruiser, but perhaps it’s better suited to a family when the kids are out of baby seats.

Currently Toyota has a driveaway pricing deal of around $150,000 for the LandCruiser Sahara.

Toyota LandCruiser Sahara is mum life upgraded

This is a Motoring Minute’

I’m Brianna Fraser

Readers can find more details about the LandCruiser Sahara – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE LandCruiser Sahara – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Buyers of the LandCruiser Sahara could also look at:

Buyers of the  LandCruiser Sahara could also look at the following:   Nissan Patrol, Land Rover Defender, Land Rover Discovery, Yukon Denali, GWM Tank 500  

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The two models they were looking at are the LandCruiser Sahara ZX or the Silverado 1500 LTZ Premium

Now on a casual observation, these two vehicles are nothing alike. But dig deeper and you will find there are more similarities than you imagine.

They are both designed to transport 5 adults in comfort. Both often used to tow large trailers or horse floats etc.

Both have 4WD capability, but probably rarely used. And Both are capable of travelling large distances in comfort for the occupants.

However, on many aspect the Silverado will just push the LandCruiser behind a touch.

There is genuine room for five adults in the Silverado, much more than the LandCruiser.

The Silverado has more payload and will tow 4500 kg vs 3500 kg for the Sahara.

The Sahara has the benefit of an enclosed boot area, rather than a tub with cover.

Both are big vehicles, the Silverado is bigger, which can present problems in suburban car parks.

The Sahara has a 3.3 L V6 twin turbo diesel engine with 227 Kw of power and 700 Nm of torque. The Silverado has a 6.2 L V8 Petrol engine with 313 kW of power and 624 Nm of torque. It’s also a touch thirstier.

Pricing for the LandCruiser Sahara ZX is from around $147,000. Pricing for the Silverado 1500 Premium is from $130,500. Both are plus the usual costs.

There is a strong case for buyers to look at the Silverado as a premium family 4WD.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Silverado vs Sahara – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Silverado vs Sahara – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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The post Silverado vs Sahara – Chevrolet Silverado 1500 VS Toyota LandCruiser Sahara appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Mind you it’s still priced at around $76,000 plus the usual costs.

The workmate comes with the vinyl seat trim, which I prefer to the fabric of the GXL.

It also comes with wind up windows, which are ok. What I have difficulty in accepting is no reverse camera, which in a Ute this size is a problem. Also, the ridiculous manual. exterior mirrors. These are always getting knocked in car parks or become loose and are a pain to adjust.

What is good is the new automatic version of the 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine. I know there are a lot of diehard V8 supporters out there, as I was. But the modified HiLux engine is better in almost every aspect.

The workmate has a huge tray and about a 1200kg payload along with 3500 kg towing capacity.

Off road its still awesome but does miss out on the front and rear diff locks.

Its surprisingly smooth to drive and seems to soak up a lot 0f road bumps easily.

Im a big fan of the 79 seri3s Utes, always have been, but still question the price.

You can buy a HiLux SR single cab chassis Ute with the same 2.8 litre engine and 6 speed transmission for about $47,000 plus the usual costs.

That’s about $30,000 saving. And there is surprisingly little difference between them

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the LC79 Workmate SCC  – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE LC79 Workmate SCC – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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The post Toyota LC79 Workmate Single Cab Chassis 4WD Ute driven appeared first on Motoring Minute.

The Prado is due to be replaced soon, but the current model is still definitely worth a drive. In fact, the current model has been removed from the Toyota website.

The Prado is a seven-seat dual range 4WD that is equally at home dropping the kids to school as it is on an outback holiday. That’s why they have been so popular.

The Kakadu comes with a heap of additional technology to assist off road driving as well as comfort , luxury, and safety features.

Unfortunately, the smart phone connectivity is wired, and the central screen is small by today’s standards, but it’s a very comfortable place to sit and drive the vast distances in Australia.

Prado comes with the 2.8L Turbo diesel that has some 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque. This is matched to a 6 speed sports automatic transmission.

The Prado Kakadu is priced from around $87,500 plus the usual costs, but you may be able to get a runout price from your local dealer.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Listeners can find more details on the Landcruiser Prado HERE  

Readers can also find a full review of the LandCruiser Prado Kakadu HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Prado Kakadu RADIO REVIEW, CLICK BELOW

Instead of the LandCruiser Prado Kakadu buyers could also look at:

Mid to large 4WDs have become more popular in recent years. There is a crossover between them and larger AWD SUVs.

Buyers could look at the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X, Toyota Fortuner, Land Rover Defender and the SsangYong Rexton. 

Alternatively buyers could look at AWD SUVs like the Hyundai Palisade, Nissan Pathfinder, 

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The post We drive the Toyota LandCruiser Prado Kakadu 4WD for 2024 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

I’ve written a lot about it over the last few months, so for today I thought I would mention the top three reason why I wouldn’t buy it and top three reason why I would.

First reason not to buy are the ridiculous external rear view mirrors. To be honest these are just crap. They are manually adjusted, get knocked in car parks all the time and shake loose.

Toyota come up with some mumbo jumbo about why they need to be there, but honestly that’s rubbish as you can easily buy aftermarket ones.

The second reason not to buy is that there is no reverse camera. Seriously in a vehicle such as this that is a recipe for disaster. It has a long tray and its hard to know where the edges are.

Third reason not o buy is the price. No matter what version you buy,  you are looking at way north of $80,000 and that’s just ridiculous.

Now reasons to buy.

First reason is that the new 4-cylinder engine is better than the old V8 in 99.9% of situations and comes with a six speed AT, along with a host of extra driver aids and safety features.

Second reason is that this is the toughest work Ute on the market. It’s built like a tank.

Third reason to buy one is that it comes with a large tray, almost 1400kg of payload and will tow 3500kg with ease.

Lets throw in a fourth reason to buy, off road they are awesome, almost unstoppable.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the LC79 Series HERE 

TO LISTEN TO THE LC79 Series RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Instead of the LC79 Series buyers could also Look At

The Toyota LandCruiser Ute in Single Cab Chassis form, almost stands alone as a work Ute. This is because of its price and payload.

Some other Toyota LC79 Series Ute articles

• LandCruiser LC79 Series 4WD Ute upgraded
• Toyota LandCruiser LC70 Series upgrades
• LandCruiser 70 Series – Chat with Sean Hanley from Toyota
• We drive the 2024 Toyota LC70 series at the launch.
• Toyota Landcruiser 70 Series 2024 MY pricing details
• Toyota Unveils Substantially Upgraded Landcruiser 70 Series
• Toyota 4WD LandCruiser 70 Series get some model upgrades
• 2023 Toyota 70 Series LandCruiser’s icon of the Australian landscape
• 79 Series LandCruiser Ute 70th Anniversary Review
• 70 Series 4WD LandCruiser Ute upgraded with improvements
• 2019 Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series Cab Chassis Review
• 2018 Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series DC Ute Review
• Review of the 2017 Toyota Landcruiser LC70 GX Single Cab Chassis Ute
• Hino 300 Series 4X4 Truck Ute VS Toyota Landcruiser 70 Series GXL Ute
• 2017 Toyota Landcruiser LC70 GX Single Cab Chassis Ute Review
• 2017 Totota Landcruiser 70 Series Update
• 2016 Toyota Landcruiser LC 70 4.5L V8 Single Cab Ute Review
• 2009 Toyota Landcruiser 70 series

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The key details we have chatted about before. Highlights are that the Prado will come in five different model grades. GX, GXL, VX, Kakadu and for the more adventurous buyers an new model the Altitude.

Some models have 5 seats some seven.

All models will come with a large 12.3-inch central screen. This accommodates wireless smart phone connectivity, embedded navigation, and digital radio.

All models will feature the full suite of Toyota Safety Sense technology including.

• a panoramic view monitor,
• nine airbags,
• trailer sway control and a
• pre-wiring harness for the tow hitch.

All Prado variants are powered by the same 150kW, 500Nm 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder powertrain with 48-volt technology, paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Every Prado offers full-time all-wheel drive with a lockable torque-sensing Torsen®⁹ centre differential and low-range gearing, with a strong 3,500kg braked towing capacity¹¹ across the range.

More details and pricing will be available closer to the launch

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

More details about the all new Toyota LandCruiser Prado can be found HERE 

TO LISTEN TO THE Toyota Prado RADIO REVIEW, CLICK BELOW

Quick Highlights

• Five-variant LandCruiser Prado introduces 48-volt technology across model range
• New Altitude variant delivers enhanced off-road performance and rugged styling
• All-new LandCruiser Prado range arrives in Australia mid-year

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The post Toyota LandCruiser Prado all new for 2024 details appeared first on Motoring Minute.

These popular 4WD vehicles have been so popular that Toyota had to place a hold on orders because of global component supply issues. The backlog is now clearing, helped by the introduction of the 4 Cylinder version.

The LC70 Series comes in four body styles the single cab chassis and dual cab chassis, troop carrier and wagon.

It comes with a choice of two engines that defines the transmission choices.

• The traditional 1VD-FTV 4.5-litre turbodiesel V8 engine and five-speed manual transmission.
• The modified 1GD 2.8-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The benefits of the 1GD 2.8-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder engine

• Same power and 70Nm more torque
• Same torque at 1200rpm as V8 peak torque
• Automatic transmission with torque converter
• More functionality, with DAC, 2^nd gear start, PWR haul functionality.
• Better economy and lower emissions
• Lighter body weight and more payload
• Around $4,000 cheaper in every model variant.

The LC70 Series 4WD’s are legendary for a reason, they are awesome.

But They are expensive, very expensive.

Buyers now have a choice between the traditional V8 and the cheaper, modified 4 Cylinder with an Automatic transmission and a bunch of extra functionalities that comes with that.

It’s a no brainer really, the 4 Cylinder is better in almost 99% of applications.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find a complete review HERE 

TO LISTEN TO THE TOYOTA LC70 RADIO REVIEW, CLICK BELOW

Toyota LC70 Upgrade Video

Toyota LC70 Series Final thoughts

The LC70 Series 4WD’s are legendary for a reason, they are bloody awesome.

They are expensive, very expensive.

I have always loved the 4.5L V8 in the 70 series. And always wanted an AT for it. It sounds angry and that’s a good thing.

Most of what is good about the upgrades are because of the automatic transmission fitted. This came about because of the 1GD-FTV 2.8-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder engine.

Buyers now have a choice between the traditional V8 and the cheaper, modified 4 Cylinder with an Automatic transmission and a bunch of extra functionalities that comes with that.

It’s a no brainer really, the 4 Cylinder is better in almost 99% of applications.

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