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  

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

In today’s fast paced world, Listeners often want a quick update or a piece of quirky Automotive news. Listening to Motoring Minute provides that as well as the latest Automotive news and reviews.

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 120 radio channels. 

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. 

Listeners will find Motoring Minute syndicated through various news sites around Australia. Additionally on the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post Toyota Landcruiser 300 Sahara – is it good for new mums appeared first on Motoring Minute.

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

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

In today’s fast paced world, Listeners often want a quick update or a piece of quirky Automotive news. Listening to Motoring Minute provides that as well as the latest Automotive news and reviews.

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 120 radio channels. 

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. 

Listeners will find Motoring Minute syndicated through various news sites around Australia. Additionally on the Community Radio Network across Australia

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

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 100 radio channels.  

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. 

Listeners will find Motoring Minute syndicated through various news sites around Australia.

Additionally Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive – Cars Transport Culture Radio Program. 

Listeners can find this program weekly on the Spotify, SoundCloud and the Community Radio Network across Australia.

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, 

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

Listeners can hear Motoring Minute segments around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network.

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners.

You can also find Motoring Minute segments syndicated through other news sites around Australia.

Additionally Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive – Cars Transport Culture Radio Program. 

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

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

Listeners can hear Motoring Minute segments around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network.

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners.

You can also find Motoring Minute segments syndicated through other news sites around Australia.

Additionally Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive – Cars Transport Culture Radio Program. 

Listeners can find this program weekly on the Spotify, SoundCloud and the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post Toyota LandCruiser LC79 Series Ute reasons not to buy appeared first on Motoring Minute.

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

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

Listeners can hear Motoring Minute segments around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network.

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners.

You can also find Motoring Minute segments syndicated through other news sites around Australia.

Additionally Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive – Cars Transport Culture Radio Program. 

Listeners can find this program weekly on the Spotify, SoundCloud and the Community Radio Network across Australia.

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.

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

Motoring Minute segments are heard around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network.

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. They are also syndicated through various news sites around Australia.

Additionally Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive Radio Program. This can be found weekly on the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post We drive the 2024 Toyota LC70 series at the launch. appeared first on Motoring Minute.

After a long wait and closing off the order book, the updated model is finally arriving in November.

Pricing starts from $75,600 plus the usual costs for the 76 Series WorkMate wagon.

Again, the news is that these vehicles are now available with the 2.8L 4 Cylinder turbo diesel engine from the HiLux and Prado and an automatic transmission.

There have been modifications to this engine to allow for the heavy duty use it will receive in the 70 series vehicles.

Now a 4-cylinder engine in the 70 series may sound like sacrilege to many enthusiasts. But the figures show that it may not be as crazy as it sounds.

Both have 150kW of power around the 3,000rpm mark. However, the 4 cylinder trumps the older V8 for peak torque. It has 500Nm available from 1,600 rpm through to 2,800rpm. Contrast this to the V8 which has 430 Nm available but from a lower 1,200 rpm through to 3,200rpm. This wider torque band is what the V8 enthusiasts love.

I think that immediate availability and the prospect of an AT will sway many buyers to opt for the new engine rather than wait for the V8.

Time will tell

This is a Motoring Minute.

I’m Rob Fraser

Everything you need to know about the LandCruiser 70 Series can be FOUND HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE LANDCRUISER 70 SERIES RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

More LandCruiser 70 Series details

• Upgraded LandCruiser 70 Series range arrives in local showrooms priced from $75,600 plus on-roads¹
• Four-cylinder 2.8-litre engine mated to automatic transmission available across the line-up
• New exterior styling and equipment upgrades complement upgrades to 70 Series range 

Toyota Australia has announced pricing and specification for the upgraded range, with the venerable workhorse arriving in Australian showrooms in November priced from $75,600 plus on-road costs¹ for the 76 Series WorkMate wagon.

Along with enhancements to exterior styling, comfort and convenience features, and safety technology, the 70 Series introduces a six-speed automatic transmission for the first time, teamed to the tried-and-tested 1GD four-cylinder 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine which has also been upgraded to suit the hardcore usage required of a 70 Series engine.

Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said the changes to the new LandCruiser 70 Series would make it even more appealing to customers looking for a rugged 4×4 designed for both work and play.

“For generations the LandCruiser 70 Series has provided support for countless Australians in the toughest conditions the country has to offer, thanks to its rugged durability, strong towing and unparalleled off-road performance,” Mr Hanley said.

“Introducing the new automatic transmission, four-cylinder powertrain to the LandCruiser 70 Series range will broaden its appeal even further, making it more accessible to a wider cross-section of customers than ever before.

“Along with the upgrades to safety, convenience and styling, there has never been a better time to own a LandCruiser 70 Series.”

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network.

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. They are also syndicated through various news sites around Australia.

Additionally Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive Radio Program. This can be found weekly on the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post Toyota Landcruiser 70 Series 2024 MY pricing details appeared first on Motoring Minute.

This chat was in late September and as we are going to print the news has come out about the dates for availability, what is available and pricing.

Sean, as always, was passionate, positive, direct, and refreshingly authentic when we chat.

TO LISTEN TO THE LANDCRUISER 70 SERIES RADIO REVIEW, CLICK BELOW

To listen to the full raw unedited audio interview, click below.

Everything you need to know about the LandCruiser 70 Series can be FOUND HERE

Highlights of the LandCruiser 70 Series release

Toyota Australia has announced pricing and specification for the upgraded  range, with the venerable workhorse arriving in Australian showrooms in November priced from $75,600 plus on-road costs¹ for the 76 Series WorkMate wagon.

• Upgraded LandCruiser 70 Series range arrives in local showrooms priced from $75,600 plus on-roads¹
• Four-cylinder 2.8-litre engine mated to automatic transmission available across the line-up
• New exterior styling and equipment upgrades complement upgrades to 70 Series range

Along with enhancements to exterior styling, comfort and convenience features, and safety technology, the 70 Series introduces a six-speed automatic transmission for the first time, teamed to the tried-and-tested 1GD four-cylinder 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine which has also been upgraded to suit the hardcore usage required of a 70 Series engine.

LandCruiser 70 Series pricing¹

Options:

Premium paint: $675

*Front and rear differential locks: $1500

Notes

1 Manufacturer’s list price provided for media purposes only. Statutory charges or other on-road costs not included.

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network.

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. They are also syndicated through various news sites around Australia.

Additionally Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive Radio Program. This can be found weekly on the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post LandCruiser 70 Series available soon appeared first on Motoring Minute.