The legendary Toyota Land Cruiser. The iconic SUV that has become a symbol of toughness and prestige. Most Filipinos are more familiar with the LC300 luxury station wagon and the light-duty LC250 Prado that are sold locally by Toyota Motor Philippines, but only some are familiar with the car we have here today: the heavy-duty Land Cruiser 76.
The Land Cruiser 70 Series has been in production since 1984 and has remained essentially the same car, except for a facelift or two along the way. The last of these refreshes was in late 2023, wherein Toyota managed to sneak in some technological conveniences like a reversing camera, traction control, Apple CarPlay connectivity, and an optional automatic transmission. Parking sensors? None. Automatic climate control? None. Wireless charging? Nah. Speakers? Four. This is as basic as it gets in 2026.
One look at the LC76 (as this is also often called) and you will understand the appeal of the OG retro Toyota. A nostalgic-looking front end with ‘TOYOTA’ spelled out on the grille, round headlights, and large side-mounted indicators greet you, together with a raised hood bulge for added pedestrian safety as well as new fenders. But otherwise, everything is as it was in 1984! While overall length and height can be compared to the new LC250, the LC76 is almost 100mm narrower than its sibling, further adding to the classic look. The beefy front and rear bumpers, electric winch, and raised air intake indicate the real purpose of this vehicle.
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Stepping into the LC76 can be an exercise in itself with its high sill. But once you settle down, the commanding seating position, thin pillars, and the abundance of glass that surrounds you give this passenger compartment a very light and airy feeling, reminiscent of a first-generation Range Rover.
Aside from the infotainment screen and a multifunction steering wheel, the rest of the interior is a throwback to an era when cars were much simpler. The air-conditioning, for instance, is a purely manual affair with a rotary dial and sliding switches, and there are exactly two cup holders. Yes, two that hold just that—cups. No Oalas, please.
This specific unit does come with a tall center armrest that doubles as a refrigerator and can fit a few soda cans. Seats are quite soft and comfortable, and while adjustments are limited to just four ways, finding the right position should be easy. Support, though, is minimal, and this may present the challenge of keeping you in place during serious off-roading. Interior room up front is sufficient at best due to the large center tunnel and narrow width, but some space is saved by the paper-thin door cards.
The short (by today’s standards) 2,730mm wheelbase can leave taller second-row passengers asking for more legroom, but otherwise, the 60/40 split folding seats are comfortable enough for long journeys. Given the LC76’s boxy shape and swing-out rear barn doors, cargo room is more than adequate at approximately 830 liters in a five-seat configuration or over 1,400 liters with the middle row folded.
Driving the 76 is like driving a time machine: a very noisy one. Sound insulation was definitely not a priority here, so engine and road noises make no qualms about entering the cabin. The old-school shape, massive side mirrors, rain gutters, and raised air intake generate a lot of wind noise at speeds, limiting conversation between passengers.
Once you get going, the drive actually feels very close to a current model Fortuner, as the same 2.8-liter turbodiesel and six-speed automatic transmission is used here. In the LC76, the 1GD engine produces 201hp and 500Nm of torque, decent numbers that provide adequate acceleration. Road manners are surprisingly pleasant for a 2.2-ton car with a ladder frame, solid axles, and rear leaf springs. The hydraulic recirculating ball steering is light with good feedback, but be prepared for massive inputs (four turns lock-to-lock) and a turning diameter of….12.6 meters!
One of the main issues with the entire Toyota LC70 line is ride quality. In stock form, the ride on smooth blacktop is firm at best, but it’s once you drive through Manila’s cracks and potholes that the stiff rear leaf springs deliver a sharp initial shock that sends you bouncing in the cabin. This test car has cured that problem by having its suspension upgraded by Overland Kings to adjustable dampers and lighter leaf springs. The result is a less firm ride that has eliminated the irritating sharp chop and has made this car a lot more livable as a daily driver.
I have had limited time in the rough stuff at a friend’s farm in San Pablo with this car, but it’s very obvious that its capabilities off-road are far beyond my own driving skills. I managed to drive through a section of dirt without the need to shift the manual transfer case to Lo-range or engage any of the differential locks. Based on my limited experience, I believe there are very few cars that can come close to matching the LC76’s off-road prowess.
After clocking close to 1,000km in the Land Cruiser 76, fuel consumption was at a very respectable 9km/L in what I can call real-world conditions. This should give your average driver a range of over 1,100km with the 130-liter fuel tank.
With the current spread of fully loaded SUVs available in the Philippine market, the lack of modern convenience items can be glaring. I, for one, would appreciate more sound insulation, auto-locking doors, automatic headlights, and parking-distance control. Having said that, the fact that 76 can trace its design roots to more than 40 years but is still in demand today is a remarkable motoring achievement. It has developed a cult status that is up there with the W460 Mercedes G-Wagon and the original Land Rover Defender. And judging by the number of old Land Cruisers going around, there is little doubt that we will be seeing these LC70s for another 40 years.
SPECS: 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series
Engine: 2.8-liter turbodiesel I4
Transmission: Six-speed automatic (with manual transfer case)
Power: 201hp @ 3,400 rpm
Torque: 500Nm @ 1,600-2,800 rpm
Drivetrain: 4WD (with Hi/Lo range)
Front suspension: Solid axle with coil springs and radius arms
Rear suspension: Solid axle with multi-leaf springs
Seating: 5
More photos of the Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series 2026:
