Toyota recently published a video going over one of the most unique models in the Land Cruiser nameplate’s history: the short-wheelbase (SWB) Land Cruiser 70. Uploaded to the official Land Cruiser channel, the video features three examples in multiple configurations, highlighting the enduring 70 Series’ versatility even with a minimized form factor.
The Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series has been around for close to 40 years now—a very, very long time in the automotive world. Yet it still finds itself in demand thanks to its rugged build and off-road prowess. But while many of us are familiar with the stripped-down basic character of the full-sized SUV, what does the SWB version offer? Check out the video below.
Watch: Toyota reviews the Land Cruiser 70 Short Wheelbase:
The video is hosted by Toyota Racing W2RC and Dakar Rally driver Takamoto Miura and Land Cruiser chief engineer Masaya Uchiyama. The latter opens the video by sharing that while the SWB 70 Series was previously available in Japan, it has since been discontinued. However, it lives on in the Middle East, commonly used as a work and utility vehicle.
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This is characterized by the first model the hosts showcase: a black model equipped with steel wheels and a snorkel. Inside, it comes with manual crank windows and vinyl trim—telltale signs of a vehicle built to be put to work.
That’s not to say the shortened 70 Series can’t be built as a lifestyle vehicle. The second model finished in sand-colored paint is a bit more liveable, with a suede-and-leather interior, power windows, and even an infotainment screen. The bodywork also includes fender extensions for a wider stance.
Last but not least is a soft-top convertible version with a highly modified body structure. The rear seating has been changed to a side-bench layout (like the 40-series Land Cruisers) to increase seating capacity up to seven, and the windshield folds down for utility purposes. An example by Uchiyama of how this would be useful is in the case of farmhands, who can throw lassos straight ahead to wrangle animals easily.
But how short is the SWB Land Cruiser 70’s wheelbase, really? At just 2,310mm, it’s dwarfed even by the recently-launched Land Cruiser FJ’s 2,580mm wheelbase. So much for being dubbed the “Baby LC”—this shortended 70-series actually has it beat for that title. Bonus comparo: the three-door Suzuki Jimny is still shorter than the SWB Land Cruiser 70 by just 60mm.
This shortened wheelbase lends itself to improved maneuverability while still retaining its rugged characteristics, making it useful in the fields of police patrol and cattle ranching. Uchiyama shares that he’s a fan of this LC’s form factor, but admitted that there aren’t any plans to bring it to the Japan lineup. As of now, most SWB 70-series LCs are bound for Middle Eastern markets.
Would you like to see Toyota Philippines reinforce the local lineup with this pint-sized 4x4? Or maybe a spicier question: would you prefer this over the new Land Cruiser FJ? Let us know what you think in the comments.
