Toyota mining icons
The next generation of site vehicles
For decades, Toyota vehicles have played a critical role across Australia’s mining sector, earning a reputation as a dependable workhorse.
In the face of growing competition from challengers around the globe, Toyota continues to deliver reliable performance year after year, kilometre after kilometre. The most recent iterations to the 70 Series, Hilux and Prado reflect this perfectly.
In this feature, The Australian Mining Review puts these three iconic vehicles under the spotlight and reviews the changes that have been introduced across the latest generation models.
While these specifications apply to the standard road versions of each of these vehicles, there are a number of quality companies in this feature who specialise in bringing each model up to mine spec — with all the additional modifications and accessories tailored to the unique demands of each site.
Landcruiser 70 Series range upgraded
The next chapter in the story of the venerable Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series is set to begin with the arrival of the heavily upgraded 4×4 range, sporting new styling, upgraded technology, and a second powertrain option never before offered on the 70 Series.
Since its launch in 2007, the current-generation 70 Series range has been available exclusively with the 1VD-FTV 4.5L turbo-diesel V8 engine and five-speed manual transmission.
However, the upgraded LandCruiser introduces the 1GD 2.8L turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, for the first time in the 70 Series.
Toyota Australia sales, marketing and franchise operations vice president Sean Hanley says the upgraded LandCruiser 70 Series would benefit a wide range of customers looking for a tough and capable 4×4.
“For decades, the 70 Series has been the vehicle of choice for the farming, mining and agricultural sectors, as well as a favourite of off-roading and overlanding enthusiasts,” he said.
“The introduction of the new powertrain will not only broaden the appeal of the 70 Series range to more customers, but helps reduce weight, improve payload and reduce fuel consumption compared to the V8, delivering on customer demands.
“It gives our customers the power of choice between the torque-rich four-cylinder automatic and the tried-and-true manual V8 across all four 70 Series body styles, providing a wide range of alternatives for buyers.”
The new 2.8L four-cylinder powertrain has been proven over the years in a range of Toyota 4×4 models and produces 150kW at 3400rpm and 500Nm from 1600-2800rpm, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Multiple mechanical changes have been made to the engine specifically for the 70 Series to ensure optimal cooling and performance in tough conditions and under heavy towing loads, with all models of the 70 Series’ maintaining a strong 3500kg braked towing capacity.
The 4.5L turbo-diesel V8 produces 151kW at 3400rpm and 430Nm from 1200-3200rpm and, paired with a five-speed manual, will continue to be offered on all 70 Series variants with the exception of the 76 Series WorkMate.
As before, the LandCruiser 70 Series range is equipped with a part-time 4×4 system with low-range gearing, durable live axles and front coil suspension.
All GXL grades add front and rear locking differentials for ultimate off-road traction, which are optionally available on the GX Single-Cab Chassis and WorkMate Double-Cab Chassis.
2026 HiLux: major upgrades and locally developed design
The latest HiLux range boasts improved driveability, greatly enhanced interior technology and comfort, and an exterior design spearheaded by Toyota Design Australia.
The entire HiLux range benefits from an extensive range of upgrades including new electric power steering, enhanced active safety technology, latest-generation multimedia system and the standard fitment of Toyota’s powerful and reliable 2.8L turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine on all grades.
The turbo-diesel HiLux will be joined by a battery-electric version in 2026, aimed at fleet, mining and business buyers wanting an electric vehicle that still retains the functionality and performance of a ute.
“Australian HiLux customers demand a lot from their vehicle, whether it’s tackling harsh outback terrain in extreme temperatures, or hauling a tray full of tools around suburbia day in, day out,” Mr Hanley said.
“This new-generation HiLux retains its legendary reliability, durability and class-leading off-road capability while delivering vastly improved comfort, functionality and advanced technology.
“Its bold, contemporary exterior design, led by our local design team in Australia, along with the extensive testing and evaluation carried out here, make it the most Australian HiLux yet.
“Adding a BEV variant to the HiLux range in 2026 will be a boon for businesses looking to reduce the carbon footprint of their light-commercial vehicle fleet, and showcases Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to electrification,” he said.
The new HiLux is offered in five different model grades, consisting of WorkMate, SR, SR5 and the on- and off-road Rogue and Rugged X flagships.
WorkMate and SR grades are offered with the choice of 4X2 or 4X4 drivelines, with the rest of the range being 4X4 only.
All variants are powered by Toyota’s 1GD-FTV 2.8L turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, producing a maximum 150kW of power and either 420Nm of torque when teamed with the six-speed manual gearbox or 500Nm with the six-speed automatic transmission.
Select double-cab automatic grades also offer 48-volt V-Active technology, providing smooth stop-start functionality, additional acceleration boost, and improved fuel economy.
The entry-level WorkMate grade is available in rear-wheel drive as a single cab-chassis or double-cab pick-up, while WorkMate 4X4 variants can be had as a single cab-chassis, double-cab pick-up or double-cab chassis.
2025 LandCruiser Prado
The new-generation LandCruiser Prado SUV delivers comprehensive improvements in driveability, off-road capability, safety, technology and functionality, all wrapped in a bold, stylish redesign that will appeal to urban families and off-road adventurers alike.
The all-new LandCruiser Prado is built on a stronger and stiffer TNGA-F architecture, shared with its larger LandCruiser 300 Series sibling, and introduces Toyota’s latest on and off-road driver assistance, multimedia and active safety technologies and new 48V assisted V-Active technology powertrain mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission.
In developing the new model, Toyota went back to its origins to seek inspiration from the qualities that have made the LandCruiser such an iconic nameplate and delivered on the essence of that history with the all-new LandCruiser Prado, evident in its design, its agility and serious off-road capability, and practical functionality.
“Australians love the LandCruiser Prado for its supreme off-road ability and the durability and reliability that makes it worthy of the LandCruiser nameplate,” Mr Hanley said.
The new LandCruiser Prado is offered in a choice of five grades — GX, GXL, VX and top-of-the-range Kakadu, along with the off-road-focussed Altitude, with all featuring the new V-Active powertrain and eight-speed automatic transmission.
Underpinned by the stronger and stiffer TNGA-F ladder-frame architecture, the LandCruiser Prado has grown compared to the outgoing generation, with the wheelbase extended by 60mm to 2850mm and front and rear track widened by 79mm and 83mm to 1664mm and 1668mm respectively.
This has enabled Toyota to extend the overall length of the LandCruiser Prado by 165mm to 4990mm and increase its width by 95mm to 1980mm, providing an increase in interior space.
The dramatic new exterior design, inspired by LandCruisers of the past, offers both a retro aesthetic and substantial functional benefits.
With a low beltline, a flat bonnet and big glass areas, the all-new LandCruiser Prado offers superb visibility in tight off-road environments while its chamfered edges and high-mounted lamps are designed to minimise the potential for damage.
Likewise, the interior has been comprehensively upgraded with a new-look design which vastly improves the level of technology, comfort and space for five or seven occupants, depending on the grade.
The LandCruiser Prado is powered exclusively by Toyota’s tried and tested 2.8L turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, augmented with 48-volt V-Active technology, which offers improvements to smoothness, driveability and fuel efficiency.
Producing peak outputs of 150kW/500Nm, the powertrain is mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission with a broader spread of ratios than before, with a full-time all-wheel drive system, dual-range transfer case and a centre lockable Torsen limited slip differential (LSD).
The adventure-focussed Altitude version takes its off-road capability even further with a lockable rear differential and front stabiliser disconnect mechanism (SDM) that enables the front stabiliser bar to be disconnected to further improve wheel articulation in harsh environments.
