The Toyota Land Cruiser Series 70 is a highly respected vehicle, widely considered the gold standard for safaris in Kenya due to its durability, off-road capability, and adaptability to rugged environments like the Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Tsavo. Available for rent on platforms like Safari Cruisers, this model caters to tourists, wildlife photographers, and professional guides, offering the ability to traverse Kenya’s diverse landscapes with ease.
Specs
Here’s an expert table for the Toyota Land Cruiser Series 70 (1GR-FE Engine) specifications:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 24V 4.0 liter 1GR-FE |
| Piston Displacement (cc) | 3956 |
| Max. Output (net) kW/rpm | 170 kW @ 5200 rpm |
| Max. Torque (net) Nm/rpm | 360 Nm @ 3800 rpm |
| Fuel System | Electronic Fuel Injection |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| – Overall Length (mm) | 5070 |
| – Overall Width (mm) | 1770 |
| – Overall Height (mm) | 2115 |
| – Wheelbase (mm) | 2980 |
| Weight | |
| – Kerb Weight (kg) (Gasoline/Diesel) | 2115 (2060-2335) |
| – Gross Vehicle Weight (kg) | 3200 |
| Chassis | |
| – Suspension (Front/Rear) | Rigid axle, Coil springs / Semi-elliptic leaf springs |
| – Brakes (Front/Rear) | Ventilated discs / Drums |
| Turning Radius (m) | 6.8 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (liters) | 90 (+90 extra) |
| Tyres | 7.50R16-8PRLT |
This table provides a detailed breakdown of the Toyota Land Cruiser Series 70 key specifications with the 1GR-FE engine, which is highly regarded for its off-road capability and rugged performance.
Key Features of the Toyota Land Cruiser Series 70
- Off-Road Capability: The Series 70 is equipped with a robust 4WD system and high ground clearance, making it ideal for navigating rocky, sandy, or muddy terrains in national parks. The locking differentials provide essential traction on uneven ground, which is especially useful during game drives.
- Engine Performance: Most models come with a 4.2L inline-6 diesel engine, known for its torque and fuel efficiency, which is ideal for long-distance safaris in areas with limited refueling stations. Its diesel engine ensures that the vehicle can easily power through steep hills, muddy tracks, or deep sand, common in many of Kenya’s remote areas.
- Durability and Adaptability: Built with a solid-axle suspension and a tough chassis, the Series 70 can withstand the rigors of multi-day safaris. It’s often modified for safari use with features like open-sided seating or pop-up roofs for unobstructed game viewing, making it highly customizable.
Common Custom Modifications for Safaris
To enhance the experience, many safari operators outfit the Land Cruiser Series 70 with:
- Pop-up or open roofs for better game viewing and photography
- Reinforced suspension to handle extra passenger weight and equipment
- Cooler boxes, additional storage, and safety modifications like roll bars for added comfort and security during long trips
Caution and Expert Tips
While the Land Cruiser Series 70 is highly reliable, maintenance is key, particularly for older models that might experience wear on suspension or brakes. Ensuring regular service checks before long safaris is essential to prevent mechanical issues in remote areas. Fuel consumption can be higher, especially in more challenging terrains, so planning routes with available refueling points is important.
Why Rent the Land Cruiser Series 70 on Safari Cruisers
Renting through Safari Cruisers offers several advantages:
Experienced drivers: Available for those who prefer not to drive, enhancing the overall experience with their local knowledge
Some caveats..
Toyota Land Cruiser Series 70 is well-regarded for its longevity and low maintenance, as long as it’s regularly serviced. However, when dealing with older models, you’ll often find issues like worn-out components and higher fuel consumption, especially after heavy off-road use. I’ve noticed that regular checks on the suspension, brakes, and transmission system are crucial, particularly for vehicles that frequently traverse rough terrains. While the Series 70 performs exceptionally off-road, the interior can feel spartan, so I always recommend bringing along extra cushions for long game drives.
From personal observation, the manual transmission requires careful handling, especially on inclines, to prevent excessive wear on the clutch. I’ve seen common problems crop up around electrical systems and leaf springs, especially when the vehicle is loaded with passengers and gear.
Land Cruiser Series 70 2024 Model
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Series 70 remains an icon in off-road and safari circles, especially in Kenya. The latest model retains the rugged durability it is famous for, with some updated features and powertrain improvements to enhance both on-road and off-road performance.
One significant update is the introduction of the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel 4-cylinder engine, producing 150 kW of power and 500 Nm of torque. This engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, providing smoother driving and improved fuel efficiency over its predecessors. The 4.5-litre V8 turbo-diesel remains available for enthusiasts who prefer more power and a manual transmission option. These upgrades make the Series 70 better suited for both daily driving and the extreme conditions encountered during safari expeditions.
Here is a condensed table for the 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser Series 70 specs:
| Specification | 4.0L | 4.2L | 4.5L | 2.8L |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Capacity (ℓ) | 4.0 | 4.2 | 4.5 | 2.8 |
| Displacement (cm³) | 3956 | 4164 | 4461 | 2755 |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | 94.0 x 95.0 | 94.0 x 100.0 | 86.0 x 96.0 | 92.0 x 103.6 |
| Compression Ratio | 10.0 : 1 | 22.4 : 1 | 16.8 : 1 | 15.6 : 1 |
| Differential Gear Ratio | 4.100 | 4.100 | 3.909 | 4.300 |
| Differential Lock | Front and Rear | Front and Rear | Front and Rear | Front and Rear |
| Emission Control | Euro 2 | Euro 2 | Euro 4 (OBD) | Euro 2 |
| Fuel System | Petrol – EFI | Diesel | Diesel – Common Rail | Diesel – Common Rail |
| Max Power (kW @ r/min) | 170 @ 5200 | 96 @ 3800 | 151 @ 3400 | 150 @ 3000 – 3400 |
| Max Torque (Nm @ r/min) | 360 @ 3800 | 285 @ 2200 | 430 @ 1200 – 3200 | 500 @ 1600 – 2800 |
| Cylinders & Arrangement | V-Type-6 | Inline-6 | V-Type-8 | Inline-4 |
| Reverse Gear Ratio | 4.313 | 4.220 | 4.313 | 3.732 |
| Suspension (Front/Rear) | Rigid Axle (Coil) | Rigid Axle (Coil) | Rigid Axle (Coil) | Rigid Axle (Coil) |
| Transmission | Manual – 5-speed | Manual – 5-speed | Manual – 5-speed | Automatic – 6-speed |
| Turbo Charger | N/A | N/A | Yes | Yes |
| Spare Tyre | Full – Alloy | Full – Alloy | Full – Alloy | Full – Alloy |
| Wheel & Tyre | 265-70R16 Alloy | 265-70R16 Alloy | 265-70R16 Alloy | 265-70R16 Alloy |
| Air Conditioner | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Electric Windows | Driver Only | Driver Only | Driver Only | Driver Only |
| Steering Wheel | 4 Spoke Urethane | 4 Spoke Urethane | 4 Spoke Leather/Wood | 4 Spoke Leather/Wood |
From an off-road perspective, the Land Cruiser 70 still excels, with features such as a low-range transfer case, locking front and rear differentials, and rigid suspension, which help it tackle the rugged terrain of Kenya’s national parks. The body styles, ranging from the single and double-cab chassis to the station wagon, provide options depending on passenger and gear needs. While the vehicle’s handling is more on the utilitarian side, enhancements like the 6.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system and additional USB ports give it a modern edge.
The 2024 Series 70 also emphasizes safety with features like autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, and speed sign recognition, making it a practical choice for both experienced drivers and those unfamiliar with Kenya’s challenging road conditions(In summary, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series offers improved efficiency, safety, and technology while maintaining the rugged off-road capability that has made it the go-to safari.
Roof rack;
The Toyota Land Cruiser Series 70 is known for its suitability in carrying roof racks due to its durable construction and load-bearing capacity.
Unlike newer models that support pop-up roofs for game viewing, the Series 70’s design excels with rooftop tents or full camper setups. Its tough, body-on-frame structure and reinforced roof make it perfect for long expeditions. Combined with its leaf spring suspension, the Series 70 handles heavy loads and rough terrain effortlessly, making it a favorite for safaris and overlanding in Kenya’s rugged landscapes.