Test Drive Report: Toyota Land Cruiser 70 ZX

A Living Legend: Driving the 1995 Land Cruiser 70 ZX on Public Roads

Experiencing the authentic DNA of Toyota’s iconic off-roader

By Hamayan
Former Toyota planner and lifelong car enthusiast. Has driven more than 1,800 cars over his career.

The first true off-roader in KINTO’s vintage-car project Vintage Club is the Land Cruiser 70. This particular vehicle has been carefully restored and customized by Land Cruiser BASE, operated by Toyota Auto Body—the birthplace of the Land Cruiser itself.

First launched in 1984 as the successor to the beloved 40 Series, the 70 Series has seen a complicated history in Japan, with periods of discontinuation and revival. Overseas, however, it has remained a constant presence, cherished as a heavy-duty workhorse that simply refuses to quit.

The vehicle tested here is roughly 30 years old, with more than 196,000 km under its belt. Yet out on modern public roads, it delivered the unmistakable feel of the 70 Series—confident, mechanical, and utterly authentic.

1. Exterior & Interior — Timeless, functional design that still feels right today

As a model that has remained in production for four decades, the Land Cruiser 70 retains a design philosophy that has changed very little since its debut.

The exterior is filled with the rugged presence of a truly heavy-duty off-road machine—its unique character stands out among today’s SUV crowd, many of which are based on passenger-car platforms. The 70’s purposeful shape makes it instantly distinctive, much like a Jeep Wrangler.

Inside, the design is similarly functional. The cabin and driver’s area are laid out like a no-nonsense workspace, built around the controls necessary for a serious off-road vehicle. Both the exterior and interior embody a “good design” backed by function.

2. Classic diesel sound and vibration — driving that requires a bit of getting used to

The 4,163cc inline-six diesel engine (1HZ) delivers a driving experience straight out of the era in which it was born. Despite being an inline-six, the noise and vibration are more pronounced than in modern passenger cars and are clearly felt in the cabin.

In addition, the five-speed manual transmission has a very low 1st-gear ratio, with a large gap before 2nd gear. To drive smoothly, you need to upshift quickly into 2nd shortly after moving off. This takes some getting used to.

However, once accustomed to these quirks, the 70 drives through modern city streets and suburban roads without issue.

3. Steering & Handling — Suspension and riding experience are distinctive

Beyond the powertrain, the steering and overall vehicle behavior feel distinctive and require some adjustment. The vehicle responds with a slight delay after steering input, so turning the wheel a little earlier makes for smoother cornering.

Despite its tall dimensions, body roll is not as large as expected, and the vehicle still turns firmly—again, with a slight delay. Driving it well means adapting to its “70-Series rhythm.”

Ride quality is also unique, thanks to the leaf-spring rigid suspension in the front and rear. It delivers a confident, durable feel, but you can clearly sense the movement of the suspension and tires beneath you.

The suspension transmits larger bumps prominently, yet curiously, manhole covers barely register—an oddly fascinating sensation.

4. Minimal comfort features, but enough for everyday use

As a 30-year-old vehicle, comfort features are limited. Aside from the transfer case and other off-road essentials, you get air conditioning, power steering, power windows, and electric mirrors. These are sufficient for safe, comfortable everyday driving on familiar roads.

The custom BRIDE seats installed on this build greatly improved ease of driving and comfort.

A legendary off-roader — for those who want to feel the roots of the 70 Series

The Land Cruiser 70 is one of Toyota’s most celebrated long-running nameplates—a true icon that continues to generate stories around the world.

I haven’t driven the latest 70 Series, but I’m sure the early and current models share many common traits while also differing in key areas. For anyone who wants to experience the original form and driving character of this great machine, this vintage example is highly recommended.

A machine that resonates with true 70-Series fans and off-road enthusiasts

Driving the 70 requires some acclimation.
The delayed steering response, tractor-like first gear, and old-school diesel vibrations may leave everyday drivers puzzled.

Which is precisely why this vehicle resonates so deeply with those who already love the 70 Series or off-roading. It rewards people who appreciate mechanical honesty and character over modern smoothness.

Still worth trying — even for sports-car fans

The concentration required for steering and shifting evokes the feel of driving a classic sports car. There’s a rhythm, a technique, and a level of engagement you simply don’t get from modern vehicles.

That’s why I hope not only off-road devotees but also sports-car enthusiasts or drivers curious about vintage vehicles will give the 70 a try. Standing in front of this machine, its presence alone invites you into another era of driving.

Vehicle Information

1995 Toyota Land Cruiser 70 ZX
Mileage: 196,800 km

Key Specifications

• Dimensions (L × W × H) / Wheelbase: 4805 × 1790 × 2040 mm / 2730 mm
• Weight: 2200 kg
• Engine: 1HZ (4163cc inline-six diesel)
• Output: 135 PS @ 4000 rpm
• Torque: 29.0 kg·m @ 2200 rpm (JIS gross)
• Suspension: Leaf-spring rigid (front / rear)
• Tires: LT285/75R16

Customization & Maintenance

• Toyota Auto Body (Land Cruiser BASE)
• Shinmei Kogyo Co., Ltd.

Test Drive Route

• April 16, 2024
• Toyota City
• Approx. 30 km