Toyota showed the rare short-wheelbase version of the Land Cruiser 70 Series
The 70 Series remains a true star of the Land Cruiser lineup, as this SUV has been produced almost unchanged for over four decades, which in the automotive world is comparable to an entire geological era. In Japan, the retro model returned in 2024 with an update, but local buyers do not have access to all the modifications available in other markets. Alongside the pickup, Toyota also builds a short-wheelbase SUV version, and it is this variant that became the main topic of the official video review.
In the video, Toyota Racing W2RC/Dakar Rally team pilot Takamoto Miura and Land Cruiser chief engineer Masaya Uchiyama take a detailed look at three examples of the 70 Series SWB.
The first is a black narrow-body hardtop, built primarily for commercial use. It sits on steel wheels, is equipped with a snorkel, manual window regulators, and a basic vinyl interior. The second is a wide sand-colored hardtop with wheel arch extensions, power windows, and a leather and suede interior complemented by a multimedia display.
Convertible with foldable windshield
The real gem was a soft-top convertible whose windshield unlocks and folds flat onto the hood. Engineer Uchiyama explained that this design is favored by ranch owners, as it allows workers to throw lassos directly from the moving vehicle.
This solution is especially convenient for farmers — they can manage livestock without leaving the car.
The convertible also features a roll cage and side bench seats in the rear, increasing total capacity to six or seven people.
Record dimensions and chassis
The short-wheelbase version is one of the rarest configurations of the Land Cruiser 70 Series. Its compact wheelbase provides exceptional maneuverability, making this vehicle a frequent choice for municipal police and cattle ranch workers.
A key figure is the wheelbase length of 2,310 mm (90.9 inches). For comparison, that is 120 mm (4.7 inches) shorter than the smallest European Toyota model, the Aygo X, and only 60 mm (2.4 inches) longer than the Suzuki Jimny’s wheelbase. At the same time, the overall length of the Land Cruiser SWB reaches 4,235 mm (166.7 inches), significantly longer than the Jimny.
Like the rest of the 70 Series family, the short-wheelbase version retains a heavy ladder frame construction. It also features rigid solid axles front and rear, with front coil springs and rear leaf springs.
Engines and markets
Depending on the market, the SWB can be equipped with a naturally aspirated 4.2-liter six-cylinder diesel engine producing 129 hp (96 kW / 131 hp) or a 4.0-liter petrol V6 with 228 hp (170 kW / 231 hp). The diesel is paired with a five-speed manual, while the V6 comes with a six-speed automatic. In both cases, drive is all-wheel drive, 4WD.
Chief engineer Uchiyama revealed interesting statistics:
About 90% of all short-wheelbase 70 Series are exported to the Middle East, with the remaining 10% going to select regions in South America and Asia.
He also admitted that there are no plans to add the short-wheelbase 70 Series to the Japanese lineup in the near future, but he personally likes this compact SUV and hopes to see it in domestic sales later on.
Prices and availability
The three-door Hard Top SWB starts at 177,900 dirhams ($48,400) in Dubai, which is 10,000 dirhams ($2,700) cheaper than the comparable five-door variant. In some Middle Eastern countries, only the five-door SUV is available alongside the single-cab and double-cab 70 Series pickups.
Continuation: why the 70 Series remains a phenomenon
Despite the fact that the 70 Series design has hardly changed since the 1980s, demand remains consistently high thanks to legendary reliability and off-road capabilities. The short-wheelbase SWB version is an even more niche product, with a loyal following among farmers, police, and off-road enthusiasts. In the official video, engineers emphasize the practicality of solutions like the foldable windshield — it is not just a nod to retro style but a real need for users. The lack of plans for the Japanese market only underscores that the short-wheelbase 70 Series is primarily a global product for harsh operating conditions, not a fashion statement. Given the trend toward electrification, Toyota is unlikely to radically change this model, so the 70 Series will remain a symbol of a true body-on-frame SUV for a long time to come.