The Toyota LandCruiser is one of the most recognisable names in the 4WD world — especially here in Australia, where it’s become the go-to rig for farmers, miners, tradies, tourers, and anyone who needs to get somewhere reliability still matters.
But a surprisingly common question — especially from newcomers to the 4WD scene — is:
Who actually makes the LandCruiser?
The short answer is Toyota. But the full story goes deeper — into factories, engines, global production shifts, and why certain models (like the 70 Series) are harder to get than ever.
Who Makes the LandCruiser?
The LandCruiser is manufactured by Toyota Motor Corporation, a Japanese automotive giant headquartered in Toyota City, Japan. Founded in 1937, Toyota is now the world’s largest carmaker and a major player in everything from hybrid technology to hydrogen development.
The LandCruiser is one of Toyota’s oldest and most iconic nameplates, with production starting back in 1951. It was originally developed as a military-style 4WD and has since evolved into several distinct families — including the rugged 70 Series and the luxury-oriented 300 Series.
Where Are LandCruisers Made?
Toyota manufactures LandCruisers in multiple factories, depending on the variant and the market.
70 Series
Manufactured in: Japan (Toyota’s Yoshiwara and Tahara plants)
Despite being a commercial platform, the 70 Series is still built in Japan, where it’s hand-assembled with remarkable consistency — one reason why the build quality is so highly respected.
Australia is one of the largest markets for the 70 Series, which is why Toyota continues to offer it here even as other markets phase it out.
300 Series
Also made in Japan, but on different production lines, using newer manufacturing techniques and platforms (TNGA-F).
It’s a global vehicle, sold in places like the Middle East, South Africa, and Russia, where the LandCruiser badge still carries serious weight.
Prado
Built in Japan and occasionally in other countries (such as under contract in markets like Pakistan and Venezuela for local sales).
The Prado shares components with the Hilux and Fortuner, and in some ways it straddles the line between comfort and capability.
Why Is the LandCruiser So Popular in Australia?
The LandCruiser wasn’t just dumped into the Aussie market — it earned its reputation over decades of hard use. Its reliability, simplicity, and toughness made it the go-to vehicle for remote work in mining, agriculture, and emergency services.
But it’s not just about toughness. Toyota’s global supply chain, parts support, and dealer network have helped it thrive where other manufacturers couldn’t compete — especially in the harsh Australian Outback.
Who Designs and Engineers the LandCruiser?
Toyota’s global product planning teams in Japan are responsible for the design and engineering of all LandCruiser models. However, Australia plays a big role in testing and feedback, especially for the 70 Series.
Toyota engineers regularly test and tune vehicles in Outback Australia, using our harsh terrain as a benchmark.
In fact, the latest updates to the 70 Series (like the 2.8L automatic) were extensively tested in Australia before being rolled out.
Why Are 70 Series Models So Hard to Get?
Even though Toyota makes the LandCruiser, it doesn’t mean they make enough of them.
Limited production capacity in Japan
Global demand, especially for fleet and government use
Changes to Australian emissions laws, requiring engineering updates (like AdBlue)
The end of V8 production, leading to a final scramble for remaining builds
This all adds up to waitlists of 12–24 months or longer, depending on your variant and location. Some buyers have waited years.
Final Thoughts
So — who makes the LandCruiser? Toyota does. But more than that, they engineer it, refine it, and build it with a reputation on the line.
The 70 Series in particular remains a product of old-school Japanese manufacturing — built tough, with minimal fluff, and designed to do a job. And in a world where most vehicles are getting softer and more digital, that matters more than ever.
Whether you’re buying new, waiting on an order, or dreaming of owning one, it helps to know the story behind the badge. Because the LandCruiser isn’t just built — it’s earned.
