The Toyota Land Cruiser 80 Series, introduced in Australia in 1990, marked a significant evolution in the Land Cruiser lineage, blending robust off-road capabilities with enhanced comfort and modern features. This overview focuses on the diesel variants released in the Australian market, detailing the various models, mechanical and cosmetic changes over the years, and their performance specifications.

The HDJ 80 Series was available in multiple variants:

Standard: This base model featured part-time 4WD and was equipped with a 4.2-litre diesel engine. It was designed for practicality and utility, featuring vertically split rear doors.

GX: Positioned above the Standard Van, the GX offered additional comfort and convenience features, catering to both commercial and family users.

GXL: mid-tier model that balanced utility with comfort, the GXL included features like power windows and improved interior materials.

VX: The top-tier model in the diesel range, the VX provided luxury amenities such as advanced audio systems, enhanced interior finishes, and additional power accessories.

1990 Introduction: The initial diesel offering was the 1HZ engine, a naturally aspirated 4.2-litre inline-six producing approximately 96 kW (129 hp) and 285 Nm of torque.

1992 Update: Toyota introduced the 1HD-T engine, a 4.2-litre turbocharged inline-six delivering around 115 kW (154 hp) and 357 Nm of torque, enhancing performance, especially in towing and off-road scenarios.

1995 Refinement: The 1HD-FT engine replaced the 1HD-T, featuring a 24-valve DOHC configuration. This upgrade increased power output to approximately 125 kW (168 hp) and torque to 380 Nm, providing smoother and more efficient performance. Cosmetic and Feature Enhancements