The Major LandCruiser 70 Upgrade Toyota Boss Loves (But Owners Might Hate)

While hydraulic steering is beloved for its toughness, Electronic Power Steering (EPS) offers two massive advantages that Toyota is finding hard to ignore: fuel efficiency and safety tech integration. Fuel Economy: Hydraulic systems use a pump physically driven by the engine, which creates "parasitic loss"—it constantly draws power and burns fuel even when you aren't turning the wheel. EPS only draws power when needed, reducing fuel consumption. Modern Safety: Advanced safety features like Lane Keep Assist and automated parking require the car's computer to make micro-adjustments to the steering. This is significantly easier and more precise to do with an electric motor than with a hydraulic system.

The current LandCruiser 70 Series uses a recirculating ball hydraulic steering box. This is an old-school, heavy-duty design known for being incredibly robust and resistant to damage from impacts (like hitting rocks or washouts). In contrast, most modern utes (like the HiLux) use a rack-and-pinion system. If Toyota moves to EPS, they would need to integrate an electric motor either onto the steering column or the rack itself. The fear for many owners is that adding electronic motors, sensors, and fuses introduces more "points of failure" in the bush compared to a purely mechanical hydraulic pump.

It is becoming increasingly rare. Most modern large American pick-ups (like the RAM 1500 and Ford F-150) have successfully switched to Electronic Power Steering to enable safety features and improve highway driving comfort. However, the 70 Series is unique because it is often used in far more remote, harsh environments (like deep underground mines or cattle stations) than the typical lifestyle pick-up, which is why Toyota is so cautious about making the switch.