What transmission was in the 80 series Land Cruiser?
The 80 Series used two main transmission setups: a four-speed automatic and a five-speed manual. Which one you could buy depended on the engine, the year, and the market.
Overview of transmission options
The 80 Series used two primary transmission families. Here is a concise guide to what you would typically find across its range:
- 4-speed automatic transmissions (A-series family), used with several engines across different trims and markets.
- 5-speed manual transmissions (R-series family), commonly paired with diesel engines and many higher-spec petrol variants.
In practice, automatics were more common on some gasoline models and manuals were favored with many diesel engines, particularly for off-road use.
Engine families and transmission pairings
Gasoline engines
Gasoline-powered 80 Series models offered either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. Manuals were popular among enthusiasts for control in challenging terrain, while automatics offered smoother highway driving.
- 5-speed manual transmissions (R-series), commonly paired with gasoline inline-six engines.
- 4-speed automatic transmissions (A-series), widely used with gasoline engines across various trims.
Exact pairings vary by year and market, but these configurations cover the majority of gasoline variants in the 80 Series.
Diesel engines
Diesel-powered 80 Series models typically offered both manual and automatic options, with manuals being especially prevalent in markets emphasizing rugged reliability and torque handling.
- 5-speed manual transmissions (R-series), standard with most diesel engines.
- 4-speed automatic transmissions (A-series), available in select markets and years.
As with gasoline models, availability depended on engine type, market, and production year.
Market and year variations
The 80 Series was produced roughly from 1989/1990 through 1999 in most markets, with some regional variations extending later. Regional preferences shaped the transmission lineup. In some markets, gasoline models leaned toward automatics for comfort, while diesel variants more often used manuals. The late 1990s saw broader adoption of additional transmission options, but the basic choice remained between a four-speed automatic and a five-speed manual.
Summary
The Land Cruiser 80 Series offered two core transmission families — four-speed automatics and five-speed manuals — with variations by engine, market, and year. This setup balanced on-road ease with off-road capability, reflecting the model’s global versatility.
