I for one would be head over heels if they were to offer an HDJ70 in North America. I've even considered trying to import one from oceania or South America under the 25+ year import exemption (but it's never been enough of an inkling to pursue with any real vigor). I'm a little different than most North American buyers though. I try to buy vehicles with as few options as possible because I want fewer things to break. No sunroof, no problem. Broken sunroof, BIG problem.
I don't think Toyota will ever bring the 70 series over though, for the same reason the won't bring the cheaper (yet far superior to the Tacoma) Hilux. They won't do it because it wont add market share. Anyone that wants a 70 or a Hilux is going to buy a Tacoma, Tundra, 4runner, or Land Cruiser instead. I can't imagine anyone that WANTS a 70 or a Hilux but chooses a Ford or a Jeep instead of the comparable Toyota, or for that matter any Jeep owners that would hastily move to a 70 were one to be offered. If you add the 70 or Hilux to your model line-up but don't increase market share, you're not really doing yourself any favors.
The idea of buying a brand new HDJ70 makes me giddy. Maybe not for $50K, but in the same ball park as a 4runner. Fleet data estimates a 300,000 mile service life before maintenance starts to outpace replacement cost. 15,000 mile service intervals on the diesels. Imagine, even if you get a 60 month loan, by the time you paid it off you'll be on your fifth oil change and can expect another 15 YEARS before you have to start looking at serious repairs (assuming 15K miles per year). I had an 80 series (which is a space station of complexity next to a 70) and it's a strange and marvelous feeling to be in a vehicle that is nearly unkillable.
I for one... DO want.
What does it compare with that's already being sold here?
As stated earlier it's a platform vehicle similar to a Ford Transit van or Pickup truck though it shares more in common with the old Econoline vans in that it doubles a a utility vehicle and people mover. That said, it's got off-road prowess on par with, well... Land Cruisers.
What requirements does it meet and what doesn't it meet?
That's complicated, but the short answer is emissions and crash testing. Those two things alone cost millions to bring a car into the North American market. The longer answer is, well... everything. Amber turn signals or red, wing mirror size and placement, head light lumen etc. Different markets, different laws, and millions to engineer solutions for each market.
Advantages and disadvantages of the platform?
Disadvantages? I don't understand the question. I mean I wouldn't take it to the Nurburgring. It kinda sucks at that but otherwise...
...actually I would take it to the track. I would just use it to tow a faster car.
