Deficiencies in the BTR-60's protection resulted in the BTR-70, which was broadly similar in design to its predecessor but had thicker armor over its frontal arc. Additionally, the troop compartment hatches were located under the vehicle's beltline, between the second and third pair of wheels. This provided greater protection to the troops when dismounting but made it more prone to accidents if the troops unloaded while in movement. Aside from this, there are only minor structural differences between the two, and even incorporates the same turret mounted on the BTR-60PB. NBC protection is provided, and amphibious capability is maintained through a similar water-jet system mounted at the rear of the hull. The BTR-70 saw action in Afghanistan as well in numerous small conflicts involving the Soviet Union's successor states and former Warsaw Pact allies where it was extensively exported and often modified locally.

The basic BTR-70 entered service in the early 1970s and was eventually upgraded with a slightly more powerful pair of GAZ-49B engines as well as additional periscopes and firing ports in the roof of the hull. The BTR-70V featured the turret of the BTR-80 but lacked the smoke grenade launchers. Further modernization resulted in the BTR-70M with even more improvements adopted from its successor. Other versions include the BTR-70K and BTR-70KShM command vehicles, BTR-70Kh chemical reconnaissance vehicle, SPR-2 radar jammer, BTR-70MS signals vehicle, and BREM repair and recovery vehicle. Numerous local variants exist, and these were designated SPW 70 in East Germany and TAB-77 in Romania, in this case an improved license-built version with diesel engines and more powerful guns.