- Toyota Land Cruiser 79 Double Cab (2022) Review
- What’s new about the 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser 79 70th Anniversary Edition?
- How the Land Cruiser 79 70th Anniversary Edition fares in terms of…
- Price and After-Sales Support
- Verdict
- 2023 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 79 DOUBLE CAB PICKUP LX V8 4.5L TURBO DIESEL 4WD MT
- Gallery
- HIGHLIGHTS
- LC 79 LX
- Colours
- Features
Toyota Land Cruiser 79 Double Cab (2022) Review
The 70th Anniversary derivatives are offered exclusively in Ivory White and, as shown above, Sand Beige.
What’s new about the 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser 79 70th Anniversary Edition?
The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of those rare vehicles that transcend fashion trends. Almost wilfully “agricultural” in its design, the Japanese brand’s ultimate 4×4 pick-up (the 70 series debuted in ’84) is regarded, paradoxically, as a workhorse – as well as a luxury item. Now 70 years into its existence, the model’s as popular as ever, and continues to soldier on as a back-to-basics, robust off-roader that you can trust to transport you to Timbuktu (literally and figuratively) and back.
To celebrate the milestone, Toyota has launched special 70th Anniversary edition derivatives of the Land Cruiser, in 79 single- and double-cab cab guises. The tweaks appear largely cosmetic, but most of them also serve to further enhance the vehicle’s legendary off-road ability. There are very few rivals to the Aichi-based firm’s “unashamed anachronism”, but we’ve included the newly-released, petrol-fed Jeep Gladiator and the Baja-inspired (outgoing) Ford Ranger Raptor…
The front end of the 70th Anniversary Edition is distinguished by a “heritage-inspired” grille and a tubular front steel bumper.
How the Land Cruiser 79 70th Anniversary Edition fares in terms of…
Design and Packaging
Available exclusively in Ivory White or Sand Beige (as shown here), the 70th Anniversary Edition can be easily distinguished by its unique “heritage-inspired” grille with Toyota lettering (instead of the usual Toyota ellipse badge) and 70th Anniversary logos that have been applied at various points in and around the vehicle. However, the more useful differences/changes to the regular 79-series derivatives include the fitment of a rear tubular step bumper (with a detachable towbar), rubberised load-bed lining (3 mm), a tubular front steel bumper (with integrated winch preparation). With its grey wheel-arch extensions and standing tall on its chunky 265/70 16-inch tyres, the Land Cruiser looks ready to hit the dirt.
Changes inside are minimal and also quite functional. Additions include unique grey canvas seat covers (emblazoned with 70th Anniversary emblems), Land Cruiser-branded floormats and, in one of the few nods to modernism, a touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity and navigation, as well as Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility.
Underneath the grey wheel-arch extensions sit 16-inch wheels shod with chunky 265/70 16-inch tyres.
Beyond these changes, the Land Cruiser’s cabin is as functional – and basic – as before. Large expanses of hard, grey plastic are the order of the day, but they feel suitably hard-wearing. You’re likely to take a while to get used to the old-fashioned sliding controls for the ventilation system, and the steering wheel looks like it was sourced from Nineties-era Hilux (it features no remote audio controls, for example). But everything has a pleasingly sturdy feel to it.
Performance and Efficiency
The Land Cruiser is powered by a tried-and-trusted 4.5-litre V8 turbodiesel that delivers 151 kW and 430 Nm between 1 200 and 3 200 rpm. These figures may appear low given the capacity of the engine, but remember that the Land Cruiser is primarily built for reliability and off-road performance. The fact that a Ford Ranger Raptor’s bi-turbo 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine delivers higher peak outputs should serve to illustrate just how unstressed the ‘Cruiser’s big V8 really is. Still, it’s not a vehicle to be hurried, though it does feel quite sprightly from pull-away to around 100 kph – if you flatten the accelerator pedal – and, for what it’s worth, the claimed top speed is 160 kph. The braked tow rating, meanwhile, is 3 500 kg.
The ‘Cruiser’s 4.5-litre V8 turbodiesel delivers leisurely on-road performance, but gets up to 100 kph relatively briskly.
The Land Cruiser 97 double cab is fitted with a 5-speed manual transmission, which has a pleasingly mechanical shift action and drives the vehicle’s rear wheels. Of course, a separate transfer case is fitted; there is no fancy push-button or “terrain-response” system here, you have to select low four-wheel drive Low or High the old-fashioned way, via a secondary lever. A rotary knob is fitted to activate the front- and rear differential locks, however.
Toyota claims an average fuel consumption figure of 11.9 L/100km, but 13.5 L/100 km is more likely, which means you should be able to travel around 963 km on a single tankful (130 litres).
The cabin of the 70th Anniversary Edition remains basic and solidly made, but the infotainment system is quite modern.
Comfort and Features
With a wheelbase of 3 180 mm, coupled with an overall length of 5 235 mm, the Land Cruiser 79 double cab is not quite as spacious inside as, say, the new Jeep Gladiator. Accommodating tall adults at the back will require some compromise from those seated in the front, but there’s enough space for a family of 2 adults and 3 children, we’d say. Once seated, everyone is afforded a towering view of their surroundings. Note only a lap belt is availed to the centre rear passenger.
Given the fact that this is a near-R1-million vehicle, luxury interior features are few and far between. Then again, simplicity and reliability are more important to Land Cruiser owners than fancy gubbins. The air-conditioner (once you’ve figured out how it works), is powerful, the infotainment system is comprehensive and there are electric windows all-round.
Interestingly, the Land Cruiser has an old-school retractable antenna, which can be lowered (when off-roading, for example). The lack of a rear-window demister is a bit of a nuisance, however.
The Apple CarPlay/Android Auto-compatible touchscreen infotainment system is just about the ‘Cruiser’s only sop to fashion.
The Land Cruiser is likely to be used for long trips quite often and, in that regard, we were somewhat surprised (and disappointed) by its shortage of storage solutions. There is one drinks holder in the front and the door pockets are narrow. The storage box between the front seats is also quite small and there are no drinks holders for rear occupants (but ashtrays are availed!). Thankfully the seat covers (unique to this vehicle) have stretching pockets that could hold cooldrink cans.
Overall, the Land Cruiser is perhaps a bit too spartan and rugged to be used as a daily runabout, but that’s not its purpose and it would be unfair to judge the Toyota against the criteria applied to crossovers and family SUVs. Out on the open road, and up to around 120 kph, its performance feels unstressed and the cabin is comfortable enough (considering what kind of vehicle the Toyota is), although wind noise becomes quite noticeable at the national speed limit.
The off-road ability of the Land Cruiser 79 is legendary. The off-roading fraternity cherishes the vehicle’s mechanical simplicity.
Ride and Handling
With its rigid front- and rear axles, off-road-biased tyres and high centre of gravity, it is clear that the Land Cruiser is built for slow and steady progress in the rough stuff, rather than a blast over a mountain pass. Nevertheless, we found it quite pleasing to drive at around-town speeds. The Toyota’s steering, for example, isn’t as vague as that of its Jeep rival and the mechanical nature of the controls makes for quite an engaging driving experience.
The ‘Cruiser laughs off speed bumps, or pavements, for that matter. But when you drive at higher speeds (such as on freeways), you may find the Toyota feels out of its element, which it is. Thankfully, ABS is fitted, but do keep in mind that there is no stability control to save your bacon… and when worst comes to worst, there are only two airbags (and they’re for the front passengers).
Suffice to say, the 79 double cab feels more “at home” when the tarmac turns to dirt and even more so when the road ends entirely. By simply engaging four-wheel drive low (4L), most ‘Cruiser drivers should be able to contend with somewhat tricky off-road conditions, but if things get really challenging (such as when traversing extreme low-grip surfaces), the Toyota’s front and rear differential can be locked!
In 4L mode, with both front and rear differential locks engaged, the ‘Cruiser feels virtually unstoppable off-road.
Visibility out of the vehicle is excellent, which makes it easier to place the car in difficult conditions, and that V8 really comes into its element when crawling up and over obstacles. For the record, the Land Cruiser’s approach and departure angles are 33 and 27 degrees, respectively. It has a claimed wading depth of 700 mm.
Price and After-Sales Support
The Land Cruiser 79 4.5D-4D LX V8 double cab 70th Anniversary sells for R981 100 before options. A 3-year/100 000 km warranty is included, but a service plan is optional (to a maximum of 7 years or 200 000 km). The service intervals are short by modern standards, however (10 000 km).
Some dealerships regularly offer great deals. See our New Car Specials!
The Land Cruiser 79 double-cab 70th Anniversary Edition is old-school… and perfectly fit for purpose.
Verdict
Simply put, this is not a vehicle that will suit everyone. The Land Cruiser 79’s design is several decades old and it offers little in the way of interior conveniences and luxuries, which is why the venerable Toyota seems so archaic – in a sadly superficial world, the 70th Anniversary Edition is little more than a relic.
But there’s something inherently appealing about a vehicle that is so resolutely counter-establishment, and so true to its purpose. Yes, it’s expensive, but it’s not expensive because it’s loaded with toys and offers snob appeal, but by virtue of genuine ruggedness and off-road ability.
At the price it has no direct rival in the local market – the Jeep Gladiator is a flashy “toy” for the wealthy, by comparison. Here’s to another 70 years! With its diff-locks engaged, the ‘Cruiser feels pretty much unstoppable. It’s also worth noting that the vehicle’s non-blingy exterior seems to encourage off-road bravery – a few off-road scars are surely badges of honour!
2023 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 79 DOUBLE CAB PICKUP LX V8 4.5L TURBO DIESEL 4WD MT
With a strong V8 4.5L Turbo-Diesel engine and a 5-speed manual transmission, this storied Toyota Land Cruiser pickup truck can handle even the hardest terrain. Sahara Motors in Dubai offers the Land Cruiser 79 Double Cab Pickup V8 4.5L Diesel Manual transmission in a variety of combinations.
Gallery
HIGHLIGHTS
LC 79 LX
ENGINE-1VD FTV 4.5L V8 DIESEL
ENGINE DISPLACEMENT CC-4461
MAXIMUM OUTPUT HP / RPM ISO NET- 195 / 3300
MAXIMUM TORQUE KGM/RPM ISO NET- 43.8 / 1200-3200
Colours
2023 MODEL TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 79 DOUBLE CAB PICKUP LX V8 4.5L TURBO DIESEL 4WD MANUAL TRANSMISSION
ENGINE, TRANSMISSION AND FUEL
ENGINE-1VD FTV 4.5L V8 DIESEL ENGINE
ENGINE DISPLACEMENT CC-4461
MAXIMUM OUTPUT HP / RPM ISO NET- 195 / 3300
MAXIMUM TORQUE KGM/RPM ISO NET- 43.8 / 1200-3200
FUEL TANK CAPACITY LTRS-130L
TRANSMISSION — 5 SPEED MANUAL
BRAKES, SUSPENSION AND SAFETY
SUSPENSION-FRONT- HEAVY DUTY COIL SPRING / REAR-HEAVY DUTY LEAF SPRING
ABS-ANTI LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
VSC-VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL
EBD-ELECTRONIC BRAKE DISTRIBUTION
ATRC-ACTIVE TRACTION CONTROL
AIR BAGS-DRIVER + PASSENGER
TPMS-TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM
FRONT WHEEL HUB WITH LOCK
WINDSHIELD GLASS-GREEN LAMINATED
INNER REARVIEW MIRROR-DAY/NIGHT
METER ILLUMINATION CONTROL
FORNT / REAR DIFFERENTIAL LOCK
SPEEDOMETER, HIGH GRADE KM/H
TIRE & DISC WHEEL, 265/70R 16C 7JJ
MUDGUARDS, OVERFENDER (FRONT + REAR)
GRADE PACKAGE- PLATING PACKAGE
OUTSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR-POWER AND CHROME WITH SIDE INDICATORS
SPARE TIRE COVER – HARD TYPE
STEEING WHEEL LEATHER + WOOD NEW COLOR
SEAT METERIAL – SYNTHETIC LEATHER KOGANE LIGHT OAK
CENTRE CONSOLE GLOSS BLACK
CENTRE CONSOLE WITH CUP HOLDER + USB
CLOCK WITH MULTI INFORMATION DISPLAY
STEREO: AUDIO: 7’ NAVIGATION SYSTEM WITH AM, FM, DVD, USB, AUX
BLUETOOTH, WIFI TETHERING, MIRACAST&AUTO+CONNECT+REAR CAMERA
Features
LC79
The 4.5 liter V8 twin cam diesel engine produces more power and torque while using less fuel and operating more quietly. For best comfort, there should be harmony between the front and rear suspensions. An interior that is roomy and has lots of storage for your convenience.
We believe in being reliable
Own your Dream Car with Sahara Motors Dubai, where you get great value for money, great service and your choice of models.
- Block 3, Showroom 25, Dubai Auto Market, Ras Al Khor — Dubai — United Arab Emirates
- +971 56 996 3661 , +971 56 188 5068
- +971561144253 , +971569963661
- info@saharamotorsuae.com
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