79 Series LandCruiser Ute 70th Anniversary Review

79 series – 2021 marked the 70^th anniversary of the iconic LandCruiser and the obviously they have a 70th Anniversary special-edition.

 Amongst these there are 200 versions of the 79 series single Cab Chassis, based on the GXL grade.

Externally, it is distinguished by the black heritage grille with ‘TOYOTA’ lettering, matching the black front bumper and wheelarch flares enclosing darkened 16-inch alloy wheels. Front foglamps and daytime running lights have been upgraded to LED units and there is a standard snorkel.

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Inside, the seats are clad in premium black leather like upholstery, black leather-accented trim on the steering wheel and gear shifter, woodgrain-look trim and instrument panel and silver and black highlights throughout.

A newly designed black centre console has also been fitted, complete with two additional 2.1-amp Type A USB chargers and a pair of cupholders.

All versions are powered by the strong and durable 4.5-litre turbo-diesel V8, producing 151kW/430Nm and teamed to a five-speed manual transmission.

All LandCruiser 79 series special-edition variants feature low-range gearing, 3500kg braked towing capacity, front and rear differential locks, a raised air intake and 130-litre fuel capacity.

Priced from $80,000 plus the usual costs

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)

*Towing and AWD Capability is compared to other similar vehicles in the same class.

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LC 79 Series SCC 4WD Ute Additional Thoughts –

In some ways, considering that Toyota has placed a stop on orders for this vehicle, what is said here doesn’t make much difference.

But that’s what I am here for so here goes:

Up front let me say I love the LC 79 Series Ute. I’m glad vehicles such as this continue to exist (for how long we don’t know)

The 70^th Anniversary model has a few little additions that are appreciated, such as leather like seats, I hate the fabric ones. Also the twin cup holders are handy.

While the new V6 diesel in the 300 series LandCruiser does nothing wrong really, there is a familiarity with the V8 low burble. It just sounds good and comforting.

However it would be great if Toyota could drop the V8 version from the LC200 Series with 200kW/650Nm in along with the 6 Sp Sports Automatic. Now that would be good.

New LED lights are am improvement, fog lights excellent.

Visibility frontwards is surprisingly good, but “B” pillar impedes over the shoulder visibility.

The simplistic cruise control I love.

A true 4WD lever to engage low range is old school and reassuring. Twin diff lockers and snorkel show its true intent.

Even though its a two seat cab chassis, you would be surprised what you can fit in behind the seats and between them behind the central storage bin. Pack with soft bags and you can go away for a weekend. Well two blokes maybe, not my missus!

The genuine tray is great and dual rear locking for the tray sides is excellent.

79 series Little daily niggles

A lot of these have been written about since 2012 and yet the LC79 remains the same.

Although improved, the turning circle is HUGE and noticeable on tight 4wd tracks as much as inner city roundabouts.

The LC79 series misses out on a lot of little luxuries that to be honest you can do without.

I can turn my lights and flick my high beam on and off myself, I can slide the heater controls myself, I can turn the wipers on and off myself. I can do without a HUD, but missing a few things is annoying.

It’s simply stunning that people will pay $80,000 plus and get

• no power mirrors,
• no reverse camera,
• No auto turning off headlights when engine switched off ( but the LC300 Series is the same)
• and no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Having to adjust the left hand external mirror continually when some person bumps it in a car park is plain annoying. As is not being able to see what is behind you when reversing, not to mention outright dangerous.

Like a lot of tray back Utes the fuel filler pipe is horizontal and slows refilling.

The rear tray, Toyota original accessory, is strong and robust, but there are no internal tie down points, which means that it’s awkward to tie down flat objects.  You end up tieing down over the sides.

LC 70 Additional Details –

WorkMate

• 5 litre V8 turbo diesel engine
• 130 litre fuel tank
• 5-speed manual transmission
• 16″ steel wheels
• Steel side steps
• Black front bumper, radiator grille and exterior mirrors
• Tilt and telescopic steering column
• Engine immobiliser
• Cruise control
• Active Traction Control (A-TRC)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• 2-speaker single CD audio with manual antenna, Bluetooth®1 , 2 and MP3 compatibility
• 1″ colour touchscreen display
• Satellite navigation with SUNA traffic channel3, 4
• Toyota Link1
• 12V accessory connector – x 1
• USB charging port1 – x 2
• USB multimedia input1 – x 1
• All weather floor mats – front
• Vinyl floor covering
• Textured vinyl seats

GX – In addition to, or in replacement of, WorkMate features:

• 16″ alloy wheels
• Over-fender flares
• Front mudguards – wide
• Differential locks – optional

GXL – In addition to, or in replacement of, GX features:

• Chrome painted front bumper
• Aluminium side steps
• Power windows
• Central locking/remote keyless entry
• Variable intermittent wipers
• Differential locks
• Carpet flooring
• Cloth seats
• Multi-function clock

70^th Anniversary Model

• Available in three colours, French Vanilla, Merlot Red and Sandy Taupe
• Black heritage grille with ‘TOYOTA’ lettering, matching the black front bumper and wheelarch flares,
• Darkened 16-inch alloy wheels and headlamp bezels,
• Front foglamps and daytime running lights LED units,
• ‘Heritage’ LandCruiser badge above the front wheelarch, as well as a ’70th Anniversary’ emblem.
• Seats are clad in premium black upholstery,
• Black leather-accented trim steering wheel and gear shifter,
• Woodgrain-look trim and instrument panel,
• Silver accents for the air vents and black treatment for the switch trims on the doors,
• Centre console has also been fitted, complete with two additional 2.1-amp Type A USB chargers and a pair of cupholders.