childcareman.xyz brings reviews, research tools and trusted buying support together, guiding you from research to delivery with confidence.
It’s impossible to overstate the importance of the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series in Australia.
Unless you’ve ever been to the outback, you just don’t imagine how ubiquitous is the 70 Series; what it means for hardworking men and women who work in areas so remote that their car is often lifeline of all those guys.
You’ve just found yourself in the car park of the Tibooburra Gymkhana, in New South Wales’ remote north-east corner where you can easily mistake it for sandy forecourt of a Toyota dealership.
But if the LandCruiser is still something of a status symbol for young ringers, it’s only because over decades since its 1970 Series was more reliable vehicle to those living in the harsh and unforgiving environment of the Australian outback.
WATCH: Paul’s video review of the 2024 Toyota LandCruiser 79 dual-cab/chassis GXL automatic
Which brings us to possibly the most controversial iteration of the 70 Series to date. This is the LandCruiser 79 Series GXL, the range-topping single-cab/chassis 4×4 model, powered by the same 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine found in the HiLux – known as the 1GD-FTV.
But it’s probably a small part of the LandCruiser 70 Series family The 79 Series is for the single-cab ute, the 78 Series to be for that Troop Carrier and this 76 Series being the five-door wagon. One of the wittiest facts In other countries, Toyota calls the 70 Series family internally ‘LandCruiser Military’.
Since the 1984 launch of the model, two dozen engines have been compared to 70 Series’s original engine designs; however, increasing fuel-efficiency and emissions standards mean that the beloved 4 is now in demand. A 5-litre turbo-diesel V8 has been discontinued.
In addition to some of the criticisms of 70 – it has been given cupholders, power windows and a head unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as several basic ADAS features that Toyota has done its best in response.
The retro facelift is also a little funny it’s also given – because its style is thrownup unback to itself. Like if your parents started wearing flared jeans again?
But while the 70 Series has pretty much been the go-to for a heavy-duty workhorse, Ford recently entered the chat with its tougher, V6-powered Ranger Super Duty, offering a more modern alternative with a larger engine than the Toyota.
So, can the LandCruiser 79 Series still hold its own in 2026 with a HiLux engine?
How much does the Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series cost?
Unlike every other damn thing in 2026, Toyota has – so far – kept pricing of the 70 Series stable.
| Model | Price before on-road costs |
| — | — |
| 2026 Toyota LandCruiser 76 Series WorkMate Wagon automatic | $75,600 |
| 2026 Toyota LandCruiser 76 Series GXL Wagon manual | $77,800 |
| 2026 Toyota LandCruiser 76 Series GXL Wagon automatic | $79,800 |
| 2026 Toyota LandCruiser 78 Series Troop Carrier WorkMate manual | $77,200 |
| 2026 Toyota LandCruiser 78 Series Troop Carrier WorkMate automatic | $79,200 |
| 2026 Toyota LandCruiser 78 Series Troop Carrier GXL manual | $80,500 |
| 2026 Toyota LandCruiser 78 Series Troop Carrier GXL automatic | $82,500 |
| 2026 Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series Single-cab/chassis WorkMate automatic | $76,800 |
| 2026 Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series Single-cab/chassis GX automatic | $78,800 |
| 2026 Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series Single-cab/chassis GXL automatic | $80,900 |
| 2026 Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series Double-cab/chassis WorkMate manual | $77,300 |
| 2026 Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series Double-cab/chassis WorkMate automatic | $79,300 |
| 2026 Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series Double-cab/chassis GXL manual | $81,500 |
| 2026 Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series Double-cab/chassis GXL automatic | $83,500 |
The LandCruiser is nothing but a bargain, it’s just. It’s not tech and features you’re paying for – it’ll be off-road competence, strength and capability.
The 70 Series remained virtually unchallenged until recently, when it was almost never challenged. But the Ford Ranger Super Duty is now on the scene, with the base model starting at $82,990 before going to cost – or about $2000 more than range-topping LandCruiser GXL. However, the base Super Duty is comparatively loaded with features as opposed to the sparse Toyota.
To see how the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series stacks up against its rivals, use our
comparison tool
Let us help you find your new car
Buy your new car without the stress. It’s fast, simple and completely free.
Great service from Travis and team, second time I have used this business would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone.
Craig C.
Purchased a Ford Ranger in Sunshine Coast, QLD
childcareman.xyz helped Craig save thousands on his Ford Ranger, now let us save you on your next new car.
Find a deal
What is the Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series like on the inside?
But the 79 Series is a bit of ‘culture shock at first’ as we’re constantly jumping in and out of brand-new cars every week.
George Michael’s ‘Careless Whisper‘ was on the charts when this thing first went on sale and, like a recent drum-and–bass remix, Toyota has done what it can to make the LandCruiser relevant for today’.
Two-dimensional vinyl and cardboard door cards – below exposed metal, finished in the ute’s beautiful blue exterior paint are an ongoing reminder that this car was designed before mobile phones and personal computers were being used.
It’s not just a tough-looking show pony, but the fact you have to slam the doors hard every time you close them tell your friend that isn’t just an easy joke.
The door cards are a good deal of work done by Toyota, which has made the LandCruiser feel more modern and up to date.
It has some weird shapes here and there are, as designers have tried to fit a few cupholders into what is’very narrow’ cabin but the number of useful cubby spaces for your phone and sunglasses makes it comparatively practical interior for drivers.
Annoyingly though, the space created for your mobile doesn’t have a wireless charger built in.
Also, you need this little-sized metal stuffy that’s placed into a barrel in the steering column just to get an engine started. It isquaint!’ .
The shock reaches the surface after a day or two behind the wheel, and appreciation is found to be sent by its shock. A lvers and knobs for the HVAC, traditional shifters for transmission, indicator and wiper stalks where you think they are; real buttons for everything else.
It’s the ham and cheese sandwich that actually is the most appealing, as it’s in a world of deconstructed gourmet food with green foam, all trying to impress and stand out.
I could adjust the fan without taking my eyes off the road – and you just know what levers and flaps behind the dash are going to outlast most political careers.
This double-DIN head unit also is a cheap and old, but not quite in the same charming manner as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired Apple carplay and wireless auto – or Bluetooth music streaming for those who don’t have sat with them)).
I was born with a Toyota that would have amortised its 70 Series investment around the same time. It’s – at least for me, but it is if there isn’t eloquently disappointing about my factory stereo (especially considering the cost of this).
Some cheapy head unit and dual 4.0-inch speakers are taking the mickey for a vehicle that starts from about $81,000.
And again, it’s almost a statement in itself. I’m looking for a fancy tech guy. Get the Ranger Super Duty, with its huge portrait screen? If your muddy Border Collie parkour in your car, you want something that can be easily replaced. This is the one you would like to replace when it’s what you think of this?
The cluster of instruments remains mostly analogue, with retro gauges based on the FJ40; small TFT screen via steering wheel controls.
Just like everything in this car, the seats are basic but comfortable, ergonomics are good – even for one-cab and you wonder whether you really need something more than this.
While driving I saw that the low-range selector was’singing against my left leg, but forgot about it almost as quickly when I noticed it.
Hard plastics, knob vibratory knobs and vinyl floors, rubber mats. While it sounds like a place you’d never go on saturday night in the city, that is all part of the LandCruiser’s commitment to longevity and gives it an element of respect and charm that most people don’t see in today’.
| Dimensions | Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series single-cab/chassis |
| — | — |
| Length | 5235mm |
| Width | 1870mm |
| Height | 1955mm |
| Wheelbase | 3180mm |
To see how the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series stacks up against its rivals, use our
comparison tool
What’s under the bonnet?
The LandCruiser 70 Series has been released only with a 2 since the introduction of its . A power-making 8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine is 150kW (50kW) with a choice of five-speed manual, 450Nm or 650NM automatic six-Speed automatic; all with rear-wheel drive and part-time four wheel drive with low-range.
| Specifications | Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series single-cab/chassis auto |
| — | — |
| Engine | 2.8L 4cyl turbo-diesel |
| Power | 150kW |
| Torque | 500Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed auto |
| Drive type | Part-time 4×4 (2H, 4H, 4L) |
| Fuel economy (claimed) | 9.6L/100km |
| Fuel tank | 130 litres |
| Weight (kerb) | 2130kg |
| Payload | 1020kg |
| Braked towing capacity | 3500kg |
| Gross vehicle mass (GVM) | 3510kg |
| Gross combination mass (GCM) | 7010kg |
Toyota cites 9 on average fuel consumption as an example of the car’s . We used 12L/100km for the LandCruiser ute but we ended up using 6L/6L. It was 1L/100km when we were with it – although I did not towing or carrying any type of load.
I don’t think it is a deal-breaker for most buyers, but an increase of 26 per cent over the published claims is quite rude and could significantly affect bottom line of fleet budgets.
To see how the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series stacks up against its rivals, use our
comparison tool
How does the Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series drive?
I can’t remember another car that was so universally respected on the road as the 70.
It’s a little bit about the LandCruiser that Aussies love, and there seems to be’very quiet appreciation for people who buy them and what they represent. Or is everyone just swayed out of the way of that big-ute, who knows.
Firstly, the powertrain. The turbo-diesel is strong, perky, and entirely usable for city or country.
The pedal is mapped by Toyota, I think the little throttle will make it strong and engine feels more eager than the 4 but probably so does that’s why we feel like this? I am looking for a 5-litre to compare the two, but it’s almost as much power as they are.
Sure, it doesn’t have the slap of diesel V8, but also has the injector tick of the old engine. While the engine noise has as much personality as a Caroma cistern, what it offers is ‘a great turbo whistle’ — especially if you have s snorkel next to your open window.
Maybe that’s why my fuel economy was so poor…
A70 Series is a fast-paced 70 Series that can be quick to speed and avoid traffic with nudges of small numbers. You wind out it’s not really an engine that you blow out – just keep it on boost and let the six-speed auto do its thing.
In a way that smooths out the acceleration and keeps you in your right cog, speaking of it, the transmission does an excellent job. Down a hill, off-throttle and down it’ll be even downshift so you can use engine compression rather than lean on the brakes.
But the brakes are there if you need them, and provide a strong and predictable pedal.
Given how shockingly bad the ride is on the new HiLux – despite having the extra weight of a tub – I really wasn’t expecting the LandCruiser to ride quite as well as it did, and particularly with a factory lightweight alloy tray.
Could (and did) use the 70 as my daily driver. The ride comfort was not a complaint I had received, but complained about it through suburbia, up. ‘freeway and across the city of suburbanism for no reason.”
She is sure to be about throning Rolls-Royce, but for a heavy-duty commercial ute with ‘the ladder frame’ it was great – perhaps in part because of its off-road tyres with huge sidewalls.
Take a step towards the ageing Toyota with the right expectations, and handling is pretty good. Do you think s do what it says on the box, no complaints?
From expert reviews to the right deal
childcareman.xyz brings reviews, research tools and trusted buying support together, guiding you from research to delivery with confidence.
View showroom
Compare cars
Find a deal
But it takes a little adjustment period to get used to the steering, though, for s. It is laughably bad, and the turning circle itself has about eleventibillion turns lock-to-lock. And if you have to see a corner somewhere on the horizon, so should you get the wheel turning early?
That is the catchall term for all those annoying beeps and bongs that pretend to know how to drive a car better than you do, Then there’s the ADAS – the word for every one of these irritating beers and Bong. I’ve recently had my first car in a brand new car. It may be the best ADAS I have ever experienced, but it is no doubt that the 70 Series has virtually none of this as well and there was almost no one to say about it.
When you’ve got lane-departure alert on the car and you go out of your cab, it may give a small ding just to make you think up. It’s also equipped with autonomous emergency braking (AEB), and traffic sign recognition – which displays little speed on the dash if you missed it.
Useful, non-intrusive safety systems that aren’t annoying you every 30 seconds. What absolute bloody bliss it was, I tell ya.
In the ute, there is no reverse parking camera; it’s forced you (shock horror!) to use your mirrors and turn your head. The boxy proportions of the Toyota and big glasshouse, thankfully, make it all perfectly fine and easy (despite its long-ish ratios).
We didn’t get the chance to take the 70 Series off-road this time around, but its bona-fides are well documented here. The low-to mid range torque from the four-cylinder, combined with the low gearbox and differential locks, means this can take you to the top of Mount Kosciuzko without sweating.
To see how the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series stacks up against its rivals, use our
comparison tool
What do you get?
If you’re looking for gizmos and gadgets, you’ve come to the wrong place. But that’s part of the 79’s appeal.
2026 Toyota LandCruiser WorkMate equipment highlights:
- 16-inch silver steel wheels
- Black finish for 78 and 79 Series
- LED headlights
- Automatic high-beam
- Black mesh grille
- Heritage-inspired bonnet
- Heritage-inspired turn signals
- Steel side steps
- Interior console box (automatic only)
- 4.2-inch instrument cluster screen
- 6.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Voice recognition
- Two-speaker sound system
- Centre storage box (automatic variants only)
- Vinyl upholstery
The LandCruiser GX adds:
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Wheel-arch flares
The LandCruiser GXL variants add:
- Front and rear differential locks
- LED front fog lights
- Chrome and painted front bumper (79 Series ute only)
- Moulded black front and rear bumpers (Wagon and Troop Carrier only)
- Aluminium side steps
- Chrome roof drip rails
- Four-speaker sound system (excluding single-cab/chassis)
- 2x USB-C ports
- Driver and front passenger map pockets
- Cloth upholstery
- Power windows
- Variable intermittent wipers
Optional Equipment
The Toyota LandCruiser 79 GX single-cab/chassis is available with front and rear differential locks for an additional $1500.
Colours
The 2026 Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series range is available with the following exterior paint colours:
- French Vanilla
- Silver Pearl
- Graphite
- Merlot Red
- Sandy Taupe
- Midnight Blue
- Eclipse Black (76 Series Wagon only)
Premium paint costs an additional $675.
To see how the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series stacks up against its rivals, use our
comparison tool
Is the Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series safe?
A traditional star rating from ANCAP has been removed for the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series, although it is now under review by crash-test authority and given to its commercial vehicle a ‘silver’ rating for its collision-avoidance technology – with tests completed in 2025.
The Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series range comes with the following safety equipment:
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Lane departure alert
- Traffic sign recognition
The 76 Series Wagon gains a reversing camera, while only automatic versions get hill descent control.
To see how the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series stacks up against its rivals, use our
comparison tool
How much does the Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series cost to run?
For the LandCruiser 70 Series, Toyota provides a five-year unlimited-kilometre warranty (up to seven years of coverage with an extended warranty) for its 5-year, limited warranties.
| Servicing and Warranty | Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series |
| — | — |
| Warranty | 5 years, unlimited kilometres 7 years, unlimited kilometres (extended engine and driveline) |
| Roadside assistance | $99 per year |
| Service intervals | 6 months or 10,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 5 years |
| Total capped-price service cost | $5450 |
| Average capped-price service cost | $545 |
A service interval is six months or 10,000km, which is not as good as some competitors – such as Ford and other services that can provide intervals of up to 12 months/15,000km.
Each service is capped at $545, for an annual maintenance cost of $1090 for the first five years.
Compare this with the Super Duty (which is only a single service each year), which costs $469 on average, $2345 for the Ford and $5450 for Toyota.
To see how the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series stacks up against its rivals, use our
comparison tool
childcareman.xyz’s Take on the Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series
But this is expensive, antiquated and has the turning circle of a cruise ship. I loved every second of it and that’s a .
Although I have a long history with the 70 Series, my recalibration to the took one day or two. Nevertheless, I fell in love with its old-school charm and finally found the joy of driving a solid, well-built Toyota that’s no more superfluous junk.
Should I mention that my partner went for our anniversary dinner in the single-cab LandCruiser, rather than a classic Mercedes-Benz – which I bought specifically with date nights in mind. I think she loved the 70 more than Merc, too.’ And I’m pretty sure she did it for her own good. It’s a (Dang it) and is an important part of the conversation. ) and.
Literally the opposite of champagne taste on a beer budget.
But like her, the people who will most appreciate the Toyota are those who complain of cars – big screens, annoying chimes and ridiculous stuff they didn’t have in their cars when they were growing up.
And if young people who learn to drive in the age of big screens and endless tech, then that LandCruiser isn’t likely to impress. It’s a good choice for them to get the Ford Ranger Super Duty for their . But the neo-frills ute like the LandCruiser 70 Series or Ranger Super Duty, most young people don’t have $80k to drop on a no-virus cab.
When Toyota changed the HiLux engine into the 70 Series, there was a bit of concern about how long it will last for that four-cylinder unit – the 2. It’s not just a job, but 8 is more than that. It’s on-road or off, there’n’t really any doubt it can perform like the heavy-duty ute.
It is a national icon of the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series, and even with the smaller engine, this new iteration remains ‘a strong light commercial ute that can handle just about anything you can throw at it… then some small pieces of stuff.
childcareman.xyz can save you thousands on a new Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series. Click
here
to get a great deal.
Click the images for the full gallery
MORE:
Explore the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series showroom
Thanks for reading 2026 Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series review
