40 years is a long time and in this ever-evolving world of automobiles, it is surprising to see a car that has remained the same skin-deep. For 4 decades, Toyota has stuck to its guts and continues to offer this iconic workhorse pickup that has now captured the hearts and minds of enthusiasts around the world and more so in the UAE.
As an emblem of enduring strength and reliability, the Toyota Land Cruiser 79 pickup has stood the test of time and continues to be a strong contender in the present. In this review, we got our hands on the special Land Cruiser 79 Black Edition double cab pickup to test the veteran once again. How does old-school pickup stack up in these modern times? Time to find out! Eager to get one for yourself? Here is a brilliant example of the Land Cruiser 79 Black Edition double cab pickup listed on DubiCars by Sahara Motors.
History
As mentioned earlier, the Land Cruiser 70 Series is a remarkable pickup that has been in production since 1984. Over the years, Toyota has barely made any changes to the LC 70, except for a few design changes. It is one of the few old-school pickups that you can buy brand new from a Toyota showroom in the Middle East and other parts of the world. The LC 70 is offered in various forms and shapes including the single-cab and the double-cab versions that are popular in the UAE. Looking to read more on the history of the Land Cruiser? Here is a dedicated article discussing its legendary history.
What Does The Black Edition Include?
The special Black Edition pickup is based on the top-spec double cabin VXR variant. There are a few cosmetic changes made on the pickup inside and out. These include:
- Black Front Grille
- Restyled Headlamps
- 16-inch Blacked-Out Wheels
- Frame Guards
- Special Body Graphics
- Bed Liner
- Hard Cover For The Spare Wheel
- Standard Issue Fog Lamps
All these exterior changes make the Toyota Land Cruiser 79 Black Edition stand out from the standard version of the pickup. As for the interiors, some changes have been made to the basic layout that the LC 79 features. This includes carbon fibre trim on the dashboard and steering wheel giving it a sporty appeal. The special edition also comes with leather seats as standard giving a touch of premiumness to the cabin.
Design
The old-school pickup features a Toyota logo hood ornament. Also, it features the word ‘Toyota’ finished in white on the grille and the bed door. The sleek-looking bumper, squarish halogen headlamps, chrome-finished mirrors, tidy hood scoop, and a neatly integrated snorkel complete the looks and features upfront.
On the side, the squared wheel arches, body cladding and the running board are seamlessly integrated to give the LC 79 its rugged silhouette. The rear remains simple with horizontally-positioned halogen taillamps making it a truly old-school SUV. Interestingly, the Land Cruiser has an old-school retractable antenna, which can be lowered when off-roading.
Interiors & Features
As the Land Cruiser 79 Black Edition is based on the top-spec trim, there are a few creature comforts in what is, to be honest, a cabin that looks like it is from the 70s. The interior features include:
- Power Windows
- Air-Conditioning
- Touchscreen Infotainment
- Reverse Camera
- Wireless Smartphone Charger
It does not have a push-button to start the pickup, but it does come with a feature to juice up your smartphone wirelessly. Interesting choice by Toyota on this utilitarian cabin. Speaking of the cabin, the LC 79 double cabin pickup is rated to accommodate 5 passengers plus the driver. The front seats do recline and offer a crumb of comfort. However, passengers in the rear will have to sit up straight because of the pickup nature and rely on vents at the front to blow some cool air.
Engine & Other Mechanicals
Our review LC 79 Black Edition was equipped with a 4.5-litre V8 turbo-diesel engine paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.
| Max Power | 195hp |
| Peak Torque | 429Nm |
| Drivetrain | 4WD with Low Ratio |
| Locking Differentials | Front & Rear |
| Fuel Tank | 130L |
Not going to quote that 0 to 100km/h time or the 160kmph top speed as it does not have any significance for this pickup. The laid-back engine is made to last longer than a century and can work its way` while hauling over 1-tonne load capacity. The on-demand four-wheel drive, heavy-duty leaf suspension, and locking differentials will ensure this pickup goes wherever it wants to regardless of the terrain. The torque comes in very low, which helps to haul loads. You won’t find any fancy terrain response system. Everything you see and feel is purely mechanical and raw.
Safety
Again, you will not find any ADAS here. Basic passive safety features include:
- Dual Front Airbags
- Rear Parking Sensors
- Brake Assist
- Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
- Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
- Tire Pressure Warning System (TPWS)
- Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD)
Verdict
If you are someone who is looking for a no-frills pickup that will start and continue working even after 100 years, then the Land Cruiser 79 is your go-to vehicle. This particular Black Edition Land Cruiser 79 listed on DubiCars by Sahara Motors adds to the exclusivity factor and makes you feel special.
