79 series VS HILUX 

*Points at hilux: I know this is brilliant *Points at 79series: But I like this (Clarkson meme reference)

Ronny. Great show mate, BUT... there’s a few things that you’ve missed. I have owned nothing but Hilux’s for over 30 years and my father has had nothing but 70 series cruisers over the same period, so I’m speaking from nearly a couple million km’s experience. 1. The Hilux might have the same power, but the most important thing is that it has more torque and is combined with an auto box. There is a big advantage right there. 2. The Hilux is substantially lighter, so naturally is going to glide over sand more easily. 3. The Landcruiser may have less ground clearance under the front, but it remains constant regardless of suspension travel. The Hilux with its independent front will drag its guts more easily on steep downhills, when the weight of the vehicle compresses the front more (just ask anyone who drives the Vic high country). Conversely, the Hilux auto will be much better on steep climbs as it allows you to crawl over things that a manual would have to hit harder because they’re trying to keep the engine on song. The auto tranny, while still offering reasonable engine braking, will be nowhere near as good as the cruiser on steep downhills. When climbing, the Hilux will also pick up a wheel far more easily than the live axle front cruiser, so care needs to be taken to not snap a cv if the wheel slams down while accelerating hard. 4. Toughness & Practicality. There’s no doubt the cruiser is a tougher rig. It’s simpler and was originally designed as a working and military vehicle. It’s sturdier in the rear of the chassis, and has a larger rear diff which gives it the advantage for towing. The cruiser is also very upright with it’s cabin and driving position making it very practical to get in and out of even if you’re wearing a hat. On the other hand, the Hilux is much more car like, is harder to get into and has less headroom than the cruiser, but is still comfortable once you’re in it. I have noticed that a weekend of 4wd tracks in the high country will likely result in the Hilux needing a wheel alignment, whereas the cruisers can handle a lot more punishment before that’s required. It has to be said that an independent suspension system while reasonably strong, is much more complex and will likely need more maintenance over time than the robust live axle of the cruiser. 5. Brakes and steering. Jesus Ronny, if there’s one massive difference between these two vehicles, it’s the brakes. How could you not mention the brakes??? While the Hilux may only have drums on the rear and they do require constant adjustment every 10,000km, the Hilux brakes are very good when you really need to pull up. The Landcruiser’s brakes are a disgrace, as proven by the number of upgrade kits out there in the market. They only get worse as the mikes rack up and we always warn anyone that drives ours to be wary of the brakes. Also, the drum in disc handbrake on the Landcruiser is piss poor. The Landcruiser’s steering is also terrible. It’s very slow to react and requires a lot of wheel movement to make anything happen. You do eventually get used to this and it does have an upside of not kicking back over very rough tracks, whereas in the Hilux you really need to keep your thumbs to the outside on rough, rocky low range tracks. Rack and pinion steering systems kickback more and aren’t as tough. 6. The one thing they both have is great reliability if the are maintained and driven sensibly. They also have the best dealer network by a long shot.

you're choosing the 79 based on 1 factor. it makes a cool noise. And 100% of people agree haha

The thing with the 79 series is that you choose it with your heart.

It would be interesting to see the total cost for both vehicles, I suspect the 79 might nearly be twice as much. Strip out emotion and it’s a no brainer, Hilux makes way more sense.

Greetings from Kuching, Malaysia! I always enjoy your videos Ronny! It's very informative, educational and entertaining to watch. No BS and straight to the point.

That was the best demonstration of measuring competing turning circles ever 👍

The lightest wins the heavy in the sand EVERY DAY. Fine vid. Cheers

The first time I drove a Land Cruiser, a long time ago now, the feeling I got right away was, "this thing is tough!", it more or less told me "you can mess with me I won't brake!" It had done 250k by then and was 13 years old. And that feeling was proven right, that was in a 60 series, the 70 series has that same aura and that's been proven right as well, they are not perfect and lack creature comforts but you know where ever you go you will be driving the thing back too. It gives me the confidence to take that thing anywhere I want to go and just do it and I have! That's why I would, between these two, chose the 79 everytime. (BTW still daily driving that same 60 now.)

Haha that turning circle was golden ronny! Definitely one of your best videos.

Beach Challenge. Major difference is weight. Weight is arguably the biggest game-changer with 4wds. Very often overlooked. I'm glad you, and several others are bringing this to people's attention! Great video!

Here in the US we sometimes call those ac vents "ball chillers" haha

Perfect comparison. Something everybody has been waiting for.

I don't care if the 79 series only came with 3 wheels instead of 4 from factory. If you can get it sounding as good as yours. It's totally worth it Omg that sound going up the sand dunes. 👌

One of your best videos in my opinion. Thank you so much for uploading. Hope you are staying safe in the current WA lockdown.

79 never disappoints. Hilux is a forgettable modern vehicle that will look and feel old in a couple of years. 79 is a timeless.

Love your channel man. I'm getting my 1st 4wd soon, and great people like you are helping me make the right decision. Cheers!

You’ve convinced me - no 79 for me ... I’m still loving my 97 hilux single cab and my 05 Prado

The best car comparison by far in the whole internet..... Great and brilliant comparative factors to discuss from a well experienced guy who is truly an off roader. Funny honest and straightforward man. Whish you safe a fun trips, brother and all audience Thanks from Toyota Nation Saudi Arabia

"79 series VS HILUX" Or how to flex on Americans.

I’ve been waiting for this one

With all due respect to hilux, my choice is 79 series hands down!! 79 series is absolutely awesome

Man, I would love a 79 but we don't get them here in the UK. I always thought the Hilux was tough but only a pretender compared to the 79 but not any more. Thanks Ronny. Great review!

Great as always

Nice one Ronny, I left a while back as the material you produced started going off the boil. I'm back and loving it.

Hi Ronny from the Adelaide crew , top vid love your honesty, I bought a 2020 French vanilla 79 & I’m slowly getting through all the mods myself , love it to pieces so very pleased with this grand addition to my young family, can’t wait to do some big laps, Keep up the good work bye for now.

Ronny you are crushing it... Mate keep it up.l..

Really good informative show mate awesome job best one yet

It’s a damn good feeling, love it!

Great viewing and well balanced video. Well done.

good show Ronnie, love your work.

Deciding between the two - came to RU-vid for advice. You helped me - thank you!!

Learned heaps. Thanks.

I've owned my 79 since last August. It's a labour of love and with patience (and lots of cash) can be turned into the best horse for the course that is Australia. It's reputation precedes it.

Quality comparison which was extremely interesting.

I think whilst the heart may say 79, The HiLux is probably the way to go between the two of them.

this video really opened my eyes. Thank you :)

I just went through all the comments and put it like down for every comment that was put on this great video Ronny keep up the great videos

The sound of the Cruiser is epic! ♥️

Top video mate! I’ve a 2021 LC 76 here in NZ and it’s only just run in but I love it. My brain says anything other than a 70 series but my heart says nothing but a 70 series. I especially love the many options for altering the side mirrors 😆

It's simple. If the 4wd is for light to medium tracks the hilux is perfectly suited. If you want to drive the hardest tracks day night day out a solid axle truck is a must. Either 79, 80. 105s. patrols. jeeps etc.

I have a 2018, rugged x and have never looked back. 79s are awsome but no comparison when comfort and mod cons are added to the mix. Great video !

Love my 79, always dreamt of having one and finally got mine in Jan-21. It is a beast, always puts a smile on my face when I hope in the driver's seat, feel like I can go anywhere. Oh and another positive for these is the ease of customising it, got plenty of room to work with :)

best turning circle review ever!

Ronny I’ve been watching your videos for a few years now. I moved to Europe back in 2013 and missed the Aussie landscape, for what it’s worth was really happy when I found your channel. Back in Perth now and we just bought an Everest and now start some off-road mods, mostly for short trips up north. Learned a lot from you channel just wanted to say thanks and you should approach Netflix for your own series!

Thanks, for practicality, I agree, Hilux.

My stock 76 series Workmate (2011) got 13.5l/100km .... fully loaded for expedition, 3 people, 150l water, 300l fuel carried on the Canning Stock Route over about 11 days. 13 to 15l/100km elsewhere on a lap of Australia's big offroad tracks and highways (2016). I totally luv the Hilux too - but saw none on this track nor any other mid-size utes. I loved your video ! Regards, Shane (NZ)

Excellent review. The Hilux is (in some shape or form) sold, tried and tested all over the world. It's mass-produced, which means better and cheaper parts, better serviceability, and lower production cost (and hence price). To cut a long story short, it's Hilux for 99% of the users out there...

Love the plate numbers on the two cars, Fenrir and Sleipnir straight from the Viking Sagas. I am a 2016 Hilux owner my self.... keep up the good work. :)

great video Ronny

Should have mentioned about the longevity and repairability of each. Big factor in my opinion when using a vehicle in a remote application.

Awesome videos Ron

Good review I have owned both and agree with most of your opinions.

Back in 2017 when it was finally time to replace my Defender after 16 years of great service I was stuck between the troop carrier and the SR5 extra cab Hilux my head held sway after a lot of procrastination of how much work/money the 79 would take to make a comfortable touring car and the real possibility of me needing a second car for town.I do look forward to see the new six cylinder troopie but for three years the hilux has been unbreakable and done everything I want

great comparison cobber, a lot of useful info from a pro for the uninitiated

That LC79 exhaust sound is just intoxicating!

I agree- I have a ‘17 tacoma 6-spd manual but I’d have to imagine that I’d also choose the 79 series all day if it were available in the US. It seems like a more visceral and mechanical experience than having all of the creature comforts of the modern hilux. And for me personally, that’s why I have a manual transmission over an automatic but it doesn’t make sense to a lot of people. Great video!

Great video. Really answered a lot of my questions. Living and working at Port Keats NT very rough country Yes my common sense says the hilux but the rest of me is so wanting the 79 series but can’t afford it Great video. Thanks

It's a great video......thank you

Onto my second n80 and it’s still love for me

Back in the 90’s i had a BJ73 built for offroad, that was one cool 4x4 to drive around in, still miss it after all those years

Great Video!

Planning to buy and build my Hilux, as soon as it launches in India (Mid 2021)! Hope to build it like yours. Thanks for the detailed build videos. Cheers

Nice choice!

My old man just bought a 2022 79 series and By God it’s monstrous✊🏾🤝🏾

70 series, agree Ronny. 1 cup holder. Slower windows than a wet Sunday, 2013 Troopy! Shit 5th gear... NO VALUE FOR MONEY, your right. No cruise control, no auto option. BEAST

i love the tray in the 79 series it looking amaizing

Thanks good video

Thanks!

Nice video (as always Ronny). I wouldn't choose any of these, i would buy a cheaper ute however between the two...definately the hilux - it makes more sense. Thanks for all you work

Nice review 👍

BLOODY AWESOME MATE…

The ball cooler vent is vastly underrated.

The 79 series for me. I have a defender and as you said it is a choice that needs to be made with your heart. good video.

All comes down to the torque and sound of a V8 ,all else can be changed . Won't swap my 79 for anything . I even get withdrawal symptoms when it goes in for a service . They may have a few drawbacks but you forget all that when you climb up into her and turn the ignition , yes , V8 .the Best feeling

I just ordered my 79. I worked hard and saved for it. I will receive hate because people like to hate. I bought it because I like it. I couldn’t give a crap what anyone thinks.

Got the Hilux, love it with my mods and it’s comfort well beyond the 79, but when you’re 4WD’ing through dunes and you have a 79 open up next to you, there is no denying you want to be behind the wheel of that any day of the week. I went the Hilux because I don’t have money for days to upgrade a 79, but if my pockets were dee enough to build a custom 79 yeah I’d be doing that for sure

In the US I own neither. But I understand your love of the 79 series. All of my friends think I’m crazy because I’m building two overland vehicles slowly. I didn’t choose the usual vehicles either. I am building a Ford excursion v10 and a v8 15 passenger van that I am converting to 4x4 also.

When deciding whether to go with the Heart or the Brain, choose the Groin. I angle my Nissan Patrol's (GU) rightside air vent down to keep me cool down there.

Great video

70 series dash is my all time favourite . Always wanted a cruiser but couldn't justify the price and daily running. Have had 2 older hiluxes then GU patrol. The GU for size and room with kids.

Good point - brain = Luxy heart = 79 :)

I have an older Hilux with a drop-side tray and that's what I would choose again, but......I love the sound of the V8.

RONNY THE 79 IS HEAVY AS A CHEVY...LIKE A ROCK...

The mustang of 4WD behind the iconic troopy.

It’s simple, the 79 has what one would call the “X factor”. If you have a love for this sensation, it will be the 79 all day long.

I like the fact you’ve not put a different Toyota steering wheel on your 70, I reckon that’s a shocking mod with the grey interior and black steering wheel!

The weight was the major difference between these cars in climbing up that dune. Best Regards from Belgium, David

Great video Ronny but the only and most important fact you forgot to talk about both trucks was which one is more reliable and easier to fix in the Bush. Love both can't choose one over the other.

Not sure how you'd measure it other than by experience, but you need a category for robustness - Not sure how well those dainty ball joints on the Hilux are going to hold up with a lot of off-road use. On a safari in the Serengeti I asked our guide/driver why they chose Land Cruisers. His reply was that "the other vehicles may ride better and use less fuel but they are too delicate for this work".

My heart won. I ordered a 79 🤣

For the Hilux time would be needed to gauge reliability, strength, durability, maintenance and spares costs. Also would be interested to see a comparison of curb weights and GVMs.

Man I like your videos this is the 5th time am watching this, I pray to God that someday he will bless me with any of the above cars but I like the hilix

Currently driving a similar model Lux in fact it's a "Her-Lux" and it's her daily drive, we tow a van and even though I had a 79 company car which was tricked out pretty well, when push comes to shove, if we were to need to buy another vehicle it would be the Lux all the way. When value for money, comfort and the cost to upgrade either vehicle, the Lux starts a winner and just keeps winning, in my humble opinion. BUT! the 79 does stir the red blood but luxy stirs mine more. Great series of vids Ron, Thanks

As always Solid axle 79 👍

Nice video mate.

Great vids ronny, could u do a vid on or give a link to the panel protectors on the hilux?

Great video as always Ronny, might be a bit early to tell on the Hilux but how about service and maintenance and rego/insurance comparison

The dune looked a lot more chopped up for the 79. But both vehicles are set up differently be cool to see a comparison with both utes as standard farm utes

Very objective review! I also prefer your 79 and I 100% understand why!!! When you talk about "Harley Davidson of the 4WD" in the begining of the video or about the Defender it makes sense. Not practical but if you love it go for it and enjoy it!