Which 70 Series Land Cruiser Model is Right for You in Australia?
The 70 Series range has four main body styles, all built on the same chassis and using the same engine and drivetrain options. Picking the right variant matters because the body style determines what you can do with the vehicle - and you cannot easily change it later. This guide covers each variant in depth, who it suits, and the practical differences that affect day-to-day use.
All current production figures apply to post-September 2022 vehicles (79 Series GVM update) and post-September 2023 (76 Wagon GVM update). The new 2.8L 1GD-FTV four-cylinder turbo-diesel ships across the range from late 2024, replacing the V8 1VD-FTV. Pre-update vehicles have different factory specs - check the compliance plate. Pricing reflects current 2026 driveaway figures.
1. 79 Series Single Cab Chassis
Two-door cab with tray-mount or canopy options - the truck ships as cab-chassis only and is fitted with a tray or canopy aftermarket. Factory GVM 3,510 kg, payload approximately 1,315 kg, braked towing 3,500 kg, GCM 7,010 kg. New Workmate pricing from $73,700 ($81,500 driveaway). GXL Single Cab tops at approximately $88,000 driveaway.
The Single Cab is the tradie and remote-area working ute. The longer cargo length (1,800 mm wheelbase plus the tray) is unmatched in the range - you can fit a full 6-foot tray plus tools, or a longer touring canopy than will fit on a Dual Cab. The cargo capacity is best-in-class once a GVM upgrade is fitted. Most working Single Cabs end up with aluminium trays for utility and load access.
Choose the Single Cab if: you need maximum cargo length, you do not need rear passenger seating, your use is primarily working ute (tradie, station, mining-site fleet), or you are building a touring vehicle and prefer cargo length over passenger capacity. The Single Cab is also the cheapest 79 variant which matters for working buyers focused on cost.
2. 79 Series Dual Cab Chassis
Four-door cab with rear passenger seats. Factory GVM 3,510 kg (post-September 2022), payload approximately 1,325 kg, braked towing 3,500 kg. New Workmate pricing from approximately $78,000 ($86,000 driveaway). GXL Dual Cab tops at $93,894 driveaway, the most expensive variant in the range.
The Dual Cab is the most-modified 79 in Australia and the most popular touring base. The rear seats accommodate family and the cab-chassis layout allows full canopy fitouts on the back. The wheelbase is longer than the Single Cab which improves on-road stability under tow but slightly reduces off-road agility in tight terrain. This is the variant most owners are referring to when they talk about a 79 Series Ute.
Choose the Dual Cab if: you want a family-capable working ute, you tow caravans or stock trailers, you are building a touring vehicle and want passenger capacity plus a canopy. The Dual Cab is the natural choice for families who want 70 Series capability but need rear seating. Most touring 79 builds use the Dual Cab platform.
3. 76 Series Wagon
Five-door enclosed wagon with tailgate and fixed rear bench seat. Seats 5. Factory GVM 3,510 kg (post-September 2023 update, was 3,060 kg before). Payload approximately 1,245 kg. Braked towing 3,500 kg. GCM 7,010 kg matched exactly to GVM plus tow rating. New Workmate pricing from $79,500 driveaway. GXL Wagon tops at $95,000 driveaway.
The 76 Wagon is the family tourer of the 70 Series range. It combines the heavy-duty chassis, drivetrain and off-road capability of the working 79 Series utes with a 5-door enclosed wagon body that fits a family of 5 plus touring gear. The cargo area is accessed by a top-hinged tailgate and is weatherproof - protecting gear from rain, dust and road grime that an open ute tray cannot.
Choose the Wagon if: you want 70 Series capability with passenger-vehicle practicality, you have a family of 5 and need real rear seating, you prefer weatherproof cargo to open tray flexibility, you do regular school runs and want a vehicle that works for daily family use as well as touring. The Wagon has become particularly popular as a remote-area family vehicle.
4. 78 Series Troopcarrier (Troopy)
Three-door long-wheelbase wagon with side-opening rear barn doors and a flat cargo floor. Seats up to 11 in factory trim (most owners remove the rear seats for camper conversion). Factory GVM 3,300 kg (unchanged across the 78 production run). Kerb weight approximately 2,325 kg. Payload approximately 975 kg - the lowest in the range. Braked towing 3,500 kg. New Workmate pricing from $77,000 driveaway. GXL Troopcarrier tops at approximately $93,000 driveaway.
The Troopy is the dominant Australian camper conversion base and the canonical overland touring vehicle. The flat cargo floor and barn doors accommodate full drawer systems, sleeping platforms and (with a pop-top conversion) standing-height living space. The long wheelbase makes the platform stable at speed and on highway sections. The lower GVM means a GVM upgrade is functionally required for any serious touring build.
Choose the Troopy if: you plan a camper conversion or pop-top build, you want the largest cargo volume in the range, you need maximum seating capacity (up to 11), or you specifically want the iconic Troopcarrier silhouette. The Troopy is the right choice for serious overland and extended-trip touring where standing room and self-contained camping matter.
5. Engine Options Across the Range
All four variants currently ship with the 2.8L 1GD-FTV four-cylinder turbo-diesel (150 kW, 500 Nm) from late 2024 onward. Pre-late-2024 vehicles used the V8 1VD-FTV 4.5L turbo-diesel (151 kW, 430 Nm). Manual six-speed and automatic six-speed transmissions are both available across the range (the auto is new in the 2024 facelift). Pre-2007 76, 78 and 79 vehicles used the 1HZ naturally-aspirated 4.2L six-cylinder diesel (96 kW, 285 Nm) - significantly less powerful than the modern engines.
6. Pricing Comparison (2026)
79 Single Cab Workmate: from $73,700 ($81,500 driveaway). 79 Dual Cab Workmate: from $78,000 ($86,000 driveaway). 76 Wagon Workmate: from $79,500 driveaway. 78 Troopcarrier Workmate: from $77,000 driveaway. GXL trim adds $8,000-$15,000 across all variants. Factory diff lock option ($1,500) is standard on GXL and optional on Workmate/GX. Driveaway prices vary by state and dealer markup.
7. Cargo and Configuration
Single Cab gives the longest open tray (typically 1,800 mm of usable bed length with aftermarket aluminium tray, longer than competing single cab utes). Dual Cab gives the shortest open tray (typically 1,400 mm bed length) but accommodates rear passengers. Wagon gives enclosed weatherproof cargo (~1,300 mm cargo length with rear seats up, ~2,000 mm with seats folded) accessed by tailgate. Troopy gives the largest enclosed cargo (~1,750 mm length, ~1,400 mm width, flat floor) accessed by side barn doors.
8. Off-Road Capability Comparison
All four variants share the same drivetrain - part-time 4WD with low range, live front and rear axles, factory diff locks (GXL standard, Workmate/GX optional). Off-road performance differs only by body geometry. The 76 Wagon's shorter wheelbase is most agile in tight terrain. The Troopy's longer wheelbase is more stable at speed but less nimble in tight rock work. The 79 Single Cab has the best approach/departure angle of the range. The 79 Dual Cab is the most compromise of the four for serious technical off-road but is more than capable for typical touring use.
9. Resale Value by Variant
All four variants have strong resale but rates vary slightly. 79 Dual Cab GXL has the strongest resale due to highest demand from touring buyers. 76 Wagon GXL is close behind with family touring demand. 78 Troopcarrier GXL has cult-following demand among camper-conversion builders. 79 Single Cab Workmate has the lowest absolute price and percentage resale but absolute dollar return is still strong by segment standards.
10. Decision Framework
Single Cab for tradies, station work and longest-cargo touring builds. Dual Cab for families who tow and tourers wanting a canopy build with passenger capacity. Wagon for families needing 5 seats in a weatherproof vehicle. Troopy for serious camper conversions and pop-top builds. The choice is irreversible without buying a different vehicle, so plan around your actual long-term use case rather than the most aspirational option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which 70 Series model is best for towing?
79 Dual Cab Chassis is the most popular tow vehicle - 5 occupants plus 3,500 kg braked tow capacity and 1,325 kg payload (post-September 2022). The Single Cab tows the same 3,500 kg but seats only 2. The Wagon and Troopy also tow 3,500 kg.
Which 70 Series is best for families?
76 Wagon for a 5-seat family vehicle with weatherproof tailgate-access cargo. 79 Dual Cab for families who want a working ute with rear passenger seats. 78 Troopy for families who plan a camper conversion and want the largest cargo and seating capacity.
Which 70 Series has the most payload?
79 Dual Cab at approximately 1,325 kg (post-September 2022). Single Cab is close at 1,315 kg. Wagon is 1,245 kg. Troopy is 975 kg - the lowest in the range, which is why almost every touring Troopy needs a GVM upgrade.
Should I get the V8 or the new 2.8L?
For heavy towing and mountainous country, the V8 is preferred (pre-late-2024 used examples). For urban driving and light touring, the new 2.8L is fine and more economical. Used V8 examples command $5,000-$15,000+ premium over equivalent 2.8L vehicles.
Can I change body style later?
No. The body style is fixed at purchase. Going from Single Cab to Dual Cab or from 79 ute to 76 Wagon requires buying a different vehicle. Choose carefully at purchase time.
What is the cheapest 70 Series variant?
79 Single Cab Workmate at $73,700 base / $81,500 driveaway. Adding factory diff locks adds $1,500.
