Is This New Land Cruiser The Best 4x4 Ever Made?

Originally posted on SURFER | By Chris Dodds | Last updated Dec 8, 2025 3:11 PM ET

When it comes to vehicles that instantly evoke an off-road envy, or a muddy wanderlust, the Land Cruiser 70 series is a sure contender. Although available in countries like Costa Rica, Australia, and South Africa (to name a few), they're not for sale in the US. But, why?

In my opinion, and I know I'm not alone here, the reasons are fairly bogus. Before we dive in, take a look at the one below. If it doesn't instill a bit of truck envy or 4x4-filled wanderlust deep within your bones, you should probably get yourself checked out.

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If you're not into cars, then sure, it's just another truck. But, if you're like me, and you regularly survey each rig in your local car park for the pros and cons of their overall surf and adventure-readiness, you'll coo and caw at the bona fides of the above LC79. So why aren't the sold in the US?

Why is the Land Cruiser 70 series not for sale in the US?

Well, they blame it on the American consumer's preference for comfort whereas the 70 series is designed for "rugged, global markets." Another obstacle is emissions and environmental regulations. Don't get me wrong, I'm a tree-hugger who is all for protecting the environment, but the irony here is absurd considering what is allowed to happen on an industrial scale. Not to mention the excesses of the ultra-wealthy, as the video points out, "Taylor Swift burned 80,000 gallons of jet fuel in the past year but you're not allowed to own this V8 Turbo Diesel Land Cruiser in the "Land of the Free"?"

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On the West Coast, driving on the beach is mostly illegal and there are paved roads nearly everywhere; so you could say there isn't a "need" for such a rugged rig. Especially when there are more comfy Totyotas like the Tacoma, 4Runner, Tundra, and the new Land Cruiser 250 series. But when have we let necessity be the guiding light for consumerism? America is the land of Big Macs, Gulfstreams, Escalades, and 40oz's--are any of those really necessary?

That doesn't mean that we don't have good options because yes, the 80 series is a classic as well. But there's something about that boxy frame of the LC79 that just brings all the boys to the yard. Whenever a rare one is spotted on American streets, there is no doubt that heads will turn, jaws will drop, and the words "nice truck", inevitably roll off the tip of the tongue.

The good news is that, if you really want one, you can import them once they are 25 years or older, from countries like Australia, Japan, or the Middle East. If going through that sort of hurdle isn't your cup of tea, and you can afford to spend $80k on a new rig, then the Ineos Grenadier may be the ticket. Rob Machado and Donovan Frankenreiter both have one, just saying...