Plan your Self Drive
Diagram of a Land Cruiser with four seats and one rooftop tent

Land Cruiser Double Cab Review

April 3, 2026 Cars Review

When it comes to tackling Tanzania’s rugged landscapes, few vehicles can match the legendary Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series Double Cab (HZJ79/GRJ79/GDJ79)—and at Safari Masters, it’s one of our most trusted workhorses for both self-drive safaris and guided adventures.

This Land Cruiser is a beast built for Africa. Whether you’re crossing the dusty plains of the Serengeti, climbing the escarpments of Ngorongoro, or navigating riverbeds in Tarangire, the Land Cruiser delivers the reliability and performance needed for serious exploration.

🔧 Performance and Engine Specs

1 HZ Engine Option

  • Engine: 4.2L 1HZ inline 6-cylinder diesel engine

  • Fuel Type: Diesel

  • Transmission: 5-speed manual

  • Horsepower: Approx. 129 HP

  • Torque: 285 Nm @ 2,200 RPM

  • Fuel Consumption: 6-8km per litre

This naturally aspirated diesel engine is renowned for its longevity, simplicity, and ease of maintenance—a perfect match for remote areas where support is minimal.

The HZJ79 is not built for speed—it’s built for durability, power, and unwavering performance under pressure. It has a powerful low-end torque ideal for slow, controlled off-roading through mud, sand, and rocky terrain. Most of our Land Cruisers are fitted with 1HZ engines.

1GR Engine Option

  • 1GR-FE: 4.0L Petrol, DOHC V petrol engine
  • Fuel Type: Petrol/Gasoline
  • Transmission: 5-speed manual
  • Horsepower: 228 hp
  • Torque: 360Nm @ 3,600RPM
  • Fuel Consumption: 6-8km per litre

This GR engine family is a gasoline, open-deck, piston V6 engine series designed for higher power and torque than other Land Cruiser 70 families we have in our cars. The engine is silent in the wilderness, making it great for driving in the bush, especially if you want to have that sense of quiet nature. It has been in the Land Cruiser 70 since 2009. Our fleet uses it in the Land Cruiser 70 double cabin, chassis GRJ79.

This engine offers plenty of power and speed. Even so, always keep to the speed limits in Tanzania and in the national parks.

Despite being more advanced technology than a 1HZ engine, this engine is very reliable and has less maintenance. Currently, we run two fleets with this engine.

2.8L GD-6 Turbo-Diesel (2024+ update)

  • GD-6: Turbocharged 4-cylinder, modern Common-Rail

  • Fuel Type: Diesel

  • Transmission: Automatic
  • Horsepower: approx. 201 hp
  • Torque: 500Nm
  • Fuel Consumption: 9-11km per litre

This 1GD engine was introduced recently in markets like Australia, paired with a 6-speed auto transmission; noted for matching the V8’s power with much more torque. We have experienced this engine performance in the Toyota Hilux, a powerful and very economical engine. Since these engines are found in most other models like Hilux and Fortuner in East Africa, they have spare parts available throughout. We are currently running the Land Cruiser 70 series with a 1GD engine for trial in the tough terrains of the parks and reliability in remote areas.

🪑 Seating and Comfort

  • Seating Capacity: Up to 5 passengers

  • Cabin Style: Double Cabin (dual-row seating)

  • Interior Features:

    • Comfortable front bucket seats

    • Air conditioning and power steering

    • Conversion features: fridge, charging ports, additional storage, spare tyres, and added leaf spring.

While utilitarian by nature, our fleet ensures that all Land Cruisers are well-maintained and safari-ready, with thoughtful modifications for extra comfort during long drives.

🛞 4WD Capability & Off-Road Performance

  • 4WD with Low-Range Gearing

  • Solid Front and Rear Axles

  • Heavy-duty leaf spring suspension

  • Raised air intake (snorkel) for water crossings

  • High ground clearance

  • All-terrain tires

  • Dual fuel tanks for extended range

The double cab is designed to go where most vehicles can’t—making it ideal for challenging routes, remote camps, or off-grid adventures. Whether you’re navigating dry riverbeds or slippery escarpments, the 4WD system engages smoothly and keeps you in control.

⛽ Fuel Efficiency and Range

  • Fuel Capacity: 220 liters (dual tank system) on our camping Land Cruisers. The pop-up roof safari Land Cruiser carries 170 liters.

  • Average Consumption: depending on engine models, it mostly ranges from 6–11 km/L

  • Estimated Range: 1,000+ km depending on terrain and load

Thanks to its large fuel capacity and diesel efficiency, this Land Cruiser can cover long distances without refueling, making it ideal for areas with limited fuel availability.

🧳 Cargo and Utility

  • Heavy-duty rear tray/bed – ideal for luggage, camping gear, or tools

  • Side awning / canopy – for secure and weather-proof storage

  • Roof racks included – for rooftop tents, extra luggage, or jerry cans

This makes it perfect for:

  • Self-drive overland safaris

  • Long-term expeditions

  • Photography tours

  • Conservation fieldwork

💬 Why Choose Our Double Cabs?

At Safari Masters, we know the African terrain well. That’s why we’ve equipped our Land Cruiser 70 fleet to meet the real-world challenges of Tanzanian safaris—balancing rugged capability with practical comfort.

Our vehicles are:

  • Meticulously maintained

  • Safari-ready

  • Backed by 24/7 support

  • Large leg room in the rear seating row

  • Equipped with tools and emergency supplies, with GPS available for $8 per day

📸 Ready to Conquer the Wild?

If you’re planning a self-drive safari, overland expedition, or want the most reliable vehicle under you, the Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series Double Cab is the clear choice.

Book your Land Cruiser now and experience Tanzania with the confidence and freedom only Safari Masters can deliver.

👉 Contact Us for availability, pricing, and custom safari setups!

MAKE A REQUEST