Would you guys take a Land Cruiser 79 over a 5th gen 4runner?

I would take the 79- gasp! Probably should not shock you. You can still buy them with a 1hz (a truly ancient engine), or get a v8 diesel, or a v6. Diff lock front and rear, some come with snorkels from factory, 5 speed manual is the only option (I might be wrong but from what I see), a 47 gallon fuel tank. Its been sold since 1984. Its a shame that Toyota cant sell them here.

Toyota if your listening, kill the J200 no one who can afford one is gonna buy one anyway, and introduce a 70 series that can pass US regulations. Then add an auto transmission because almost no one here can drive a standard. Its a better use of the Land Cruiser nameplate than what your doing now, and its 100% oriented towards the off road market which is hot right now.

 

Only as a second vehicle. The 79 is very utilitarian.