VDJ79 LandCruiser Exhaust Sound Buying Guide
The Toyota LandCruiser VDJ79 is one of Australia's most popular touring, towing and work vehicles. Whether it's fitted out for long-distance touring, hauling a caravan around the country or tackling daily work duties, owners are constantly looking for ways to improve performance, drivability and exhaust note.
At Rhino Exhaust, we've owned, modified and tested 79 Series LandCruisers for many years. Through that experience we've developed a range of exhaust systems to suit different driving styles, performance goals and sound preferences.
Some owners want a deep V8 note without excessive cabin drone. Others are chasing maximum turbo response and performance. Many simply want a system that sounds great while remaining comfortable for long highway trips and towing.
To help you decide which exhaust is right for your vehicle, we've put together the videos below showcasing our different VDJ79 exhaust options. Listen to each system, explore the commentary and compare the characteristics of each design to find the setup that best suits your LandCruiser.
We'll start with the newest of models: VDJ79 Single Cab & Dual Cab 2016-2025
3" DPF Back Exhaust - Single Tailpipe
Best suited for:
- Daily driven VDJ79s
- Touring and towing setups
- Those looking to hear their V8 but not too loud
Sound profile:
Deep V8 tone with no cabin drone.
Our thoughts:
This is often the best choice for owners who spend long hours behind the wheel and want improved sound without excessive volume. It bolts to the factory DPF [Diesel Particulate Filter] but can be installed in conjunction with the Rhino Exhaust VDJ79 DPF delete pipe
Product Link: Click here
3" DPF Back Exhaust - Twin Left & Right Tailpipes
If you're looking for a noticeable improvement in V8 sound without going over the top, this is one of the most balanced exhaust upgrades available for the DPF-equipped VDJ79.
The 3" Twin Tailpipe DPF Back Exhaust delivers a deeper and more purposeful V8 note than the factory system while retaining excellent drivability for everyday use, touring and towing. With the factory DPF remaining in place, the sound stays refined and controlled without excessive cabin drone on long trips.
This is particularly so as the DPF Filter acts like a Silencer
The twin tailpipe design also gives the rear of the vehicle a neat, uniform appearance, making it a popular choice for owners who want their 79 Series to look as good as it sounds.
Best suited for:
- Daily driven VDJ79s
- Touring and towing setups
- Owners wanting improved V8 sound without excessive volume
- Drivers seeking a premium twin outlet appearance
Sound profile:
Deep V8 tone with a noticeable increase in character over the factory exhaust, while remaining comfortable for long-distance driving.
Our thoughts:
For many VDJ79 owners, this is the sweet spot. It provides the sound and visual upgrade most people are chasing without stepping into the louder territory of the larger 4" twin tailpipe systems.
Product Link: Click here
The 4" DPF Back Exhaust is the choice for VDJ79 owners who feel the factory exhaust is simply too quiet and want their LandCruiser V8 to sound the way a V8 should.
With full 4" mandrel bent pipework from the DPF, this system delivers a noticeably deeper and more aggressive exhaust note than the smaller 3" alternatives while retaining straightforward bolt-on installation to the factory DPF. The result is a stronger V8 presence both inside and outside the vehicle without stepping all the way up to the volume and visual impact of the twin tailpipe system.
Best suited for:
- VDJ79 owners wanting the throaty V8 exhaust note
- Drivers who enjoy hearing the vehicle while accelerating and towing
- Owners looking for maximum sound from a single tailpipe design
Sound profile:
Deep, strong V8 tone with increased exhaust presence and character over the 3" systems. The larger pipe diameter allows the 1VD V8 to produce a more pronounced note, particularly under load and acceleration.
Our thoughts:
This is often the exhaust we recommend to customers who tell us they fitted a 3" system previously and wished it was a little louder. It strikes an excellent balance between everyday usability and the unmistakable V8 soundtrack that many 79 Series owners are chasing.
If your goal is simply to hear more of the V8 every time you drive the vehicle, this is likely the sweet spot in the Rhino Exhaust VDJ79 range. Also available in a Turbo Back design with DPF Delete for even louder, throatier V8 enthusiasts!
Product Link: Click here
The 4" Twin Tailpipe DPF Back Exhaust is the ultimate choice for VDJ79 owners who want maximum exhaust presence, aggressive styling and the most pronounced V8 note available in the Rhino Exhaust range.
Featuring full 4" mandrel bent pipework and twin rear outlets, this system transforms both the sound and appearance of the LandCruiser. The larger diameter pipework allows the V8 to produce a deeper, more commanding exhaust note, while the twin tailpipe configuration delivers a distinctive look that complements heavily modified touring and off-road builds.
This system is designed for owners who enjoy hearing the vehicle every time they get behind the wheel. Whether accelerating onto the highway, climbing through the gears or towing under load, the V8 note remains strong, purposeful and unmistakably LandCruiser.
Best suited for:
- Enthusiasts wanting the strongest V8 sound possible while retaining the factory DPF [DPF Delete opiton is also available for even louder V8 sound]
- Premium touring builds and rigs
- Owners wanting maximum visual impact from the rear of the vehicle wiht the chunky 4" outlets
- Drivers who prefer a more aggressive exhaust note
Sound profile:
Deep, aggressive and commanding. The loudest and most distinctive exhaust note in the Rhino Exhaust VDJ79 range.
Our thoughts:
If you've listened to the 3" systems and found them too subtle, or you're considering the 4" single tailpipe but want even more presence, this is the system we recommend. It delivers the most complete combination of sound, appearance and road presence available for the DPF-equipped VDJ79.
For many customers building their dream 79 Series, this is the exhaust they ultimately choose because it provides the strongest V8 character and the most striking rear-end appearance in the Rhino range.
Product Link: Click here
The 4" Shorty Side Exit Exhaust is designed for VDJ79 owners who need maximum clearance and practicality without compromising on V8 sound.
Unlike traditional rear-exit exhaust systems, the side exit design finishes ahead of the rear axle, making it an ideal solution for vehicles fitted with long-range fuel tanks, under-tray toolboxes, auxiliary equipment and custom touring setups where space is at a premium. The shorter exhaust path also provides a simple installation and a distinctive exhaust note that stands apart from conventional rear-exit systems.
The result is a clean, functional setup that improves departure clearance and removes concerns about tailpipe placement around rear-mounted accessories or off-road obstacles.
Best suited for:
- Touring vehicles with long-range fuel tanks
- Tray-back and canopy builds
- Vehicles fitted with under-tray toolboxes or auxiliary equipment
- Owners wanting additional clearance for off-road use
- Drivers looking for a unique side-exit appearance
Sound profile:
Deep V8 tone with a noticeably different character to traditional rear-exit systems. The shorter design gives the exhaust a direct and purposeful sound while maintaining the strong V8 note expected from a 4" system.
Our thoughts:
This system isn't necessarily about being the loudest exhaust in the range. It's about solving a problem. If you've invested heavily in a touring build and need the space for fuel tanks, air systems, storage solutions or other accessories, the side exit design can be the perfect answer.
For many customers, the decision comes down to practicality. If clearance and packaging are priorities, this is often the smartest exhaust option available for a VDJ79 build.
Why Choose a Side Exit Exhaust?
- Improved clearance around rear-mounted accessories
- Ideal for long-range fuel tank installations
- Less exhaust pipework extending beyond the rear axle
- Unique appearance compared to conventional rear-exit systems
- Excellent option for heavily modified touring vehicles
- Simple and straightforward installation
Now for the older Pre-DPF V8's VDJ79 Single Cab & Dual Cab 2007-2016
More content coming soon...