Toyota Australia has introduced a pair of Toyota Genuine bull bars for the updated LandCruiser 70 Series, with both options purpose-engineered to integrate with the vehicle's front airbag sensors. The bars are available in steel and alloy, and coincide with the 70 Series gaining front airbags as part of its recent upgrade.
Unlike aftermarket alternatives, the new bars have been developed alongside the vehicle's restraint system to ensure airbag deployment occurs at precisely the right moment during an impact.
At a Glance
- Two Toyota Genuine bull bars available: steel and alloy, both airbag-compatible.
- Crush cans built into the bar deform on impact, triggering airbag sensors at the correct moment.
- Development involved computer simulation, strain gauging, and Australian off-road testing.
- Airbag-compatible side rails available for the steel variant, adding body and occupant protection.
- Covered by a minimum 100,000 km / 12-month warranty under the Toyota Genuine Accessories program.
The key to the design is a system of integrated crush cans, structural elements that deform in a calculated, controlled manner when the bar sustains an impact. That deformation sequence is calibrated to signal the airbag sensors at the exact threshold required to trigger deployment, maintaining the same level of occupant protection as the bare vehicle.
Toyota engineers validated the bars through a combination of graphic computer simulation, strain gauging and real-world testing across Australian off-road conditions. The goal was to achieve an optimum strength-to-weight ratio, producing a bar that is both robust enough for serious work and light enough not to compromise vehicle dynamics.
Integration with the 70 Series body was also a design priority. Specially engineered vents in the bar allow adequate airflow through to the grille, ensuring engine cooling is not compromised by the fitment. Toyota says the bar is fully integrated into the vehicle's structure and design, rather than being a bolt-on afterthought.
Airbag-compatible side rails are offered as an addition to the steel bull bar, extending body protection further along the vehicle's flanks while also contributing to occupant safety in side-impact scenarios.
Both the steel and alloy bull bars are designed to accept a Toyota Genuine Superwinch, CB antennae, and either the RALLYE FF1000 or RALLYE FF4000 driving lights, available in chrome or black finish. All accessories are sold separately.
The Toyota Genuine bull bars carry a minimum warranty of 100,000 kilometres or 12 months, consistent with the broader Toyota Genuine Accessories warranty program. Accessories fitted to a new Toyota are covered for the remainder of the New Vehicle Warranty or 12 months, whichever is the greater period. Conditions apply, and all warranties are additional to implied warranties under the Trade Practices Act 1974.
For 70 Series owners who have been waiting for a factory-backed bull bar that does not compromise the updated vehicle's airbag system, these new Toyota Genuine options represent a straightforward solution.
