Our picks for best floor mats for your 79 Series Landcruiser in 2026
The floor of a 79 Series takes a beating. Wet boots from creek crossings, red dust from outback tracks, mud from station work, fuel and oil drips from recovery gear, and everything else that comes with using the vehicle the way it was built to be used. The factory carpet does its best, but it was never designed to handle any of that. The right set of floor mats is one of the cheapest and most effective ways to protect the interior of your 79, and the difference between the right product and the wrong one becomes very obvious after a single wet trip.
Carpet vs Rubber vs TPE: Which Mat Type Is Right for a 79 Series?
There are three main mat types on the Australian market for the 79 Series. They are not equal, and for a vehicle that lives in the conditions a 79 typically does, two of them fall well short of what the job demands.
| Mat Type | Waterproof | Easy to Clean | Custom Fit | Durability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpet | No | No | Sometimes | Low | Light use, showroom condition only |
| Rubber | Yes | Yes | Rarely | Medium | Budget protection, basic use |
| TPE (e.g. Mudtamer) | Yes | Yes | Yes - 3D scanned | High | Touring, work, off-road, all conditions |
Why Carpet Mats Do Not Work in a 79 Series
Carpet mats are comfortable underfoot and they look the part in a city vehicle, but they are fundamentally the wrong product for any 79 Series that gets used as intended. Carpet absorbs water, mud, and liquid contamination rather than containing it. A single wet crossing or a pair of muddy boots will soak through to the factory floor, where moisture sits trapped and starts working on the metal underneath. Stains are extremely difficult to remove from carpet, and the smell that comes from repeatedly wet carpet is a problem that is hard to fix after the fact. For a vehicle that regularly operates in the conditions a 79 does, carpet mats create more problems than they solve.
Why Standard Rubber Mats Fall Short
Generic rubber mats are a significant improvement on carpet in terms of waterproofing and cleaning ease. Hose them down and they come up clean in seconds, which matters in the field. But the limitation of most rubber mats is fit. The floor of the 79 Series has specific contours, ridges, and recesses, and a mat cut to a rough approximation of that shape will leave gaps around the edges. Mud, dust, and water get under the mat through those gaps and reach the factory floor anyway, which defeats the purpose. Generic rubber mats also tend to shift underfoot, which is a safety issue in a cab that sees a lot of driving on rough terrain.
Rubber also becomes brittle over time in extreme heat, which is a real factor in Australian conditions. Cracks form along the edges and around pedal cutouts, and a mat that is cracking is a mat that needs replacing.
Why TPE is the Right Material for the 79 Series
TPE, or thermoplastic elastomer, combines the best properties of rubber and plastic. It is waterproof, flexible, odourless, and resistant to UV and temperature extremes in a way that standard rubber is not. TPE can stretch to conform to complex floor shapes and return to its original form without cracking or deforming. In the temperature range a 79 experiences sitting in the Australian sun, TPE maintains its flexibility and integrity where rubber degrades. It is also completely odourless, which matters when the mat is frequently wet.
Mudtamer: The Best Floor Mat for the 79 Series
Mudtamer produce custom-fit TPE floor mats specifically for the Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series, and they are the benchmark for this application. The mats are produced using advanced 3D scanning technology, meaning the pattern is taken directly from the actual floor of a 79 Series rather than approximated from manufacturer drawings. The result is a mat that sits correctly in every corner, covers every contour, and leaves no gaps around the edges for contamination to work through.
The deep dish design is what separates Mudtamer from lesser TPE options. The raised edges form a basin around the foot well that contains liquid, mud, and debris rather than letting it slosh over the edge. On corrugated roads or during water crossings, that containment is the difference between a clean floor and a wet one. The mat surface itself has a non-slip texture that holds gear in place and provides secure footing.
Mudtamer mats are available for the 79 Series in both single cab and dual cab configurations, covering the 2017 through to the current facelift model. The lifetime warranty backing is a strong signal of the confidence Mudtamer has in the product, covering manufacturing defects and wear-through for the life of the mat.
Shop Mudtamer Mats for Your 79 Series
What to Look for When Buying Floor Mats for the 79 Series
If you are comparing options before buying, there are a few non-negotiables worth checking against any mat you are considering for a 79 Series application.
Custom fit over universal fit. Universal floor mats are cut to a common shape and will not conform to the specific contours of the 79 Series floor. Always look for mats produced using 3D scanning or direct vehicle measurement. The difference in coverage is significant.
Deep dish edge height. A flat mat with low side walls will not contain liquid or mud. You want a raised edge profile that forms a genuine basin in the foot well. The deeper the dish, the more it can hold before anything escapes to the floor underneath.
Material temperature rating. Australian summers push cabin temperatures well above 60 degrees. Check that the mat material is rated for temperature extremes, particularly UV exposure. TPE handles this considerably better than standard rubber.
Non-slip backing. A mat that moves underfoot is a hazard around the pedals. Look for a backing that grips the factory carpet or floor surface firmly and stays in place under load and movement.
Warranty coverage. A lifetime warranty is the benchmark. Any manufacturer confident their product will last should be able to back it without a short-term expiry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best floor mats for the 79 Series LandCruiser?
Custom-fit TPE mats are the best option for the 79 Series. Mudtamer produce 3D-scanned, deep dish TPE mats specifically for the 79 Series in single cab and dual cab configurations, backed by a lifetime warranty. They outperform carpet mats and generic rubber mats in every category that matters for a working or touring 79.
Are carpet floor mats worth it in a 79 Series?
No. Carpet mats absorb water, trap mud and odour, stain easily, and provide no real protection to the factory floor in the conditions a 79 Series is typically used in. They are fine for a light-use passenger car in a dry climate. For a 79, they are the wrong product.
What is the difference between rubber and TPE floor mats?
Both are waterproof and easy to clean. The main differences are fit and durability. Generic rubber mats are cut to approximate shapes and leave gaps. TPE mats like Mudtamer are 3D scanned for a precise fit with no gaps. TPE is also more resistant to cracking in extreme heat, is odourless, and maintains flexibility at high temperatures better than standard rubber.
Do Mudtamer mats fit both single cab and dual cab 79 Series?
Yes. Mudtamer produce separate sets for the single cab and dual cab 79 Series, covering both the pre-facelift (2017 onwards) and the 2024+ facelift models. Make sure to select the correct body style and build year when ordering to ensure the right pattern.
Will TPE floor mats smell inside the cabin?
Quality TPE mats are odourless when manufactured correctly. Some cheaper TPE or rubber products off-gas a strong chemical smell, particularly in the heat. Mudtamer mats are made from high-grade TPE that does not produce this issue.
How do I clean TPE floor mats in the field?
Remove the mat from the vehicle, tip out any loose debris, and hose it down. The deep dish design means most mud and liquid stays contained rather than getting under the mat. For heavier contamination, a stiff brush and water will clean the surface completely. Dry time is minimal compared to carpet, and there is no absorption to create odour problems.
Shop 79 Series Floor Mats at 70 Series Store
