As the most recent arrival in a very long line of infamously dependable 4x4s, the latest Toyota Land Cruiser has a massive reputation to uphold. It’s as big, blocky and imposing as ever, but the technology underneath Toyota’s flagship 4×4 is all bang up to date, so you get the best of both worlds. Although most of the Japanese brand’s line-up is hybrid-powered these days, the new Land Cruiser still has a good old-fashioned 2.8-litre diesel at its heart.
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There’s 200bhp and 500Nm of torque on tap, with peak torque being reached at a mere 1,600rpm. This, combined with a high-standing ladder frame chassis, means that there’s very little that can stop the Land Cruiser, whether it’s uneven terrain, muddy fields or an inconveniently-placed mountain range. It doesn’t quite have the refinement of its arch-enemy, the Land Rover Defender, but it’s undoubtedly capable everywhere else.
“For those in the know about 4x4s, the Toyota Land Cruiser is seen as a dependable go-anywhere vehicle that offers fantastic off-road capability that many owners will hardly ever tap into.” – Dean Gibson, senior test editor, drove the Land Cruiser in the UK
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6. Land Rover Discovery
Prices from £64,000
Best for families
The Land Rover Discovery is a big SUV that can do it all. Its sizeable 7-seat body offers prodigious practicality and there’s outstanding off-road ability from a high-tech chassis marshalled by Land Rover’s Terrain Response system. Yet, while doing all this, the Disco is still comfortable and relaxing to drive on the road. As far as the qualities you want from a large SUV go, there are precious few weak spots, but prices are on the high side.
“The Discovery manages to blend the unrivalled off-road ability and toughness of the company’s previous 4x4s with a considerably better on-road driving experience and greater efficiency.” – Max Adams, online reviews editor, drove the Discovery in the UK
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