Skip advert
Advertisement

Land Cruiser vs Range Rover

Toyota is taking the bold approach and moving its land cruiser upmarket as it aims to steal sales from the undisputed luxury 4x4 king, the Range Rover. But is it a step too far? We put the pair in at the deep end to find out.

LC v RR

IF you want an off-roader that offers status, heritage, luxury and refinement, surely there’s only one option? Nothing comes close to the Range Rover, right?

The firm has certainly built up an unrivalled reputation since the first version was launched back in 1970. It single-handedly created the premium SUV market and pioneered the concept of an off-roader that’s equally happy on tarmac.

But one firm can trace its history back even further, and has a reputation to rival the British marque’s. The first Toyota Land Cruiser appeared in 1954 and quickly established itself as one of the toughest, best built and most capable off-roaders around.

Although early models were designed primarily for heading into uncharted territory, successive generations of the Japanese 4x4 have reflected buyers’ needs and become more competent on-road, too.

And now the new eighth-generation Land Cruiser V8 is here. It’s built on a completely redesigned platform and powered by a new 4.5-litre twin-turbo diesel V8 mated to Toyota’s latest six-speed automatic.

Promising exemplary comfort and refinement, as well as improved safety and driver appeal, it aims to take on the might of its European premium rivals. It also comes with seven seats as standard, a long list of equipment and a reliability record which isn’t in doubt. But what about desirability? Has the Toyota got what it takes to sink the challenge of the mighty Brit?

Verdict

TOYOTA spent five years developing the new Land Cruiser V8, and it’s obvious how highly engineered and well built it is. It’s certainly a serious 4x4 rather than a soft-roader, but unfortunately it’s not talented enough in everyday conditions to rival the Range Rover.

The design is bland, and although it’s big, the Toyota rarely gets a second glance. It’s a similar story inside, where the dull cabin does little to inspire. Standard kit is generous though, with every gadget you could need.

Sadly it’s disappointing on tarmac, with an unsettled ride and lifeless steering. This is a real surprise given Toyota’s claims to have improved on-road dynamics and limited body roll. Similarly the new D-4D engine is strong, but not as refined as we expected.

When it comes to luxury travel, few cars can match the Range Rover. The sumptuous cabin is a work of art – even better is the fact that it’s comfortable, spacious and has a special feel. It is expensive though, especially in top-spec Vogue SE guise, but even if it’s beyond most people’s budgets, unlike the Toyota, you do feel it’s worth the price tag.
 

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £14,480Avg. savings £1,864 off RRP*Used from £6,700
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,921 off RRP*Used from £8,886
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,541 off RRP*Used from £11,895
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,200
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
The EV grant is back: Government's new £3,750 electric car discount in detail
Auto Express creative director Darren Wilson charging the Lexus RZ

The EV grant is back: Government's new £3,750 electric car discount in detail

The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 grant for new EVs sold
News
15 Jul 2025