News
Gallery83
Just like interest rates, it doesn’t seem like demand for the ever popular Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series is going to come down any time soon.
The latest version of Toyota’s iconic 4X4 SUV launched back in 2021 but despite this being its third year on sale, wait times can still stretch up to 24 months.
Most variants of the LC300 carry a delivery delay of between 12-24 months but the wait time on higher-spec five-seater models stretches beyond two years according to two Toyota dealers we spoke with in Sydney and Melbourne.
The usual caveat applies that if you aren’t bothered by spec or colour you can nab an LC300 much sooner, of course, but if you’d prefer your $100K+ off-roader tailored to suit your preferences, the reality is you’re staring down the barrel of a long wait.
But what if you need a family 4X4 sooner? The good news is the large off-road segment is thriving in Australia are there are many alternatives to choose from, some of which are far more affordable.
And their wait times are far more palatable. The Nissan Patrol, for example, has ample stock “in dealerships for immediate delivery”. So if you don’t want to wait, here are our recommendations for the best LandCruiser 300 Series alternatives…
JUMP AHEAD
83
Nissan Patrol
Patrol vs LandCruiser is a rivalry for the ages and unlike Toyota, Nissan has stock of its venerable off-roader available.
A recent shipment of stock means the Patrol Ti and Ti-L are both available in dealerships for immediate delivery, while orders of the newer Patrol Warrior, will take around two months.
Powered by a thumping 5.6-litre V8 petrol, the Patrol might be older than the turbo V6 ’Cruiser but it’s just as capable off-road, matches the Toyota’s 3500kg braked towing capacity, and arguably has more character thanks to its eight cylinder engine.
Admittedly you will be buying an SUV that’s right at the end of its product cycle — an all new Nissan Patrol is expected to be revealed this year — but the flip side is you’ll also be scoring one with a proven track record for reliability. Information on any known issues and a whole host of aftermarket accessories are readily available, too.
83
Toyota Prado
Really want a Toyota? The equally iconic Toyota Prado provides an interesting alternative, namely because you have two choices: buy a run-out example of the outgoing fourth-gen model, which has been on sale since 2009, or throw in an order for the boxier, soon-to-arrive J250 fifth-gen Prado.
Toyota is tipping the next-gen Prado will launch here in the middle of 2024, so if you place an order now there’s a chance you’ll get your car before a LandCruiser 300, although it’s a long shot.
Demand for the 2024 Toyota Prado is likely to be off the scale once Toyota eventually opens its order books, which should be sometime in the coming months.
Buying an existing Prado should be a smoother and faster process, however like the Nissan Patrol, it’s a much older vehicle than the LandCruiser 300 Series. The flip side is it’s a known product so the risk of any major issues should be minimal. You’ll also save a lot of cash compared with LC300 given Prado prices start at just over $60K before on-road costs.
83
Ford Everest
As the reining Wheels Car of the Year it should be no surprise to see the Ford Everest on this list.
Updated with a new-generation model in 2022, the Aussie-developed Everest brought impressive gains in safety, on-road dynamics and off-road ability.
The redesigned cabin is also more luxurious and comfortable and brings a big tech upgrade courtesy of larger touchscreens and Ford’s latest SYNC4A infotainment system.
Everest is built on the same T6.2 platform as the popular Ford Ranger, meaning it’s reassuringly capable off-road and is available in both rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations.
Buyers have the choice of two engines: either a 154kW 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel or a more powerful 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel. New-gen Everest is far more accomplished to drive compared to its ute-based rivals like Toyota Fortuner and Isuzu MU-X and it carries a 3500kg braked towing capacity.
Prices start at around $55,000, making the Everest a more budget-friendly, if less polished and luxurious, alternative to LC300. Current stock levels are healthy for 4X2 models, but higher-spec 4X4 V6 variants carry a 12 month wait.
83
Land Rover Defender
Another iconic nameplate in the world of family 4X4s, the Defender costs roughly the same money as a LandCruiser yet brings the choice of three different body styles: two-door 90, five-door 110 or the even longer five-door Defender 130.
It also has a broad engine line-up including a turbo four-cylinder petrol, two inline six-cylinder units (one petrol, one diesel) and a characterful 5.0-litre supercharged V8.
The current Defender launched in 2020 so it’s roughly the same age as LC300, and it’s far more stylish and resolved than previous Defenders. It also brings LR’s hard-won reputation for being excellent off-road and can tow up to 3500kg.
Chinese alternatives to keep an eye on
83
GWM Haval H9
The Haval H9 hasn’t been available in Australia since 2021 but that could soon change after an all-new, second-gen model was recently revealed in China.
Built on an updated ladder-frame chassis, the new-gen H9 is boxier and more luxurious than before and should significantly undercut the segment’s established contenders on price. The first-gen H9 started at $41,990 driveway.
GWM is yet to confirm whether the new H9 will come to Australia but it did say the big off-roader is “certainly on our radar”.
To learn more about the seven-seat H9, read our story below.
Tank 700
Another contender on GWM’s ‘maybe list’ for Australia is the Tank 700. The Tank brand is booming Down Under, with the Tank 500 set to join the existing mid-size Tank 300 in Aussie showrooms over the coming months. The Tank 700 is the brand’s biggest SUV and doesn’t only promise better value than rivals like the LC300 and Nissan Patrol but also more performance.
Built on GWM’s fresh Hi4-T platform, the five-seat Tank 700 is powered by a ‘P2 hybrid’ powertrain with 386kW and 850Nm. Blimey.
83
MORELarge SUVs
Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.
COMMENTS