George
Member
Top Gear conducted an extensive off-road comparison featuring the new Toyota Land Cruiser alongside the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Land Rover Defender, and Ineos Grenadier in the challenging terrains of Wales. This evaluation aimed to assess the real-world capabilities of these iconic 4x4 vehicles.
Toyota Land Cruiser 250
The Land Cruiser 250, also known as the Prado in certain regions, is equipped with a 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel engine producing 201 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. Priced around £80,000, it features a ladder chassis, two differential locks, and an eight-speed automatic transmission. During the test, the Land Cruiser demonstrated intuitive controls and robust off-road performance, highlighting its reputation for durability and reliability.
Land Rover Defender P300e
The Defender P300e combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with plug-in hybrid technology, delivering a combined 300 horsepower and 639 Nm of torque. Also priced near £80,000, it utilizes a monocoque structure and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite its impressive on-road comfort, the Defender faced challenges in more demanding off-road conditions, indicating a shift towards a more urban-oriented design.
Mercedes-Benz G500
The Mercedes G500 features a 3.0-liter straight-six turbo petrol engine with mild hybrid assistance, producing 442 horsepower and 559 Nm of torque. With a price tag of approximately £146,095, it offers a luxurious interior and advanced engineering. While the G-Class showcased exceptional off-road capabilities, its high cost and weight of nearly 2.7 tons made it less accessible for practical off-road use.
Ineos Grenadier Trialmaster
Priced just over £76,000, the Ineos Grenadier Trialmaster is powered by a 3.0-liter straight-six BMW turbodiesel engine, delivering 245 horsepower and 448 Nm of torque. It emphasizes traditional off-road features, including a ladder frame chassis and multiple locking differentials. The Grenadier excelled in rugged terrains but was noted for its utilitarian design, which may appeal to enthusiasts seeking a classic off-road experience.
Conclusion
Top Gear's assessment highlighted the Toyota Land Cruiser as a well-rounded option, balancing off-road prowess with practicality. The Mercedes G-Class, while highly capable, was noted for its prohibitive cost. The Land Rover Defender offered modern comforts but showed limitations in extreme off-road scenarios. The Ineos Grenadier stood out for its traditional approach, appealing to those seeking a rugged, no-frills off-road vehicle.
For a detailed visual comparison and further insights, you can watch Top Gear's full review here:
Toyota Land Cruiser 250
The Land Cruiser 250, also known as the Prado in certain regions, is equipped with a 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel engine producing 201 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. Priced around £80,000, it features a ladder chassis, two differential locks, and an eight-speed automatic transmission. During the test, the Land Cruiser demonstrated intuitive controls and robust off-road performance, highlighting its reputation for durability and reliability.
Land Rover Defender P300e
The Defender P300e combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with plug-in hybrid technology, delivering a combined 300 horsepower and 639 Nm of torque. Also priced near £80,000, it utilizes a monocoque structure and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite its impressive on-road comfort, the Defender faced challenges in more demanding off-road conditions, indicating a shift towards a more urban-oriented design.
Mercedes-Benz G500
The Mercedes G500 features a 3.0-liter straight-six turbo petrol engine with mild hybrid assistance, producing 442 horsepower and 559 Nm of torque. With a price tag of approximately £146,095, it offers a luxurious interior and advanced engineering. While the G-Class showcased exceptional off-road capabilities, its high cost and weight of nearly 2.7 tons made it less accessible for practical off-road use.
Ineos Grenadier Trialmaster
Priced just over £76,000, the Ineos Grenadier Trialmaster is powered by a 3.0-liter straight-six BMW turbodiesel engine, delivering 245 horsepower and 448 Nm of torque. It emphasizes traditional off-road features, including a ladder frame chassis and multiple locking differentials. The Grenadier excelled in rugged terrains but was noted for its utilitarian design, which may appeal to enthusiasts seeking a classic off-road experience.
Conclusion
Top Gear's assessment highlighted the Toyota Land Cruiser as a well-rounded option, balancing off-road prowess with practicality. The Mercedes G-Class, while highly capable, was noted for its prohibitive cost. The Land Rover Defender offered modern comforts but showed limitations in extreme off-road scenarios. The Ineos Grenadier stood out for its traditional approach, appealing to those seeking a rugged, no-frills off-road vehicle.
For a detailed visual comparison and further insights, you can watch Top Gear's full review here: