CONCLUSION
WHEN you look at the sales numbers between the Landcruiser and Patrol over the past five years, you might think this is a one-horse race. Yes, the LC200 outsold the Y62 around fiveto-one, but this has more to do with Australian drivers’ preference for diesel engines than anything else.
The Patrol has had a resurgence in popularity, certainly since Nissan Australia repositioned its price and range to bring both variants of Patrol in at less than $100K and introduced a few model upgrades and a major facelift.
Then folks looked at real-world fuel consumption figures of the V8 diesel Landcruiser and found it wasn’t as efficient as it should be, and it started to have problems with the DPF system along with other Toyota diesel models – so the simplicity of a naturally aspirated petrol V8 really started to have more appeal to more buyers. Add in the cost saving on initial purchase price and the Patrol started to look real enticing.
With the introduction of the LC300 and its V6 diesel and 10-speed transmission, we expect to see Landcruiser fuel numbers drop considerably once owners get in to them and start doing some real-world touring, but the new engine is every bit as complex, if not more so than the old V8. And the price of Landcruiser has gone up considerably with the new model. An LC200 Sahara was $123,500, not that long ago.
If you’re a diehard Landcruiser diesel fan then there will be no choice. The LC300 is a better driving vehicle than the 200, has more equipment, more features, improved torque over the V8, and it still feels very much like a Landcruiser to ride and drive in. Toyota has stuck to and refined its sales-winning formula for the 300, and once supply issues are sorted you’ll see them running off the showroom floor.
But if the added cost and the lack of a V8 engine has you shying away from the new Cruiser and considering a Patrol, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the $36.5K saving on the purchase price, impressed by the on-road performance, and happy with the simple nature of the big Nissan.
The Patrol’s potent V8 engine and responsive chassis give it a sporting character; while the LC300 sticks to its heavier, more-floating dynamic that feels more tourer than sports wagon. Yes, the Patrol misses out on some tech and features, but it still has everything you need (except maybe Apple Carplay). And while it uses more fuel, that $36.5K saving on price buys a lot of petrol or could give you a full vehicle fit-out at your favourite accessories store.
While both of these vehicles are suffering from supply issues as this is written, it would be a fully kitted Patrol in my driveway for my $135K, if I had it.