Thread: A (mostly) unbiased comparison LR v LC

I posted this on another forum...

I recently had the opportunity to drive a 2009 LandCruiser Troopie with the V8 diesel engine. The vehicle has less than 30,000 kms on the clock

The only vehicle I can easily compare it with is my Land Rover Defender. My Defender is a dual cab ute – 1994 model with 2.5 litre diesel engine.

It’s really a case of apples and oranges but I thought you might be interested in my thoughts – and I promise to being as objective as possible.

LC = Land Cruiser
LR = Land Rover

In no particular order….

Seating position
I found that I had to have the seat forward in the LC for my leg to be properly positioned for the clutch, but this put my right leg too close for the brake / accelerator pedals to be comfortable. I think the pedal positioning in the LC is poor – for me at least. The LR on the other hand seems better set up in this respect.

Engine
The LC engine has good power and torque with reasonably brisk acceleration (something my much smaller engined LR can’t be accused of). In the LC second gear starts are possible due to the flexibility of the engine rather than the gearing, I suspect.

I know the LR does 10.5 l / 100kms fairly consistently but am unsure what the Toyota realistically returns.

I had thought the engine in the LC would be even better than it is however, based on the rocket ship diesel V8 in the new Range Rover – but of course I’ll admit there’s a big price difference between those engines.

I just expected the LC engine to be a quantum leap ahead of the previous one and I don’t think it is.

Instruments
LC – The instruments are clear and can be easily read, especially at night.
LR – Umm, no.
(The new Defenders have fixed this problem but my old one is abysmal).

Windscreen Wipers
LC – Pretty good.
LR – Pretty bad.

Headlights
LC – Pretty good.
LR – Pretty dark. (better in newer models)

Rear Vision
LC – Surprisingly good.
LR – Probably slightly better (as a ute) – when you don’t have a canopy. I have a canopy on my ute so rear vision is dismal.

Air Conditioning
LC – Cold air and it blows on your face
LR – Cold-ish air and it blows on your knees.
(Fixed in the new Defenders the air con is brilliant)

Interior Noise
LC – Relatively quiet, but I could hear numerous little rattles.
LR – What did you say ? Huh ? Loud noises hide annoying rattles nicely. Improved in new models due to much smoother engine.

Road manners
LC – Part time 4wd (I assume) I found it skittish on loose surfaces. High centre of gravity a bit disconcerting.
LR – Constant 4wd which I find stable on loose surfaces.

General Ergonomics
Much is said about how poor the LR Defender is ergonomically. Overall I didn't find the LC very good either, Both are dated designs, both have their flaws. Having driven older Defenders and similar aged Cruiser utes for longer distances I can say my back prefers the Defenders after a long trip !

Windscreen
LC – Large windscreen, though in the case of this particular vehicle some goose had put a cross-screen console in for radios and I had to crouch down a bit to see under it !
LR – Smaller flat windscreen. Not as much real estate for permit stickers etc. Possibly cheaper to replace. Maybe, Perhaps.

Electronics
LC – Yes
LR – Not unless you count the GPS stuck to the windscreen at times.

Ease of Access to Drives Seat
LC – I found it surprisingly easy to get in and out of, because I am used to a..
LR – Let’s say it’s an acquired art.

Price
LC – Heaps. More than $60K I gather ?? Ouch !
LR – Mine $17K thanks very much. A brand new one is just over 50K so still cheaper than the Cruiser by a significant margin.

Doors
LC – 2, well OK, 3 technically. Access a bit difficult at times.
LR – 4, plus the ute tub. Points to LR for this one methinks !

Height
LC – too high for many car parks in town and at shopping centres.
LR – same.

Exterior mirrors
LC – smaller than what I’m used to but you can see things in them.
LR – Large mirrors but they vibrate like a housewife’s best friend. This is improved, but not fixed, in newer models.

Conclusion

Having driven the Land Cruiser for a couple of days I wasn’t sorry to get back into my Defender. I certainly don’t regret having a Defender and you can be bloody well SURE that I’m not going to pay the best part of $45K to “upgrade”. There are certainly things about the LC to be admired and enjoyed, but not enough in my opinion. If I were in the market then a new Defender would still be at the top of my list.

Cheers. Comments welcome. Insults not so much.

worse ?