SUV Reviews

How does Kia's Seltos set itself apart from the small SUV crowd?

Toyota's LandCruiser is a renowned people mover, adventure-seeker, towing vehicle and remote-area tourer, but times are changing. The 300 Series LandCruiser is not too far way but, with only smaller capacity engines tipped for that next-generation range, does the current 200 Series Sahara represent your last chance to own a new premium upper large 4WD wagon that's powered by a V8?

The Nissan Juke and Hyundai Kona are eye-catching small SUVs that offer different things for different buyers. We've assembled the two top-spec models - which are separated by just a couple of hundred dollars on price, but there are some bigger gaps between them when it comes to driving manners, practicality, ownership and standard equipment.

The LandCruiser has a long and proud history in this country. The big Toyota arrived here in the 1950s when it was put to good use on the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Project.  In some parts of the country there is simply no other vehicle that can compete with it.MODEL WATCHThe LandCruiser's 100 Series is larger overall than earlier models. Weighing in at around 2.5 tonnes, it is perfect for heavy towing but is heavy on fuel unless you purchse a diesel model.  The LandCruiser isn't as roomy as its exterior dimensions suggest it should be.The petrol engine choices consisted of a 4.5-litre double overhead camshaft 24-valve six which boasted 165kW peak power or a 4.6-litre double overhead camshaft 32-valve V8 which delivered 170kW of peak power.  If you chose the diesel route there was a 4.2-litre single overhead camshaft 12-valve six cylinder unit with 96kW, or after 2000 a 4.2-litre double overhead camshaft 24-valve turbocharged six which could belt out 151kW.There was a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed auto transmissions with high and low range four-wheel drive and high range two-wheel drive.  Toyota offered a multitude of model options, including the base wagon RV, GXL, GXV. The entry wagon was a six-seater with split rims, manual front hubs, hard wearing vinyl trim, power steering and basic two-speaker sound.Step up to the eight-seater RV and you drove home with styled wheels, cloth trim, central locking, full-time 4WD, centre diff lock, power mirrors, carpets and better sound.The GXL features included anti-lock brakes, power windows, cruise, CD sound, front airbags and remote central locking. Add the V8 engine, auto trans, velour trim, cut-pile carpet, power seat, auto air, alloy wheels and a CD stacker and you were driving a GXV.IN THE SHOPThe LandCruiser is bought by most people to work hard, so look for wear on the interior trim and general lack of care around the car like dings and dents on the body.  Inspect the underside of the vehicle for damage through offroad use. Look for sandblasting of the underbody from being driven on unsealed roads, if it's severe enough it can lead to rust in exposed steel panels.Also look for bashed and beaten underbody fittings, like brackets, fuel tanks, suspension components, even the underbody itself. Inspect all drive-line joints for broken seals that could have let water into the joints.  Check for a service record and have a specialist check done before purchase.Don't be surprised if fuel consumption is as high as 20L per 100km from the petrol engine models. Many owners convert their LandCruisers to dual-fuel to save money, but be careful as the cost of the more regular valve lash adjustments needed with LPG can rule out any cost saving.CRUNCH TIMEA recent used car survey rated the 100 Series significantly above average in protecting its occupants, but much worse for the impact on the occupants of what it hits.OWNER'S VIEWLes Wilkinson owns a 2000 Landcruiser 100 Series with the turbo diesel six and auto trans which has what appears to be backlash in the drive line.  Brian Montgomery has a low-kilometre 2001 100 Series LandCruiser which has a chassis squeak when driven over slightly uneven roads.TOYOTA LANDCRUISER 100 SERIES 1998-2002Check for signs of off-road abuseCheck drive line joints for broken sealsGood off-road capabilityLarge towing capacityVery thirsty petrol enginesHigh seating positionTough and reliableRating12/20 The big bruiser is still the king of the heavyweight four-wheel drives. It's great for towing, but its size also means regular stops at the petrol pump.

Muscle car meets large SUV in the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, but is it a combination best left on paper? Of course, not! In fact, it might just be the biggest bargain in Australia.

Any Audi with an R and S in front of the model name should make you look up and take notice? So is the RS Q3 worthy of those letters?

Mitsubishi's long-lived Pajero off-roader is one of the last, true, off-road specialist vehicles.

Is the Macan the perfect SUV to add to an all-Porsche garage? We took the new GTS for a week to find out whether it lives up to expectations.

Performance SUVs might not make the most sense on paper, but in reality the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 serves up some sports car thrills with the comfort and practicality you would expect from a high-riding wagon.

The Toyota Fortuner 2020 model offers decent safety, serious off road ability and a practical seven seat cabin. But there's a new version coming. Do you jump now? Or hold off?