Head to head: NISSAN PATROL ST V TOYOTA LANDCRUISER GXL
Sydney Morning Herald
Saturday July 25, 2009
TOYOTA LANDCRUISER GXL ValueCosts $6500 more but gets keyless start, cruise control, power windows and mirrors, side steps, metallic paint, six-speaker six-CD audio, Bluetooth, 17-inch alloys.SafetyNo NCAP rating yet; six airbags, stability control and anti-lock brakes are standard.EngineSmooth and responsive, big 138-litre fuel tank, five-speed auto, optional 195kW/650Nm 4.2-litre turbo-diesel V8.InsideEight-seat capacity with split second and third-row seats suited to adults, air-conditioning vents for all three rows, versatile interior.How it drivesUnwieldy on-road but great off-road, 3500kg tow capacity.VerdictExpensive motoring but for those who can afford it, the LandCruiser is almost limitless in its capabilities.NISSAN PATROL ST ValueTilt-only leather steering wheel, four speaker single-CD audio, cruise control, power windows and mirrors, trip meter, side steps, odd barn rear doors, 17-inch alloys.SafetyANCAP crash test in 2004 yielded three stars. Two airbags, anti-lock brakes, no stability control.EngineSmaller 95-litre tank, furious thirst, four-speed auto only, optional 118kW/380Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four DX.InsideBasic cabin, air-conditioning vents for front seats only, seven-seat capacity with split-fold back rows, third-row seats tight.How it drivesMore comfortable off-road than on-road, 3500kg tow capacity.VerdictShowing its age, which is reflected in its lower price and safety. Let's see what the next generation, due soon, brings.
© 2009 Sydney Morning Herald
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